NMSSI Courses for Mathematics Teachers
All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise noted.
MATH 802P - Number, Geometry & Algebraic Thinking II for K-3 teachers
Number sense and operations in the context of rational numbers, geometry and algebra in grades 4-6 curriculum, and how the mathematical content in grades K-3 (e.g., Taylor-Cox, 2003) lays a foundation for abstract thinking beginning in grades 4 and beyond. Designed to develop a depth of understanding sufficient to enable the teacher to be a disciplinary resource to other K-3 teachers.
Audience: K 1 2 3
Class #: 8019 (web), 8021 (LPS)
Location and Dates:
Web Conferencing: July 21-25, 8am-noon (Zoom, with breaks); In Person for LPS, Will meet in an LPS building: June 12-13 and 16-18, 8am-5pm
MATH 802T – Functions, Algebra & Geometry
This course offers an introduction to the concept of a function and addresses both algebra and geometry topics. The course will deepen teachers’ understanding of the concepts of variable and function, problem solving, measurement, and geometric modeling, with emphasis on the connections between these concepts. Math 802T is part of our effort to assist teachers as they develop a strong foundation in mathematics focused on the mathematics that must be understood deeply to teach well at the middle grades.
Audience: 4 5 6 7 8 9
Class #: 2973
Location and Dates:
Online (Asynchronous): June 10 – July 12 (5 weeks)
MATH 804T - Experimentation, Conjecture & Reasoning
This course focuses on problem solving, reasoning and proof and communicating mathematics. The overall goal for this course is to bring participants to the next level in the development of their mathematical habits of mind: A person who is an effective mathematical thinker has a toolbox of skills and knowledge to experiment, conjecture, reason, and ultimately solve problems. Sound habits of mind are marked by great flexibility of thinking and the strong belief that precise exposition of solutions is important. Possible topics include the Pythagorean Theorem, golden rectangles, Platonic solids, Fibonacci numbers, the Art Gallery Theorem, Symmetry and Shifts, counting, probability and Bayes Theorem.
Audience: 4 5 6 7 8 9
Class #: 8022
Locations and Dates:
Web Conferencing: June 2-13, 1-5pm
MATH 809T – History of Mathematics for Teachers
Study of mathematical topics that comprise the K-12 curriculum and the development of these topics over time.
Audience: 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Class #: 8023
Location and Date:
Web Conferencing: June 23-27, 8am-5pm (Zoom, with breaks)
MATH 810T - Algebra for Algebra Teachers
The integers. The Euclidean algorithm, the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetics, and the integers mod n. Polynomials with coefficients in a field. The division algorithm, the Euclidean algorithm, the unique factorization theorem, and its applications. Polynomials whose coefficients are rational, real or complex. Polynomial interpolation. The habits of mind of a mathematical thinker. The conceptual underpinnings of school algebra.
Audience: 9 10 11 12
Class #: 8024
Locations and Dates:
Web Conferencing: July 7-11 and July 14-18, 8am-noon
STAT 812T – Statistics for High School Teachers
The statistical concepts typically taught in a high school statistics class, including linear regression, two-way tables, sampling distributions, statistical inference for means and proportions, chi-square tests, and inference for regression. Some experience with basic statistical concepts (mean, standard deviation, elementary probability) is necessary. The course is inquiry-based, and will emphasize applications and statistical thinking.
Audience: 9 10 11 12
Class #: 8059
Locations and Dates:
Online (Asynchronous): May 20 – July 12 (8 weeks)
TEAC 808G - Improvement of Instruction in School Mathematics: Manipulatives in Math Education
Techniques, plans, and procedures for improving instruction in mathematics. Analysis of current instructional and supervisory practices. Evaluation of research and instructional materials. This course is devoted to the role of manipulative materials (both concrete and virtual) in promoting mathematics learning. A philosophy of using manipulatives is developed and integrated with a range of experiences proven effective in helping students learn mathematics. The topics and materials will range from primary to middle grades to secondary mathematics.
Audience: K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Class #: 5161
Locations and Dates:
In-Person, UNL City Campus, 125 Carolyn Pope Edwards Hall: June 23-27, 8am-5pm
TEAC 848G – Introduction to Curriculum Studies: Mathematics Curriculum Analysis & Design
Historical development and philosophy of school curricula. Review of research on schooling, curriculum trends, and school organizational structures. Specifically, the course focuses on the analysis and design of PK-16 mathematics curriculum materials from theoretical and practical perspectives.
