1. No category

Fifty-Sixth Annual
Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area
Mathematics Conference
An AMTNYS Affiliate
Saturday, March 21st, 2015
Hosted by the
NORTH COLONIE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Shaker High School
445 Watervliet-Shaker Road
Latham, New York 12110
http://hmvamc.webs.com/
Directions to Shaker High School
445 Watervliet-Shaker Rd. • Latham, New York 12110 • (518) 785-5511
http://www.northcolonie.org/shakerhighschool/SrHS_drivingdirections.htm
FROM THE NORTH:
Take I-87 (Northway) south to Exit 5 (LATHAM). At the end of the ramp, take a left at
the traffic light onto WATERVLIET-SHAKER RD (Rt. 155). Continue straight on
WATERVLIET-SHAKER RD, you will cross over RT. 9. The school will be about a half
mile down on your left, right past Shaker Junior High School.
FROM THE SOUTH:
Take I-87 (Northway) north to Exit 5 toward LATHAM. At the end of the ramp, take a
left at the traffic light onto WATERVLIET-SHAKER RD (Rt. 155). Continue straight on
WATERVLIET-SHAKER RD, you will cross over RT. 9. The school will be about a half
mile down on your left, right past Shaker Junior High School.
FROM THE WEST:
Take RT. 90 east, get off Exit 24, look for RT. I-87 (Northway) north to Exit 5
(LATHAM). At the end of the ramp, take a left at the traffic light onto WATERVLIETSHAKER RD (Rt. 155). Continue straight on WATERVLIET-SHAKER RD, you will
cross over RT. 9. The school will be about a half mile down on your left, right past
Shaker Junior High School.
FROM THE EAST:
If southeast of Albany, look for RT. 90 and head west. Connect to RT. I-87
(Northway) north. Get off Exit 5 (LATHAM). At the end of the ramp, take a left at
the traffic light onto WATERVLIET-SHAKER RD (Rt. 155). Continue straight on
WATERVLIET-SHAKER RD, you will cross over RT. 9. The school will be about a
half mile down on your left, right past Shaker Junior High School. If due east or
northeast of Albany, take RT. 2 or RT. 7 west. Continue until you meet RT. 9 (NEW
LOUDON RD), and take a left, you will now be going south on RT. 9. Continue on
RT. 9 to the intersection with WATERVLIET-SHAKER RD (RT. 155), take a left onto
WATERVLIET SHAKER RD. The school will be about a half mile down on your left,
right past Shaker Junior High School.
Parking-Please park in either lot on the left or right side of the main drive.
Please enter the building through our main entrance.

Conference Participants will be awarded a
Certificate of Completion for 5 contact hours.
 Please share this program with your colleagues 
A copy of this program, registration forms and
detailed information may be obtained by visiting
http://hmvamc.webs.com
Two (2) DOOR PRIZE RAFFLES
COMPLIMENTS OF
http://education.ti.com/en/us/home
WINNER will receive:
TI-34 Multiview Smartview
or
TI-Nspire CX Teacher Bundle
*** FREE TO ENTER ***
Must be present to win!
Drawings will be held at the conclusion of lunch.
Winners will be posted in the foyer area
Simply fill out a GREEN Texas Instruments Information Card to enter!
-1-

Dear Mathematics Professionals of the Capital Region:
Welcome to the Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area Math Conference and Shaker High School.
This conference is a wonderful opportunity for educators from across the region to come
together and share ideas and insights they have learned through the implementation of
the Common Core Standards for Mathematics.
In 2011, as we were all grappling with our initial understandings of the standards, Joe
Kavanaugh, a retired Assistant Superintendent and Mathematics Chair from Scotia
Glenville Central School District made the wise comment, “As you begin this work, you will
see that the required change is less about the content, and more about the instructional
shifts needed to engage kids and get them to take ownership over their own learning.”
Fast-forwarding to today, we see that Mr. Kavanaugh was indeed correct. We are more
than aware of the content shifts in mathematics, and our attention must now be focused
not simply on what we teach, but how we teach. As we make pedagogical choices, we
must strive to infuse our classes with highly structured activities which lead students to
discover knowledge for themselves. This shift is not insignificant for students, parents, or
teachers.
