TEEAP

STEAM Equality vs. Equity: Ensuring Access for All Families

October 30, 2019

Description:
During the workshop, Dr. Winnie Black discussed the difference between equality versus equity. She explained that while all students have equal opportunities during their time in school, not all students have the same capabilities, and how education should be tailored to the best of the educator's ability for each student. Dr. Black talked about how not all students come from the same background, so not all have access to resources outside of the classroom. She explains how educators can structure learning both during the school day and out of school to incorporate family engagement. She also discusses how to break down the barriers that might not be frequently thought of. She engaged her audience with thought provoking questions that many educators would not typically think of. She had everyone give input on how they would handle specific situations.

Reflection:
This seminar made me realize that as educators, there are many aspects of students lives that we never realize. It is important to put in the extra time to make sure all students and their families have access to the same opportunites as others, despite obstacles they might be facing. Going into teaching, I will be cautious of the difference between equality and equity. I will, to the best of my ability, provide opportunities to students that otherwise they might not have.

Teach Math Modeling Concepts Through 3D Printing

October 30, 2019

Description:
Dr. Tyler Love and Dr. Reuben Asempapa, professors at Penn State Harrisburg, explain how teachers can use 3D printing to help students strengthen and solidify their knowledge of mathematical modeling. They explain that math modeling concepts are a core component of the state, national, and Common Core standards that math teachers must meet. They described how using this method to teach can enhance problem solving skills and collaboration skills. Dr. Love and Dr. Asempapa explain how using cross-curricular STEM challenges provide students with more concrete examples of such a broad topic. They provided several examples spanning across subjects such as algebra, geometry, and calculus. While they encourage this hands-on approach, they do advise that finding and creating resources may be challenging at first. They caution teachers to not use this method just to "incorporate technology," but rather to provide students with differentiated instruction, as each part of challenges require the different skills of all students.

Reflection:
This seminar opened my eyes to the possibilities of teaching math modeling concepts. Having had classes in this specific area, there are so many methods to modeling and predicting trends based on the limited information and data that is provided. While it is important to know these skills, it is challenging to concretely see why it is so important. Providing a hands-on design challenge for students where they can create a finished product is a great approach to solidify students' understanding. Although I see the positives of this method, it can be difficult to find resources needed depending on the school district. Not all districts have the funds to provide 3D printers for classrooms. If this is an option at my school, I believe this is a great learning experience for students to get exposure to the engineering design process. However, if this is not an option, I would like to find creative ways for students to get the same type of opportunity.

WESTERN PA MATHEMATICS TEACHING AND LEARNING CONFERENCE

The Western PA Mathematics Teaching and Learning Conference was a one day event hosted by California University of Pennsylvania. I had volunteered at the conference. Due to this, I did not get to attend as many seminars that I would have liked. However, the seminar below was impactful. This helped detail that mathematics, in it's own right, is a cross-curricular subject. Explaining this to students will help them realize mathematics is everywhere.

Biostatistics

October 20, 2018

Description:
In this seminar, Dr. Snehalata Huzurbazar, a professor at West Virginia University, discussed biostatistics. She explained that biostatistics and statistics are not much different from one another. In fact, a biology background is not even required to get a Master’s Degree in this area. She explained that biostatisticians collaborate with diverse discipline areas to aid with research from beginning to end, as well as help analyze it. In the education field, she explained that some biostatisticians help analyze behaviors that should lead teachers to expect a student has a learning and/or behavior disability. They even help analyze which interventions work for each type of disability. In the seminar, Dr. Huzurbazar described the different opportunities that a degree in this discipline can open up for a person. It allows for a person to teach at some colleges, and advance their careers in their company. Her main emphasis was that a heavy background in all subject areas of mathematics is the backbone for biostatistics.

Reflection:
This seminar was eye opening to see how valuable the application mathematics is in the real world. A lot of students see math as a “learn it because I have to” subject. Talking about biostatistics to students would allow them to see that math is used across all industries and discipline areas. Biostatisticians collaborate with those in pharmaceutical companies, consulting companies, government agencies, and even engineering corporations. Without the behind the scenes math, these businesses, companies, and corporations may not operate as they do.

PETE & C

Pete & C was a three day conference that I volunteered at. Since I was a volunteer worker, I did not get to attend as many seminars as I would have liked due to my schedule. However, the seminar below was the most impactful on my outlook of using technology in the math classroom.

Drone On

February 12, 2019

Description:
In this seminar, Ben Smith and Jared Mader presented information on how to incorporate drones in the classroom. They elaborated that this can be done cross-curricular, yet still promote the engineering design process in STEAM education. The presenters modeled how to use a specific drone and online software; the Parrot Mambo paired with Workbench Education. Mr. Smith and Mr. Mader demonstrated how to program the drone using the software. Their presentation is attached below. It showcases different types of project based learning (PBL) lessons that can be utilized and modified to fit the standards and objectives of different grade levels and subjects.

Reflection:
After attending this seminar, it showed me that technology can be used to enhance lessons that I have previously designed or will construct in the future. In my education classes, the SAMR and TPACK models were explained. These are two ways to be sure that using technology does not turn a meaningful lesson into a fun activity with no education value. Mr. Smith and Mr. Mader briefly discussed how these two models can be very impactful when planning instruction with drones. Since I had learned about these previously, their mentioning of it solidified in my mind that using technology can be beneficial as long as it is added only to enhance the lesson. While in the seminar, I began creating lessons in my head where this could be useful, which include finding the perimeter and area of polygons in Euclidean geometry, as well as determining arc length using trigonometric functions.