Audience: K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Class #: 5162
Locations and Dates:
Web Conferencing: May 26-May 30 and June 2-June 6, 8am-noon
TEAC 808J - Improvement of Instruction in School Mathematics: International Approaches to Teaching and Learning Math
Description forthcoming
Audience: K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Class #: 3665
Location and Dates:
Web Conferencing: July 7-11 and 14-18, 8am-noon
NMSSI Courses for Science Teachers
All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise noted.
ASTR 898 – Phenomena of Planetary Satellites
This course surveys phenomena related to moons in our solar system. Although Earth’s moon receives the largest focus, we also explore the moons of other planets in our solar system and implications for exoplanet moons. Some of the phenomena to be studied include phases; eclipses; tides and tidal heating; circularization of an orbit and synchronous rotation; resonances with other objects; and we explore sufficient planetary geology to discuss interesting characteristics of the moons. We discuss lessons learned from past eclipses and how to apply these to outreach activities for upcoming eclipses.
Audience: 7 8 9 10 11 12
Class #: 7999
Locations and Dates:
Web Conferencing: July 7-11 and 14-18, 8am-noon
BIOS 891 – Evolution in Action
This graduate course for science teachers will review major evolutionary principles, investigate the importance of the Nature of Science in the teaching and learning of evolutionary biology, and help teachers build a framework for developing an inquiry-based approach to teaching evolutionary biology.
Audience: 7 8 9 10 11 12
Class #: 7996
Location and Dates:
Web Conferencing: June 9-13, 8am-5pm (Zoom, with breaks)
GEOS 898 - Methods in Geoscience Field Instruction
This course, directed toward in-service teachers, comprises a 16-day inquiry-based field course and science-immersion discovery experience in Wyoming, Nebraska and South Dakota. The primary aims of this course are to improve educators' ability to teach inquiry, gain knowledge and understanding of geoscience, and to demonstrate effective teaching methods that teachers can integrate into K-12 science learning environments. The major goals of GEOS 898 are:
- To enhance the 'geoscience experience' for in-service science educators and their future students;
- To demonstrate inquiry concepts and skills that K-12 educators are expected to understand and employ;
- To inspire science educators to use inquiry and geoscience as unifying themes in their teaching activities;
- To provide all participants with a 'tool-kit' of effective inquiry-based teaching practices in all science fields.
Through a collaborative teaching and learning structure, all course participants will learn about geology, geoscience education, group dynamics, and more about themselves. The course will follow a route through Nebraska, Wyoming, and South Dakota and will expose you to scientific principles and practices through discovery- and inquiry-based learning. You will observe and study a variety of natural phenomena (with a focus on Earth processes and geological history). You will utilize science process skills to include: documentation, classification, question formulation, development of hypotheses and models, debating interpretations, and developing higher-level questions, etc. Evening discussions will be conducted around the campfire where we will explore effective teaching practices. You will work to develop tools and techniques to teach others what you have learned. You will collaborate with your peers to evaluate, compare, criticize and adjust your work. At the end of the course we will visit a site where you will engage in an authentic geologic exercise and apply the skills you have learned over the previous 10 days to construct a geologic history for the region. A video about the course provides information and testimonials from former participants, watch it here (may not work in Google Chrome).
Department consent will be required to register; e-mail dharwood1@unl.edu. All costs for food, accommodation, and transport are provided at no cost. This field course involves tent camping and moderate hiking, so participants should be in good physical condition.
Audience: K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Class #: 2947, Section 591
Location and Dates:
In-Person, Travel: June 14 – June 29
GEOS 898 – Weather, Climate, and Climate Change
This course will cover the scientific principles that govern our planet’s weather and climate, and will demonstrate ways to teach these concepts to students using experiments and observations. Participants will leave the course with the confidence, knowledge and resources to teach their students about weather, climate, and climate change.
Audience: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Class #: 7998, Section 691
Location and Dates:
Web Conferencing: July 21-25, 8am-5pm (Zoom, with breaks)
TEAC 864 - The Nature of Science in Science Teaching
Study of the nature of science (NOS) as a human endeavor, its basis in uncertainty, the power and limits of scientific theories, the development and replacement of theories over time, and design of science activities/lessons/units that illustrate these principles.
Audience: K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Class #: 7165
Location and Dates:
Hybrid Online: June 10-July 12 (5 weeks)