Investigations Users’ Conference

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 from 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

July 15, 2009 Registration Information:

8:00 – 8:30 Cost: $75.00 per person
Registration/ Registration Deadline: June 29th, 2009
Continental Breakfast
Method of Payment: Checks Only
8:30 – 9:30 Payable to: Nixa Public Schools
Keynote Provided by Education Office (Annex A)
Pearson Education 205 North Street
Nixa, MO 65714
9:45 – 11:00
Breakout Session A Name: _______________________________
E-mail:________________________________
11:00 – 12:00 Grade/Position:_________________________
Enjoy lunch on your School District: ________________________
own. School Address: _______________________
City:_____________ Zip Code:____________
12:00 – 1:15 Summer Contact Number: _______________
Breakout Session B
*Breakout Session Choices:
1:30 – 2:45 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice
Breakout Session C Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
3:00 – 4:00
Closing Session Sessions offered will be determined by
Provided by Pearson number of participants - minimum of TEN
Education participants

More information about each session can be

 found at www.nixapublicschools.net

Questions?
Contact Cheryl Dick @
cheryldick@nixaschools.net
or (417) 724-4060
 Breakout Session Choices
~Important Note:
~Please indicate session choices (i.e. A1, A3, F1 …) on your
registration in the order of preference per session. Sessions offered
will be determined by number of participants - minimum of TEN
participants

~Session A1, A2, A3 are for all grade levels (K-4).

~Most sessions are offered twice.

~Your schedule will be available upon arrival at the conference.

Session One Choices (9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

(A1) It‟s As Easy as 1*2*3 – Investigations and PowerPoint - Stephany Vesely (K-4 Session)
(A2) SuccessNet and SuccessTracker – Stacey McMichael, Pearson Representative (K-4 Session)
(A3) "Math Talk" in the Investigations Classroom - Suzanne Love, Pearson Representative (K-4
Session)
(B2) Setting up Your Mathematical Community - Cathy Calhoun (Kindergarten Session)
(B4) Sorting and Surveys - Angie Lunceford and Dawn McNew (Kindergarten Session)
(B5) Spice up Routines, Calendar Time and Classroom Management - Paula Sorrell
(Kindergarten Session)
(C1) Considerations for Unit Preparation - Cindy Marquardt (1st Grade Session)
(C3) Getting Started - Jean League (1st Grade Session)
(C5) Assessments with Investigations - Julia Ream (1st Grade Session)
(C8) Games, Games, and More Games - Robin Mason (1st Grade Session)
(D2) Math Workshop--How to Use the Games of Investigations Constructively - Anita Young (2nd
Grade Session)
(D4) Build It and They Will Come.......to start thinking algebraically - LaDonna Hunt (2nd Grade
Session)
(E2) How Do I Collect Grades for Investigations? - Kristy Richart (3rd Grade Session)
(E5) Don‟t Be a Square! Explore Geometry! - Nicole Rothove (3rd Grade Session)
(F2) Probability - Shannon Savvenas (4th Grade Session)
(F4) 2-D Geometry - Polly Got a Cracker? - Tammy Beets (4th Grade Session)
(F6) Division Stories - Gena Wenger (4th Grade Session)
(F8) Penny Jars and Plant Growth - What is the last book about? - Pam Clark (4th Grade Session)
(F9) Solve Addition and Subtraction Problems Efficiently Using a Variety of Strategies -
Landmarks and Large Numbers - Karen Perry (4th Grade Session)
Session Two Choices (12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.)
(A1) It‟s As Easy as 1*2*3 – Investigations and PowerPoint - Stephany Vesely (K-4 Session)
(A2) SuccessNet and SuccessTracker - Stacey McMichael, Pearson Representative (K-4 Session)
(A3) "Math Talk" in the Investigations Classroom - Suzanne Love, Pearson Representative (K-4
Session)
(B1) Where Do I Begin? - Cathy Calhoun (Kindergarten Session)
(B3) “How Many Do You Have?” - Angie Lunceford and Dawn McNew (Kindergarten Session)
(B5) Spice up Routines, Calendar Time and Classroom Management - Paula Sorrell
(Kindergarten Session)
(C2) Pattern Blocks, Geo-boards and Connecting Cubes … Oh My! - Cindy Marquardt (1st Grade
Session)
(C4) What About the GLEs? - Jean League (1st Grade Session)
(C6) Math Workshop: Organizing, Playing, Assessing - Julia Ream (1st Grade Session)
(C7) Getting Started-Setting up the Daily Routines - Robin Mason (1st Grade Session)
(D1) The “Meat and Potatoes” of Investigations - Anita Young (2nd Grade Session)
(D3) Counting, Coins, and Combinations; Ok! - LaDonna Hunt (2nd Grade Session)
(E1) Making Math Workshop Work for You - Kristy Richart (3rd Grade Session)
(E3) Trading Stickers -- Combining Coins - Karen Perry (3rd Grade Session)
(E4) So Many Resources, So Little Time....What to Do? - Nicole Rothove (3rd Grade Session)
(F1) Data Analysis - Shannon Savvenas (4th Grade Session)
(F3) Measurement - Size It Up - Tammy Beets (4th Grade Session)
(F5) Multiple Towers - Gena Wenger (4th Grade Session)
(F7) Multiplication and Division - Pam Clark (4th Grade Session)

Session Three Choices (1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.)