Many of us learned mathematics through memorization. We learned to mimic a series of
steps demonstrated by our teacher, and, if we carefully and obediently followed the model,
we would be able to solve similar problems. We know that that type of mathematics
instruction works well for predictable problems, but it does not necessarily work well when
students have to apply mathematical thinking to new and complex, real world problems.
In those situations, students who lack the conceptual understanding of mathematics
struggle. The rote memorization of mathematics can only serve a small percentage of the
population well; for the remainder, it results in a plateau in mathematical understanding
and ability.
With all of the change and the accompanying angst, it is easy to get frustrated by the
many mandates which have been imposed upon us. Your presence here, however,
suggests that you have moved beyond a concern with mere compliance to a reflection
upon what works best for all students in the study of mathematics. May today be an
opportunity for you to network with like-minded professionals, a day which encourages
you to think creatively and expansively about the possibilities which will define
mathematics education as we progress through the 21st Century.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Skeals
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
North Colonie Central School District
-2-
Fifty-Sixth Annual
Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area
Mathematics Conference
Saturday, March 21st, 2015
Schedule of Events
7:45 AM – 8:45 AM
Registration and Coffee
8:50 AM – 9:50 AM
Session 1 and Welcome
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
Session 2
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 3
12:10 PM – 1:10 PM
Lunch Break, Visit Exhibits
Lunch served in both dining rooms.
DOOR PRIZE RAFFLES!!
Must be present to win!
1:20 PM – 2:10 PM
Session 4
Book exhibits and vendors will be available
between the hours of 7:45AM and 1:30PM.
Visit the exhibits to view the latest in textbooks,
manipulatives, technology, and more!!
-3-
***SESSION 1 ~ 8:50 – 9:50***
Improving Fraction Understanding
Grades 3-8
The teaching of fractions is a challenging topic in the curriculum. Concrete models and
contextual applications are employed to make fractions palatable and fun.
Jay Schifmann
Rowan University
Room J101
Marvels of Number Theory
Grades 6-8
Beginning with the Break the Code Game, take your students on a tour, demonstrating
the beauty and elegance of number theory. Passing the Common Core, you'll head to the
Extraordinary Core.
Eric O’Brien
Math Olympiads
Room J102
Step Up STEM With the TI-Inspire!!!
Grades 9-12
Audrey Cucci
Frankfort-Schuyler CSD
Room J104
Motivating Math Lessons for Special Days of the Year!!
Grades 6-12
In this session we will share math problems for lessons that will motivate students just
before Columbus, Halloween, Thanksgiving and other special days.
Jim Matthews & Connor Breen
Siena College & Shenendehowa HS
Room J105
-4-
***SESSION 1 ~ 8:50 – 9:50***
Bridging the Math Gap!!!!
Grades 3-12
"From surviving to thriving!" Come look at the newest trends in math, as well as ways to
prepare our students for upcoming assessments, as well as what their future holds.
Marcy Boyd
York HS
Room J107
So You Have to Teach Tape Diagrams?
Grades 6-8
Give you and your students more confidence in using the tape diagram as a tool in
problem solving from Grade 6 and beyond.
Margaret Merwin
St. Mary’s Academy, Hoosick Falls
Room J108
Simple Programming for the Graphing Calculator
Grades 6-12
In this session, participants will learn how to make simple programs for the TI Graphing
Calculator. Participants will create a guessing game, and a program that will perform
some coordinate geometry tasks. Participants should provide their own TI Graphing
Calculator to use in the session.
Mark Kaercher
Shaker HS
Room J109
GeoGebra Introduction!!!
Grades 6-12
If you have never used GeoGebra (a free math program) or want to learn more about it,
you will walk out able to create your own files to use on tests, Smartboard documents,
class examples and more. I will go over all of the basics and more. I use GeoGebra to
model middle school math through calculus.
Michelle Connoly
CBA HS
Room J110 Computer Lab
Fractions that Satisfy!!!!
Grades K-8
It’s possible to “satisfy” your hunger with only a fraction of a pizza, your thirst with a
fraction of a gallon of lemonade, your sweet tooth with a fraction of a cake and your
students’ fractional fear with a concrete approach to fractions that makes them real. Be
prepared to explore the development of fractions from 1st through 7th grade.
Heidi Bromley
Questar BOCES
Room J111
-5-
SESSION 1 ~ 8:50 – 9:50
Serious Fun in the Mathematics Classroom!!!
