Research Project Description and Evaluation Criteria

The project is based on the Young Mathematicians at Work. Fosnot/ Dolk books.

_____ Step one - select - one of the three books in addition to the Algebra book. Record the title and put in the Research Project folder.

_____ Step two - read and take note. Identify the big ideas for each chapter and at least one question per chapter. The questions should be about an idea you might like to implement in a classroom, How would I ... in my classroom. Record them down along with at least 2-3 big ideas per chapter. These for each chapter are the chapter notes which are to be put put in the Research Project folder for Step two.

_____ Step three When you complete the book, select one question. Write a short paragraph on how you could answer it, what kinds of answers you might expect, and how you might implement your discovery. Identify what student benefits you would expect, and what problems or concerns a person might have when implementing them. Save these notes, put them in the Research Project folder and report to the class what your personal investigation will be and your plan for investigation. That completes step three.

_____ Step four Research (using a minimum of the required sources below) - The research is to find what other people's ideas and/or their research support. It may be ideas you already know about or ideas you haven't discovered yet. Look for information that might be more successful and/ or support change and/ or suggest a certain practice be continued. Also find or create a rationale that would convince students, parents, teachers, and administrators that the practice you are recommending has advantages. Collect your information and put it into the Research Project folder (this may also include photocopies, hand notes, printouts, pictures, webs, clippings, with or without notes in the margins or highlighting). Then write a summary, that could be published in a school newsletter or letter home to inform parents..., of your plan and how you would intend to use it in the classroom with their children. Keep it brief, to the point, and powerful. You should mention that those who would like additional information should contact you. Then write a briefer explanation as to what you would do if a parent... contacted you. Put this document into the Research Project folder and hand it in.

Your research must include the following

References from

1. Fosnot book(s); One of three and Algebra one.
2. Class text;
3. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education; or NCTM yearbook section; and
4. One from Teaching Children Mathematics, or one from Mathematics in the Middle Grades.

The Research project will be evaluated on

1. Completeness of Big ideas from each chapter and question about what you might like to implement in a classroom. A list of ideas by chapter (minimum of 2-3 big ideas per chapter) as well as any other chapter notes you desire. (50)
2. Select one question, identify how you plan to answer it and what kinds of answers you might expect as well as how you might implement your discovery. (50)
3. Presentation of the plan to the class.
4. Personal investigation complete with letter and all information in the project folder.

• Use of more than four quality sources;
• Creative and critical thinking with the logical development of ideas based on research and wisdom of practice and sound reasoning;
• Ideas consistent with NCTM and NE Standards, Troutman and Lichtenberg, and the principled procedures of mathematics;
• Inclusion of necessary materials; and
• Quality of writing , , , concise yet comprehensive presentation of ideas.