(B1) Where Do I Begin? - Cathy Calhoun (Kindergarten Session)
(B3) “How Many Do You Have?”- Angie Lunceford and Dawn McNew (Kindergarten Session)
(B5) Spice up Routines, Calendar Time and Classroom Management - Paula Sorrell
(Kindergarten Session)
(C2) Pattern Blocks, Geo-boards and Connecting Cubes … Oh My! - Cindy Marquardt (1st Grade
Session)
(C4) What About the GLEs? - Jean League (1st Grade Session)
(C6) Math Workshop: Organizing, Playing, Assessing - Julia Ream (1st Grade Session)
(C7) Getting Started-Setting up the Daily Routines - Robin Mason (1st Grade Session)
(D1) The “Meat and Potatoes” of Investigations - Anita Young (2nd Grade Session)
(D3) Counting, Coins, and Combinations; Ok! - LaDonna Hunt (2nd Grade Session)
(E1) Making Math Workshop Work for You - Kristy Richart (3rd Grade Session)
(E3) Trading Stickers -- Combining Coins - Karen Perry (3rd Grade Session)
(E4) So Many Resources, So Little Time....What to Do? - Nicole Rothove (3rd Grade Session)
(F1) Data Analysis - Shannon Savvenas (4th Grade Session)
(F3) Measurement - Size It Up - Tammy Beets (4th Grade Session)
(F5) Multiple Towers - Gena Wenger (4th Grade Session)
(F7) Multiplication and Division - Pam Clark (4th Grade Session)
 All Grade Level Session Choices

(A1) It‟s As Easy as 1*2*3 – Investigations and PowerPoint

Stephany Vesely – K-4th Grade Session
Integrating technology into Math Investigations through PowerPoint is a great way to
enhance Math lessons. In this session, you will see many examples of brain-friendly
lessons with instructions and visuals available to students. Having the lessons in
PowerPoint is a powerful tool to organize and store lessons for future use. Bring your
unit 1 book and a jump drive and be ready to learn how to make teaching Math
Investigations easier and way more fun!

(A2) SuccessNet and SuccessTracker

Stacey McMichael, Pearson Representative – K-4th Grade Session
Let‟s face it; today‟s students are literate in technology … sometimes more than their
teachers. This session will give you tools necessary to successfully implement
resources from SuccessNet and SuccessTracker into Investigations lessons.
o SuccessNet: Access to downloadable student software, extra state specific
material, resource masters, on-line activities, on-line lesson planner and more
classroom resources.
o SuccessTracker: Scoring, documents, prescriptions, and alternatives for
students who need additional learning experiences. Find out how this tool
allows students to take unit tests and two grade-level tests on-line and how it
generates test result reports for each student and for the whole class.

(A3) "Math Talk" in the Investigations Classroom

Suzanne Love- Pearson Representative - K-4th Grade Session
In this session, teachers will engage in dialogue with peers about the role of classroom
discourse in the Investigations classroom. Participants will explore program
components to gain insight into the why, what, and how of student discussions. They
will explore different questioning techniques that provide an opportunity for improved
informal assessment of student learning. Participants will practice the art of discussion
facilitation using games and classroom routines from the Investigations program. This
session is appropriate for teachers of all grade levels.
 Kindergarten Session Choices
(B1) Where Do I Begin?
Cathy Calhoun - Kindergarten Session
Familiarize yourself with the components of the Kindergarten Investigations program
Let‟s travel through:
o Investigations Curriculum Units
o Structuring your Day for Investigations
Take a glimpse at:
o Differentiating Instruction
o Assessing Kindergartner‟s Progress

(B2) Setting up Your Mathematical Community

Cathy Calhoun – Kindergarten Session
Create a classroom community in which it is safe to explore, share and learn from
each other. Learn how to establish an atmosphere that promotes a community of
learners…
o Accommodate learners of varying strengths and abilities.
o Restructure your Calendar Lessons for Investigations
o Familiarize yourself with the Materials and Tools used in Investigations

(B3) “How Many Do You Have?”