Grades 3-8
The research is clear: fun needs to be part of our mathematics instruction. Attendees will
explore easy to use instructional strategies that make learning math motivating and
engaging.
Kim Loucks & Carolyn Hirst-Loucks
Teaching & Learning Connected
Room J112
Using Algebra Tiles from Polynomials to Factoring!!
Grades 9-12
Teachers will have a chance to explore algebra tiles and learn how to use them to show
both algebraic multiplication and factoring.
Barbara West
Manchester, VT
Room J201
Using Google Classroom for Education!!!
Grades 3-12
I will show how I use Google Classroom for a paper free classroom. I use it as my
website, a way to interact with my students, upload all lesson plans (using Google
Presentations), and give assessments using Google Forms and Google Docs.
Carm McCarthy & Jen Reeves
Shaker HS
Room J202
Math Games to Build Number Sense!!!
Grades 3-5
Stimulate your students' interest in mathematics and develop analytic reasoning by using
games which develop basic number concepts with fractions and whole numbers.
John Hinton
Math Matters Inc.
Room J203
Perplexing Probability Problems!!!
Grades 6-12
We will explore a variety of fun and interactive probability problems which can be used to
engage students in the study of probability.
Beth Goldberg & Debby Mosher
Linden Ave. MS
Room J204
-6-
SESSION 1 ~ 8:50 – 9:50
Common Core Algebra: Regents Questions by Standards
Grades 9-12
Regent’s questions will be categorized by standard. I will then provide opportunity for small
group discussions on strategies used for major standards.
Daniel Mattoon
Niskayuna HS
Room J205
Creating a Topics in Mathematics Class!!!
Grades 9-12
In this session we will look at some unique problems and how they can be used to excite
students and encourage them to engage on multiple levels.
Janice Balogh
Schodak CSD
Room J206
Smartboard Games for the Smart & Bored!!!
Grades 6-12
Smart? Bored? Looking to spice up your lessons? During this workshop, participants will
explore a variety of games developed for the Smart Board and learn how to create their
own.
Lindsay Tresansky
Shaker HS
Room B212 Computer Lab
Student Motivators for the 8th & 9th Grade
Grades 6-12
Common Core Standards
Come check out a variety of activities, projects and lesson elements that have been
successful in engaging students and making them want to get involved in learning. In
addition, many of the items which will be shared were designed with the struggling
student in mind and have aided in helping some students have their “a ha” moment. Have
something great of your own? Feel free to bring it if you are willing to share!
Amy Moore
Windham CSD
Room J207
Technology Tools in the Math Classroom!!!
Grades 6-12
Interested in differentiated learning in your math classes? Come and see how to
incorporate the use of Chrome Books, QR codes, Google Classroom, Desmos, Kahoot
and other tools to liven up your lessons.
Carole Geruso & Lisa McLeod
Glens Falls HS
Room J208
-7-
SESSION 1 ~ 8:50 – 9:50
Math in the Stories
Grades 3-8
Do you want to help your students experience the wonder and delight of mathematics?
Join us for activities to use in the classroom as we connect literacy and math with an
emphasis on student's reasoning and communicating skills.
Kevin Bogus
Fort Plain CSD
Room J209
Lasting Connenctions Using Data Collection
Grades 9-12
Use the CBR2 and data sensors to model real-life situations involving all types of
functions to make lasting connections in math and science. "Plug and Play" Easy probes
will make data collection fun and easy and investigations and simulations will excite and
engage students.
JoAnn Miltenberg
Farmingdale HS
Room J210
The Role of Definitions in School Mathematics!
Grades 6-12
This presentation will explore the role of definitions in school mathematics, the
characteristics of a good definition, and possible orders of introduction of definitions.
James Carpenter
Iona College
Room J211
Future Cities!!!!!!!
Grades 6-8
STEM education at its best! This program encourages students to investigate
solutions to our world's sustainability issues and create a scale model of their
ideal future city.
Mary Liles
New Lebanon MS/HS
Room J212
Build, Draw, Talk, Write….then Own Fractions….
Grades 3-5
An RTI Model
Attendees receive lessons and software to model Fraction Concepts involving 3 Tiers.
“Big Picture” concepts connect and funnel students back into the next Tier 1 lesson.
Rudy Neufeld & Paul Jacoby
Neufeld Learning Systems Inc.
