Sunnyside Elementary School

MATHBUILDERS AT SUNNYSIDE (Grades 3-5) ~ Monday, February 08, 2010

"Science Center Opens New Math Exhibits"

The new "MathBuilders" exhibits opened at the Palouse Discovery Science in Pullman on Saturday, November 7 following a Family Science Saturday presentation entitled "Heavenly Geometry" at 10:30am by Dr. Rob Ely, University of Idaho Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education. During the presentation, participants will imagine and piece together the famous platonic solids and more, with a hands-on geometric experience suitable for all ages, and with a little history thrown in too.

The “MathBuilders-Making Math Make Sense” project was funded by grants from the Community Strategies Grant Program of the Inland Northwest Community Foundation and the Idaho Community Foundation. As part of the project, the 16 portable exhibits, featuring interactive mathematical puzzles and problem-solving challenges requiring critical thinking, will also be transported to rural schools and community events in Latah and Whitman counties for outreach programming. To kickoff the outreach portion of the project, the exhibits will be featured at Lena Whitmore School's "Math Day" in Moscow on November 9th.

The "MathBuilders" exhibits address topics such as math computation, spatial relations, measurement, area, geometry, algebra, and logic. Interpretive signage guides learners through the activities at their own skill levels. Prototypes of some of the exhibits have been on display at the PDSC. Dana Dawes, exhibit builder, says, "We've asked visitors of all ages to try them out and give us feedback that has helped us with the final design."

The "MathBuilders" project is timely because many educators in the communities served by the science center have recently been involved with state math initiatives and trainings that involve addressing the needs of students and meeting new state math standards. The PDSC is collaborating with public school educators and university math professors to determine activities that address specific concepts that help meet the needs of students in understanding math. Lisa Cartwright, 4th grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School in Pullman, has been conducting math trainings for all Pullman elementary teachers and has been involved in reviewing the prototypes for some of the exhibits. "With the state of Washington's emphasis on the revised math standards, it's great to work in combination with the PDSC to promote mathematical content for kids. Any time we can actively engage young minds in the language of math, it's a great day," says Cartwright.

In addition, the PDSC exhibit team met with Rob Ely, University of Idaho Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education, and Anne Adams of the U. of I. College of Education; Department of Curriculum & Instruction, to brainstorm creative math challenges for students . "Students may find the MathBuilders puzzles to be so engaging and fun that they'll hardly suspect that they're doing real, powerful math," says Dr. Ely.

The mission of the Inland Northwest Community Foundation is to foster vibrant and sustainable communities in the Inland Northwest by awarding grants to nonprofit organizations that provide critical human services, enrich education, arts & culture, promote economic and community development and support the environment. The mission of the Idaho Community Foundation is "to enrich the quality of life in Idaho.

Up-Coming February Events:  

11  Spelling Bee, 1:30 p.m. 

12  No School: Learning Improvement Day

15  No School: Presidents’ Day

22-26  Elementary Conferences, Noon Dismissal: 1-6

22-26  NO KINDERGARTEN CLASSES

23  Jazz in the Schools Assembly (gym) 8:45 a.m.

24  Jump Rope for Heart 12:00-3:00 p.m.