Angie Lunceford and Dawn McNew – Kindergarten Session
Ready, Set, Plan! This presentation will cover ways to make sense of addition,
subtraction and the number system. It will include games, lessons, hands-on
activities, ways to differentiate instruction and assessments for Unit Six. Leave with a
great plan for Investigations next year!

(B4) Sorting and Surveys

Angie Lunceford and Dawn McNew – Kindergarten Session
Join us for a planning good time! This presentation will cover ways to help your
students understand how to sort and classify information. It will include games,
lessons, hands-on activities, ways to differentiate instruction and assessments for Unit
Seven. Leave with a great plan for Investigations next year!

(B5) Spice up Routines, Calendar Time and Classroom Management

Paula Sorrell – Kindergarten Session
Managing kindergarteners is a feat in itself, and it changes as the year progresses.
This session will provide an overview of daily routines and alternate methods to teach,
engage, manage and assess during daily routines. Plus, find out how to maximize
calendar time instruction while keeping students engaged and learning.
 1st Grade Session Choices
(C1) Considerations for Unit Preparation
Cindy Marquardt – 1st Grade Session
Where does one begin when preparing to teach a unit of the Investigations
Curriculum? Participants of this workshop will take a closer look at the components of
a unit in order to maximize student success. Important focus points and topics
within each unit will be discussed as preparations are made for instruction.

(C2) Pattern Blocks, Geo-boards and Connecting Cubes … Oh My!

Cindy Marquardt – 1st Grade Session
Yes, you can organize the classroom for successful implementation of the
Investigations curriculum. Yes, you can find ways to make tools, materials and games
easily accessible for students as well as teachers. Educators attending this
presentation will gain practical insights for preparation, organization and management
of materials, math workshop activities and student assessments. Yes, you can do it.

(C3) Getting Started

Jean League - 1st Grade Session
Get an overview of Investigations in First Grade. We will be focusing on the
Implementation Guide. Some topics covered will be: suggestions for using the
curriculum in your classroom, the mathematics content of first grade, using the
Teacher Notes, structuring your math day, differentiating instruction, classroom
routines and assessment tools.

(C4) What About the GLEs?

Jean League – 1st Grade Session
Spend time looking at the content and scope and sequence in the Investigations First
Grade Program. You‟ll leave knowing which of the units addresses each of the
Missouri Math Grade Level Expectations for first grade and have a plan of action for
your entire year!

(C5) Assessments with Investigations

Julia Ream – 1st Grade Session
You‟ve taught the GLEs, but how do you assess without using your typical assessment
tools? We will take a closer look at different kinds of assessments, discuss how and
when to administer them, and how to use observation and assessment checklists in
the 1st grade classroom.

(C6) Math Workshop: Organizing, Playing, Assessing

Julia Ream – 1st Grade Session
Come play with us and see how Investigations uses games to teach, review, and
build. This session will also discuss the use of Math Workshop and how cooperative
learning is used. If you are having „how-to‟ questions, this session is for you.
(C7) Getting Started - Setting up the Daily Routines
Robin Mason – 1st Grade Session
This session will focus on setting up and the importance of the daily routines of the
Investigations series. We will discuss the various components and how they enhance
student learning. We will discuss how to fit the routines into Math Calendar and how
they address the GLEs. You will walk away with everything you need to begin your
daily routines.

(C8) Games, Games, and More Games

Robin Mason – 1st Grade Session
Let‟s play! We will look at daily games your students will be playing as they move
through the First Grade Investigations Series and discuss ways for preparation and
organization of required materials. Be prepared to do a little game playing as we
discuss ways that we can enhance the games to make them more challenging for
students. You will take with you a better understanding of the games and how they
enhance student learning.
 2nd Grade Session Choices

(D1) The “Meat and Potatoes” of Investigations

Anita Young - 2nd Grade Session
The Investigations program is based on specific components. If you want to learn how
to set up your Investigations time, please join us during this session! You will leave
with practical ideas for your classroom.

(D2) How to Use the Games of Investigations Constructively

Anita Young – 2nd Grade Session
Students love to play games, and Investigations uses games to reinforce learning.
Instead of using the term "games," we call it "Math Workshop." See how the series
and your GLEs, along with the games, will heighten your teaching. Please join us and
be ready to play!

(D3) Counting, Coins, and Combinations; Ok!

LaDonna Hunt – 2nd Grade Session
Come explore this unit of Investigations with us! In this unit, emerging mathematicians
will use counting strips, be introduced to a new counting routine, explore coins, and
play games that involve counting and working with coin equivalencies. We'll examine
10-minute math, unit lessons, games, and assessments.