Room J213
-8-
SESSION 2 ~ 10:00 – 10:50
Fun with Recursive Sequences
Grades 6-12
This session features explorations with recursive sequences including the Fibonacci
sequence. Participants will engage in securing patterns and forming conjectures in the
spirit of discovery.
Jay Schiffman
Rowan University
Room J101
Enriching your Classroom with Math Olympiad Problems
Grades 3-8
Math Olympiads problems can add depth to your mathematics teaching. Find that it is not
simply the problems themselves, but the skills that students develop after the contests
have been completed.
Eric O’Brien
Math Olympiads
Room J102
“What is NanoScience?”Where can we use it in Math?
Grades 6-8
This module gives an introductory overview of nanoscience and how size affects the
property of materials. Using flash cards students compare objects ranging from the
macroscale to the nanoscale and match them up with scientific notation. Surface area
reaction time is then explored using different sized tablets dissolving in water while
monitoring the height of the reaction over a given time. This module takes place over 4
forty minute periods. Nice integration of Math and Science.
Mary Ann Nickloy
Draper MS
Room J104
Even More Motivating Math Lessons for More
Grades 6-12
Special Days of the Year
In this session we will share more math problems for lessons that will motivate students
just before Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, PI and other special days.
JimMatthews & Connor Breen
Siena College and Shenendehowa HS
Room J105
Bridging the Math Gap!!!!
Grades 3-12
"From surviving to thriving!" Come look at the newest trends in math, as well as ways to
prepare our students for upcoming assessments, as well as what their future holds.
Marcy Boyd
York HS
Room J107
-9-
SESSION 2 ~ 10:00 – 10:50
Fractions a Problem? Use Tape Diagrams!!!
Grades 3-5
Are your students having trouble solving word problems which involve fractions? Come to
this session to learn how to use tape diagrams or bar models as a problem solving
strategy. Beginning and complex problems with solutions using tape diagrams will be
shared.
Judith Matthews
Chatham Central Schools
Room J108
Introduction to GeoGebra!!!
Grades 6-12
Participants will learn the basics of this powerful & FREE software, which can be used to
explore a variety of topics. Participants should provide their own laptop or tablet to be
used in the session.
Mark Kaercher
Shaker HS
Room J109
How Can I Use GeoGebra?
Grades 6-12
If you don't want to learn another new program but just want to know what is available
through GeoGebra then come and see Common Core specific lessons for immediate use
in your classroom. I will show you GeoGebratube and GeoGebra applets that you
download and use immediately from algebra to calculus. No prior experience needed.
Michelle Connolly
CBA HS
Room J110 Computer Lab
Building Capacity in Math Instructors
Grades 3-12
Professional development has gone through a radical change, and grown in necessity and
popularity in all our districts, presenting a great need for professional development for
those who provide it: our coaches, instructional leaders/administrators and instructors.
This session will investigate models and experiences with the focus on building
instructional capacity leading to student growth. Be prepared to share experiences of your
own, and network with colleagues.
Heidi Bromley
Questar BOCES
Room J111
Serious Fun in the Mathematics Classroom!!!
Grades 3-8
The research is clear: fun needs to be part of our mathematics instruction. Attendees will
explore easy to use instructional strategies that make learning math motivating and
engaging.
Kim Loucks & Carolyn Hirst-Loucks
Teaching & Learning Connected
Room J112
- 10 -
SESSION 2 ~ 10:00 – 10:50
The Amazing, “One-derful” 1!!!
Grades 6-8
Come experience how the power of 1 is "sense making" from fractions to simplifying
rational expressions. We will explore the clout of the Multiplicative Identity.
Barbara West
Manchester, VT
Room J201
Tantalizing Tiles: Teaching with Tiles to Reinforce Algebra Skills
Grades 6-12
Be an active participant, work alone and with a partner and take with you a variety of
problem solving activities that all students can use. These warm up or concluding activities
can be used at all levels to reinforce the concepts of the real number system, equations
and inequalities, all angle relationships and notation, multiplying all types of binomials and
substitution into the quadratic formula.
Kerry Koch
Shaker HS
Room J202
Math Games to Build Number Sense!!!
Grades 3-5
Stimulate your students' interest in mathematics and develop analytic reasoning by using
games which develop basic number concepts with fractions and whole numbers.
John Hinton
Math Matters Inc.
