Building 3-D Geometric Figures: The teachers took part in a variety of hands-on activities in Math 662 Geometry and Measurement.  In this particular activity, the teachers used rolled up newspaper and masking tape to build 3-dimensional geometric figures.  The figures were used to develop formulas for area and volume of 3-dimensional figures.  One figure was used for in-depth study of the volume of a pyramid.

Seminar Discussions: Thought provoking and often lively discussions of mathematical topics took place in every course.  Daily discussions provided a springboard for analyzing the complexities of K-5 mathematical topics and different ways that children learn mathematics.  In the classroom, in the dormitory, and over meals, attendees had a chance to interact with teachers from other areas of the state.

Maxine's Goals: Maxine’s goals are five different ways to define a mathematical learning community.  The Summer Institute began with a discussion of the goals.  Teachers were asked to select one to represent their view of the ideal K-5 mathematics classroom.  The goals are outlined and discussed in the Developing Mathematical Ideas curriculum materials.  The goals were posted in the classroom so the teachers had them to reflect on throughout the summer Institute.

Number & Operations: Here you see examples of the type of work teachers were engaged in during Math 661 Number and Operations.  Teachers discussed their ideas in small groups and then outlined those ideas on chart paper.  Many of the problems were taken from case studies of elementary students engaged in doing mathematics.  The problems can be found in the Developing Mathematical Ideas course materials.

Richmond Excursions: Institute participants and faculty members spent one lunch break each week touring sights in Richmond .  They walked through Hollywood Cemetery, took  a Canal Cruise along Richmond's Historic Canal Walk, toured the Confederate monuments along Monument Avenue and visited St. John’s Church where Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech was delivered.  Lastly, they toured the gardens in Maymont Park and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens .

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