(D4) Build It and They Will Come.......to start thinking algebraically

LaDonna Hunt – 2nd Grade Session
In the Investigation, “How Many Floors? How Many Rooms?,” students are introduced
to algebraic thinking using manipulatives and thought-provoking discussion. Come
see the lessons, play the games, hear about 10-minute math, and learn how you can
put your students on the path to algebraic thinking!
 3rd Grade Session Choices

(E1) Making Math Workshop Work for You

Kristy Richart - 3rd Grade Session
Come and see how your "Mini Mathematicians" can use Math Workshop Games to
learn new concepts, build on old concepts, and have fun.

(E2) How Do I Collect Grades for Investigations?

Kristy Richart - 3rd Grade Session
Teachers will be exposed to a variety of assessment techniques to be used with
Investigations. Formal and Informal Assessments will be discussed and created.

(E3) Trading Stickers - Combining Coins

Karen Perry - 3rd Grade Session
In this unit the students will:
Recognize and present the place value of each digit in 2- and 3-digit numbers
Use equivalencies among pennies, dimes and dollars
Recognize and demonstrate the equivalence of one 100 to ten 10s and of one 10 to
ten 1s
Recognize and use coin equivalencies
You will be introduced to two games -- "Capture 5" and "Collect $2.00"

(E4) So Many Resources, So Little Time....What to Do?

Nicole Rothove - 3rd Grade Session
Come to learn classroom management of Investigations. We will discuss practical
organization of materials, cooperative learning grouping and easy application of the
new Investigations series.

(E5) Don‟t Be a Square! Explore Geometry!

Nicole Rothove- 3rd Grade Session
In this session, we will work with different aspects of the Investigations curriculum
resources focusing on Geometry. We will explore games, the student activity book,
the student resource books as well as various websites. Don't be a square....come
join the fun!
 4th Grade Sessions

(F1) Data Analysis

Shannon Savvenas - 4th Grade Session
This presentation will cover ways to make sense of data and using graphs to
communicate important information. It will incorporate 10-minute math ideas, games,
lessons, and assessments for Unit 2. It will show various ways to supplement with
literature and technology and ways to differentiate your instruction.

(F2) Probability
Shannon Savvenas - 4th Grade Session
You are "Certain" to learn ways to find likelihood and chances of outcomes through
these lessons, games, and 10-minute math ideas. It will show ways to assess and
supplement with literature and technology for Unit 2, as well as ways to differentiate
your instruction.

(F3) Measurement - Size It Up

Tammy Beets - 4th Grade Session
This presentation will include lessons on the area of polygons, decomposing shapes,
and using symmetry. It will incorporate 10-minute math lessons, hands-on activities,
ways to differentiate instruction and assessment ideas.

(F4) 2-D Geometry - Polly Got a Cracker?

Tammy Beets - 4th Grade Session
This presentation will include lessons on the area of polygons and sorting and
combining 2-D geometric shapes. It will incorporate 10-minute math lessons, Quick
Images, Guess My Rule, hands-on activities and assessment ideas.

(F5) Multiple Towers

Gena Wenger – 4th Grade Session
During this session, we will demonstrate and discuss part of a unit of study where
students solve multiplication problems with small and large 2-digit numbers by
breaking the numbers apart and representing their solutions with arrays. Our session
will cover 10-minute math, games, activities, literature, and different ways to
differentiate.

(F6) Division Stories

Gena Wenger – 4th Grade Session
During this session, we will demonstrate and discuss ways students will solve and
represent division problems in story context, including problems with remainders. Our
session will cover 10-minute math, games, activities, literature, and ways to
differentiate.
(F7) Multiplication and Division
Pam Clark - 4th Grade Session
This session will be focused on the third cycle in the year of multiplication and division.
Two-digit multiplication, multiplication strategies, and problem solving using division
are the investigations in this session. We'll talk about 2 ten-minute math activities,
assessment, and how does this align with the GLEs and MAP.

(F8) Penny Jars and Plant Growth - What is the last book about?
Pam Clark – 4th Grade Session
This is a fun and important unit for the end of the year. Your students will explore
patterns, functions, and change. We will explore the 2 ten-minute math activities and
ways to incorporate them into what you are already doing. Our group will also see how
this unit can align with some of our science GLEs. This is a great unit to help
transition our students into 5th grade.

(F9) Solve Addition and Subtraction Problems Efficiently Using a

Variety of Strategies -Landmarks and Large Numbers
Karen Perry – 4th Grade Session
Students practice and refine strategies for adding and subtracting whole numbers to
10,000. Students continue to develop and use subtraction strategies with the goal of
using at least one strategy efficiently and accurately. They solve subtraction problems
involving removal, comparison and missing parts.
Goals: *Read, write, and sequence numbers up to 10,000
o Add and subtract multiples of 10; 100; and 1,000 fluently
o Solve addition and subtraction problems efficiently, choosing from a variety
of strategies.