Room J203
Perplexing Probability Problems!!!
Grades 6-12
We will explore a variety of fun and interactive probability problems which can be used to
engage students in the study of probability.
Beth Goldberg & Debby Mosher
Linden Ave. MS
Room J204
Common Core Algebra: Regents Questions by Standards
Grades 9-12
Regent’s questions will be categorized by standard. I will then provide opportunity for small
group discussions on strategies used for major standards.
Daniel Mattoon
Niskayuna HS
Room J205
- 11 -
SESSION 2 ~ 10:00 – 10:50
Dig Out Those Math Games While Digging Out the Common Core
Grades 6-8
There are 86,400 seconds in a day...use some of them to play! Join us for a fun-filled
session of games and activities to enhance the common core curriculum.
Susan Summerfield
Fort Plain CSD
Room J206
Smartboard Games for the Smart & Bored!!!
Grades 6-12
Smart? Bored? Looking to spice up your lessons? During this workshop, participants will
explore a variety of games developed for the Smart Board and learn how to create their
own.
Lindsay Tresansky
Shaker HS
Room B212 Computer Lab
A Unique Factoring Method
Grades 9-12
Looking for an alternative for the "guess and check" method of factoring quadratic
trinomials where a is not equal to 1? A (student created) method to factor these types of
problems will be shared.
Amy Moore
Windham CSD
Room J207
Infusing Nano-technology in to your Math Lessons
Grades 6-12
We will share some ideas and lessons we have created to make Nano Technology a part
of your Common Core math lessons. There will be ideas that can be used in the middle
school though calculus lessons.
Ericka Robert, Tracey Smith, & Audrey Cucci
Master’s Teacher Program Mohawk Region
Room J208
Flipped Forum
Grades 6-12
Are you flipping your classroom? Come and share your story and resources. Are you
thinking about flipping your classroom? Join us and meet teachers with experience in
flipped classroom instruction.
Tammy Casey & Robyn Poulsen
Lake Placid CSD
Room J209
- 12 -
SESSION 2 ~ 10:00 – 10:50
Lasting Connenctions Using Data Collection
Grades 9-12
Use the CBR2 and data sensors to model real-life situations involving all types of
functions to make lasting connections in math and science. "Plug and Play" Easy probes
will make data collection fun and easy and investigations and simulations will excite and
engage students.
JoAnn Miltenberg
Farmingdale HS
Room J210
Flying Makes STEM Fun !!!
Grades 6-12
Our K12 STEM Manual is a Project Based Learning program using the profound use of
math and science in aviation. Students mix classroom and flight simulation sessions to
apply math and science in an engaging and exciting way.
Jay LeBoff
Edustation
Room J211
Future Cities!!!!!!!
Grades 6-8
STEM education at its best! This program encourages students to investigate
solutions to our world's sustainability issues and create a scale model of their
ideal future city.
Mary Liles
New Lebanon MS/HS
Room J212
Fractions to Ratios…..An RTI Model
Grades 6-8
Attendees receive lessons and software to model Ratio Table Concepts involving 3 Tiers.
“Big Picture” concepts connect and funnel students back into the next Tier 1 lesson.
Rudy Neufeld & Paul Jacoby
Neufeld Learning Systems Inc.
Room J213
- 13 -
SESSION 3 ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Improving Fraction Understanding
Grades 3-8
The teaching of fractions is a challenging topic in the curriculum. Concrete models and
contextual applications are employed to make fractions palatable and fun.
Jay Schifmann
Rowan University
Room J101
Marvels of Number Theory
Grades 6-8
Beginning with the Break the Code Game, take your students on a tour, demonstrating
the beauty and elegance of number theory. Passing the Common Core, you'll head to the
Extraordinary Core.
Eric O’Brien
Math Olympiads
Room J102
Elementary Math Games
Grades K-5
Come learn to play and take away math games for the elementary classroom. Topics
include: making ten, fractions, place value, basic facts, and more.
Melissa Vatalaro & various elementarty math teachers
North Colonie CSD
Room J104
We Ran a School Math Conference Based on Problem Solving
Grades 6-8
In this session we will the logistics of running a school math conference, a few good
problems, and some of our student’s results.
JimMatthews, Siena College
Mary Mosher, Karen Sweet, Deborah Rachon, Catherine Teresco
Schodack CSD
Room J105
Bridging the Math Gap!!!!
