CHOCKSETT EDUCATORS PRESENT AT THE NEW ENGLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL CONFERENCE

Kathleen Mitchell and Mary-Beth Petit, grade eight teachers at Chocksett Middle School, were presenters at the recent 31st Annual New England League of Middle Schools Conference held April 2nd and 3rd in Providence, RI.  The conference brought together teachers, administrators, higher education students and professors, and others committed to educational growth and improvement.

 The conference focused on effective instruction, improved student outcomes, positive school cultures and learning strategies.  Approximately 100 sessions were held relating to topics such as advisory, literacy, math & science, common core curriculum, technology, anti-bullying, professional learning communities, differentiated instruction, student motivation, assessment and leadership.

Ms. Mitchell and Mrs. Petit presented a workshop entitled “Motion Madness – CBR and Graphing Calculator Technology in the Math and Science Classroom.” The goal of this workshop was to share the knowledge they have gained in their collaborative efforts to develop an interdisciplinary teaching approach in the STEM field.

 Ms. Mitchell and Mrs. Petit shared their expertise using CBR motion detectors and TI-83 graphing calculators to explore the concepts of slope (rate of change) and its affect on distance vs. time graphs.  Real life data collection techniques were modeled to make the algebra and physics concepts more relevant. The participating educators were able to actively perform lessons and activities that they could take back and use within their own classrooms.  Many of the participants were excited by the prospect of presenting the challenging concepts to their own students and the opportunity to introduce this technology to them.

Ms.Mitchell and Mrs. Petit were honored to be able to share their knowledge with other educators throughout New England.  This would not have been possible without the Chocksett PTO’s grant for the purchase of most of the CBR units.  Bringing technology into the classroom helps support the WRSD’s “21st Century Skills” initiative which helps prepare students for success in our rapidly changing world.