POTSDAM -- Clarkson University recently hosted a professional development day for mathematics teachers. Twenty-one high school mathematics instructors from St. Lawrence, Franklin, and Jefferson counties participated in the one-day workshop on developing mathematical models and incorporating them in the classroom.

New York State has adopted the National Common Core Standards that require modeling’s real-world contexts and applications be included in classroom instruction. The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) report, “Prepare and Inspire: STEM education for America’s Future,” emphasized that the real-world focus of modeling fosters students’ interest in mathematics and develops the critical thinking skills needed for future employment.

The gathered teachers brainstormed on a mathematical modeling approach to understand the deer population in the North Country, including identifying key variables and measurable relationships. The group expressed interest in a focused follow-up session to further develop relevant projects to take back to their students.