Grades 3-12
"From surviving to thriving!" Come look at the newest trends in math, as well as ways to
prepare our students for upcoming assessments, as well as what their future holds.
Marcy Boyd
York HS
Room J107
- 14 -
SESSION 3 ~ 11:10 – 12:00
So You Have to Teach Tape Diagrams?
Grades 6-8
Give you and your students more confidence in using the tape diagram as a tool in
problem solving from Grade 6 and beyond.
Margaret Merwin
St. Mary’s Academy, Hoosick Falls
Room J108
Tackling the Challenging AP Math Exams!!!
Grades 9-12
School Mathematics Symposium
In this session we will share great instructional strategies and teaching methods aimed at
improving student performance on the Advanced Placement Calculus exams.
Mike Lanahan, Mary Buck, & Aileen Dirtadian
Shaker HS
Room J109
GeoGebra Introduction!!!
Grades 6-12
If you have never used GeoGebra (a free math program) or want to learn more about it,
you will walk out able to create your own files to use on tests, Smartboard documents,
class examples and more. I will go over all of the basics and more. I use GeoGebra to
model middle school math through calculus.
Michelle Connoly
CBA HS
Room J110 Computer Lab
Geometry Transforms!!!!!!
Grades 6-12
Geometry is transforming in all grades, but perhaps most significantly in 8th and HS
Geometry. Come explore the instructional and assessment impact of this shift in
perspective for us in NYS.
Heidi Bromley
Questar BOCES
Room J111
Serious Fun in the Mathematics Classroom!!!
Grades 3-8
The research is clear: fun needs to be part of our mathematics instruction. Attendees will
explore easy to use instructional strategies that make learning math motivating and
engaging.
Kim Loucks & Carolyn Hirst-Loucks
Teaching & Learning Connected
Room J112
- 15 -
SESSION 3 ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Using Algebra Tiles from Polynomials to Factoring!!
Grades 9-12
Teachers will have a chance to explore algebra tiles and learn how to use them to show
both algebraic multiplication and factoring.
Barbara West
Manchester, VT
Room J201
Using Google Classroom for Education!!!
Grades 3-12
I will show how I use Google Classroom for a paper free classroom. I use it as my
website, a way to interact with my students, upload all lesson plans (using Google
Presentations), and give assessments using Google Forms and Google Docs.
Carm McCarthy & Jen Reeves
Shaker HS
Room J202
Math Games to Build Number Sense!!!
Grades 3-5
Stimulate your students' interest in mathematics and develop analytic reasoning by using
games which develop basic number concepts with fractions and whole numbers.
John Hinton
Math Matters Inc.
Room J203
Perplexing Probability Problems!!!
Grades 6-12
We will explore a variety of fun and interactive probability problems which can be used to
engage students in the study of probability.
Beth Goldberg & Debby Mosher
Linden Ave. MS
Room J204
In Search of a Postulate to Introduce Areas in Geometry?
Grades 9-12
We seek a postulate that is more self-evident and of greater utility than the "side-squared"
postulate used to introduce area in the geometry curriculum.
Dan Duveen
Tutorial Center
Room J205
- 16 -
SESSION 3 ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Student Motivators for the 8th & 9th Grade
Grades 6-12
Common Core Standards
Come check out a variety of activities, projects and lesson elements that have been
successful in engaging students and making them want to get involved in learning. In
addition, many of the items which will be shared were designed with the struggling
student in mind and have aided in helping some students have their “a ha” moment. Have
something great of your own? Feel free to bring it if you are willing to share!
Amy Moore
Windham CSD
Room J207
Infusing Nano-technology in to your Math Lessons
Grades 6-12
We will share some ideas and lessons we have created to make Nano Technology a part
of your Common Core math lessons. There will be ideas that can be used in the middle
school though calculus lessons.
Ericka Robert, Tracey Smith, & Audrey Cucci
Master’s Teacher Program Mohawk Region
Room J208
Flipped Forum
Grades 6-12
Are you flipping your classroom? Come and share your story and resources. Are you
thinking about flipping your classroom? Join us and meet teachers with experience in
flipped classroom instruction.
