Pre-AP High School Mathematics Institute
with Geometry Focus
Monday, July 14 through
Friday, July 18, 2008
This course will expose participants to the most current perspectives of the
College Board's Pre-AP High School Mathematics curriculum. Connecting
algebraic and geometric thinking in a Pre-AP Geometry course, topic components will
connect materials from Pre-AP Algebra I and hint to concepts covered in Pre-AP
Algebra II and Pre-AP Pre-Calculus in preparation for AP Calculus and AP Statistics.
Topics will include the following:
The rule of four, limits, sequences, rate of change, functions, area under a curve,
variation, trigonometry, geometric means, construction, areas of plane figures,
areas and volumes of solids, coordinate geometry, and transformations
Using manipulatives to develop geometric concepts before rigorous application
Assessment in geometry. Connecting geometric proof with the Pre-AP idea
of "justifying your answer" and answering the question, "What makes my geometry test Pre-AP?"
Using a graphing calculator and dynamic geometry approaches
Implications of the use of technology in Pre-AP Geometry
Practicing with TI-84 + Silver Editions, TI-89 Titaniums, textbook samples,
and computer lab time to explore Pre-AP technology-based activities
Pre-AP High School Mathematics Consultant Melissa Burkhead
St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Austin, Texas
Melissa has been teaching high school mathematics for fourteen years. Her
varied experiences include 5 years in Mexico City, Mexico, 2 years in El Paso
public schools, 3 years in the Austin magnet school program, and 4 years in
the Episcopal school system. Encouraging students to develop their mathematics
by posing thoughtful discovery-rich questions, she especially enjoys helping
students complement their newfound learning with visual Geometer's Sketchpad
sketches. She currently teaches geometry and BC Calculus to techno-savvy
students at St. Andrew's episcopal School, a wireless, laptop campus. Every day,
students grab sketches from their mathematics folder, manipulate them, and
build upon them. In addition to classroom teaching, she presents for The
College Board and Key Curriculum Press. Melissa has an undergraduate degree in
mathematics and a graduate degree in mathematics education.