Tammy Casey & Robyn Poulsen
Lake Placid CSD
Room J209
Lasting Connenctions Using Data Collection
Grades 9-12
Use the CBR2 and data sensors to model real-life situations involving all types of
functions to make lasting connections in math and science. "Plug and Play" Easy probes
will make data collection fun and easy and investigations and simulations will excite and
engage students.
JoAnn Miltenberg
Farmingdale HS
Room J210
The Role of Definitions in School Mathematics!
Grades 6-12
This presentation will explore the role of definitions in school mathematics, the
characteristics of a good definition, and possible orders of introduction of definitions.
James Carpenter
Iona College
Room J211
- 17 -
SESSION 3 ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Future Cities!!!!!!!
Grades 6-8
STEM education at its best! This program encourages students to investigate
solutions to our world's sustainability issues and create a scale model of their
ideal future city.
Mary Liles
New Lebanon MS/HS
Room J212
Build, Draw, Talk, Write….then Own Fractions….
Grades 3-5
An RTI Model
Attendees receive lessons and software to model Fraction Concepts involving 3 Tiers.
“Big Picture” concepts connect and funnel students back into the next Tier 1 lesson.
Rudy Neufeld & Paul Jacoby
Neufeld Learning Systems Inc.
Room J213
- 18 -
LUNCH Break, Visit Exhibits: 12:10 – 1:10
Lunch served in Both Dining Rooms
- 19 -
SESSION 4 ~ 1:20 – 2:10
Fun with Recursive Sequences
Grades 6-12
This session features explorations with recursive sequences including the Fibonacci
sequence. Participants will engage in securing patterns and forming conjectures in the
spirit of discovery.
Jay Schiffman
Rowan University
Room J101
Enriching your Classroom with Math Olympiad Problems
Grades 3-8
Math Olympiads problems can add depth to your mathematics teaching. Find that it is not
simply the problems themselves, but the skills that students develop after the contests
have been completed.
Eric O’Brien
Math Olympiads
Room J102
“What is NanoScience?”Where can we use it in Math?
Grades 6-8
This module gives an introductory overview of nanoscience and how size affects the
property of materials. Using flash cards students compare objects ranging from the
macroscale to the nanoscale and match them up with scientific notation. Surface area
reaction time is then explored using different sized tablets dissolving in water while
monitoring the height of the reaction over a given time. This module takes place over 4
forty minute periods. Nice integration of Math and Science.
Mary Ann Nickloy
Draper MS
Room J104
Bridging the Math Gap!!!!
Grades 3-12
"From surviving to thriving!" Come look at the newest trends in math, as well as ways to
prepare our students for upcoming assessments, as well as what their future holds.
Marcy Boyd
York HS
Room J107
Fractions a Problem? Use Tape Diagrams!!!
Grades 3-5
Are your students having trouble solving word problems which involve fractions? Come to
this session to learn how to use tape diagrams or bar models as a problem solving
strategy. Beginning and complex problems with solutions using tape diagrams will be
shared.
Judith Matthews
Chatham Central Schools
Room J108
- 20 -
SESSION 4 ~ 1:20 – 2:10
Tackling the Challenging AP Math Exams!!!
Grades 9-12
School Mathematics Symposium
In this session we will share great instructional strategies and teaching methods aimed at
improving student performance on the Advanced Placement Calculus exams.
Mike Lanahan, Mary Buck, & Aileen Dirtadian
Shaker HS
Room J109
How Can I Use GeoGebra?
Grades 6-12
If you don't want to learn another new program but just want to know what is available
through GeoGebra then come and see Common Core specific lessons for immediate use
in your classroom. I will show you GeoGebratube and GeoGebra applets that you
download and use immediately from algebra to calculus. No prior experience needed.
Michelle Connolly
CBA HS
Room J110 Computer Lab
Serious Fun in the Mathematics Classroom!!!
Grades 3-8
The research is clear: fun needs to be part of our mathematics instruction. Attendees will
explore easy to use instructional strategies that make learning math motivating and
engaging.
Kim Loucks & Carolyn Hirst-Loucks
Teaching & Learning Connected
Room J112
The Amazing, “One-derful” 1!!!
Grades 6-8
Come experience how the power of 1 is "sense making" from fractions to simplifying
rational expressions. We will explore the clout of the Multiplicative Identity.
Barbara West
Manchester, VT
Room J201
Tantalizing Tiles: Teaching with Tiles to Reinforce Algebra Skills
Grades 6-12
Be an active participant, work alone and with a partner and take with you a variety of
problem solving activities that all students can use. These warm up or concluding activities
can be used at all levels to reinforce the concepts of the real number system, equations
and inequalities, all angle relationships and notation, multiplying all types of binomials and
substitution into the quadratic formula.
Kerry Koch
Shaker HS
Room J202
- 21 -
SESSION 4 ~ 1:20 – 2:10
Math Games to Build Number Sense!!!
Grades 3-5
Stimulate your students' interest in mathematics and develop analytic reasoning by using
games which develop basic number concepts with fractions and whole numbers.
John Hinton
Math Matters Inc.
Room J203
Perplexing Probability Problems!!!
Grades 6-12
We will explore a variety of fun and interactive probability problems which can be used to
engage students in the study of probability.
Beth Goldberg & Debby Mosher
Linden Ave. MS
Room J204
In Search of a Postulate to Introduce Areas in Geometry?
Grades 9-12
We seek a postulate that is more self-evident and of greater utility than the "side-squared"
postulate used to introduce area in the geometry curriculum.
Dan Duveen
Tutorial Center
Room J205
A Unique Factoring Method
Grades 9-12
Looking for an alternative for the "guess and check" method of factoring quadratic
trinomials where a is not equal to 1? A (student created) method to factor these types of
problems will be shared.
Amy Moore
Windham CSD
Room J207
Flipped Forum
Grades 6-12
Are you flipping your classroom? Come and share your story and resources. Are you
thinking about flipping your classroom? Join us and meet teachers with experience in
flipped classroom instruction.
Tammy Casey & Robyn Poulsen
Lake Placid CSD
Room J209
- 22 -
SESSION 4 ~ 1:20 – 2:10
Lasting Connenctions Using Data Collection
Grades 9-12
Use the CBR2 and data sensors to model real-life situations involving all types of
functions to make lasting connections in math and science. "Plug and Play" Easy probes
will make data collection fun and easy and investigations and simulations will excite and
engage students.
JoAnn Miltenberg
Farmingdale HS
Room J210
Future Cities!!!!!!!
Grades 6-8
STEM education at its best! This program encourages students to investigate
solutions to our world's sustainability issues and create a scale model of their
ideal future city.
Mary Liles
New Lebanon MS/HS
Room J212
Fractions to Ratios…..An RTI Model
Grades 6-8
Attendees receive lessons and software to model Ratio Table Concepts involving 3 Tiers.
“Big Picture” concepts connect and funnel students back into the next Tier 1 lesson.
Rudy Neufeld & Paul Jacoby
Neufeld Learning Systems Inc.
Room J213
- 23 -
- 24 -
2016 

The 57th Annual
Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area
Mathematics Conference
will be hosted by
Niskayuna School District
For more information or
to serve on the committee, contact:
Bill Wales
[email protected]
Continue to visit us on the web at:
http://hmvamc.webs.com/
- 25 -
Regional Committee Members
Nicholas Verdile, 2015 Chair
Danielle Bouton-Wales, Registration
Jim Colton, Promotion
Frank DiDonato, Treasurer
Karen Smith, Refreshments
Lucky Palmer, Exhibitors
Lindsay Tresansky, Speakers
Chris Pappis, Webmaster
Dave Hurst, Gifts
Bill Wales, 2016 Chair
A Special Thanks to the:
NORTH COLONIE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Shaker High School Student Volunteers
- 26 -
NOTES:
- 27 -
56th Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area Mathematics Conference (HMVAMC)
Hosted by the NORTH COLONIE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015
We are no longer using registration forms
To register and pay for the conference you must go to:
http://hmvamc.eventzilla.net
 Pre-registration fee:
 Regular registration fee:
$35
$40
Pre-registration deadline:
Regular registration deadline:
March 13th
March 19th
$20
$25
Pre-registration deadline:
Regular registration deadline:
March 13th
March19th
Lunch is included
Full-Time College Students:
 Pre-registration fee:
 Regular registration fee:
Lunch is included
On-site registration will be available for $40

If your school district is paying and needs to write a check please contact Danielle Bouton-Wales at
[email protected]
Admission to all sessions will be on a first-come first served basis.
Check-in begins at 7:45a.m.
Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area Math Conference
Attn: Danielle Bouton-Wales
P.O. Box 3821
Schenectady, NY 12303