Anja S. Greer Conference Course Offerings

03 – Writing a Problem-Based Math Curriculum

Leader: Diana Davis, Phillips Exeter Academy

Students learn math by doing math — specifically, by solving problems. In this course, you’ll work on transforming one of your courses into a problem-based curriculum. You’ll figure what you want to accomplish, determine the steps along the way, map out when you’ll do all these things, and write the problems. We’ll also learn to analyze Exeter’s problem-based curriculum so that you can pull problems out of it for your own use. We’ll work through each other’s problems and give each other feedback. At the end of the week, you’ll be well on your way to writing your curriculum.

04 – A Lab Approach to Calculus

Leader: Jess Emory, Phillips Exeter Academy

This course will cover highlights from a year-long calculus class that merges lab investigations with a problem-based curriculum. This program emphasizes qualitative approaches to problem-solving more than symbolic solutions with algebra, while also incorporating writing for understanding, collaboration, and focused spiraling of topics. Some of the labs focus on foundational aspects of calculus, while others delve into calculus-based models (income inequality, probability distributions, the “Tilt-a-Whirl”, skydiving). Participants will need to bring a tablet or laptop computer.

05 – Reading & Writing Mathematics

Leader: Brent Ferguson, Rutgers University, F.E.R.G. Math Mentoring

Math teachers assign tasks: questions, problems, projects, readings, and…wait, readings? Yes! This course examines short readings to assign to your students as explorations of topics, techniques, and vital considerations of math itself. Participants will leave with (1) ready-to-use materials for class readings and assignments that enrich, (2) skills to generate your own tasks from literature, images, and articles, (3) actual books, from each of which you can draw multiple tasks, and (4) a longer bibliography. Authors used include Bellos, Cheng, Doer, Ellenberg, Orlin, Singh, & Strogatz.

06 – Algebra 2 Labs That Deepen Understanding

Leader: Thomas Hill, Brewster Academy

Explore hands-on Algebra 2 labs that connect mathematical concepts to real-world contexts. We’ll compare linear and quadratic rates of change, model motion using quadratic functions, and investigate exponential growth through population and disease spread. Each lab helps students extend their understanding and see how math describes the world around them. Each lab is designed to extend students’ conceptual understanding and deepen their ability to transfer mathematical thinking beyond the classroom. Participants will leave with labs for linear, quadratic, and exponential functions!

07 – A Joyful Journey into Recreational Mathematics

Leader: Ron Lancaster, University of Toronto

Discover the joy of recreational mathematics through patterns, puzzles, games, magic tricks, origami, brainteasers, optical illusions, and curious mathematical phenomena! In this course, you’ll explore strategies to bring these topics to life in your teaching as interactive warm-ups, collaborative challenges, and engaging explorations that spark inquiry, problem-solving, and lively classroom discussion. Participants will leave inspired to create lessons that delight students, deepen understanding, and show that mathematics can be playful, surprising, and accessible to everyone at any age!

08 – Exeter Math 1: A Student-Centered Problem-Based Approach to Algebra 1

Leader: Julie Van Wright, Phillips Exeter Academy

We’ll look at problems from the Exeter Math 1 materials to experience problem solving through a Harkness discussion-based format, with the goal of building content with students, rather than for them. We’ll explore ways to empower students to discover and apply mathematical techniques while fostering a thinking classroom culture where students are excited to “dig in”. Our content spans Algebra 1 topics, including linear relationships, inequalities, absolute value, proportions, and a variety of “word” problems. Come see what Exeter Math is all about, at this introductory level!

Late Morning Classes – 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

09 – Just Five Good Precalculus Labs

Leader: Dan Butler, Fulton Science Academy

Let’s spice up our precalculus curriculum with some amazing labs. We will use GeoGebra, the TI-84, hands-on materials and anything else we decide we need to explore some of the concepts of precalculus through great problems, like using Astronomy magazine to teach transformations of trigonometric function, using paper folding to show basic trigonometric identities in a meaningful way, and a new look at the classic “Box Problem.” We will also take some time to discuss what needs to be in a precalculus course as well as how to fit these spicy problems into an already full curriculum.

10 – Math Through Making: Exploring Geometry with Hands-On Art and Design

Leader: Adam Chawansky, Phillips Exeter Academy

Discover the beauty of mathematics through creative, hands-on projects that blend art, geometry, and technology. In this course, participants will explore mathematical concepts through engaging activities including string art, origami, single-cut challenges, and sliceforms. Teachers will experience these projects as learners first, then discuss how to implement them in their own classrooms. Participants will leave with completed sample projects, implementation strategies, and ideas for adapting these activities to different grade levels and mathematical topics.

11 – Teaching a Discussion-Based Math Course

Leader: Diana Davis, Phillips Exeter Academy

Discussion-based courses are so wonderful for student engagement and understanding, but they’re challenging to teach well, especially the first time. In this course, you’ll learn to create a classroom environment that fosters student discussions, through the experience of being a student yourself, discussing how it went, and learning from the experience. We’l discuss ways to adapt the method to all kinds of classes — big, small, basic, advanced, full-class, small groups — and test out your ideas for your own classroom.

12 – Beyond the Walls! Mathematical Adventures Outside the Classroom

Leader: Ron Lancaster, University of Toronto

Step outside the classroom and into adventure! This course invites Algebra 1/2, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus teachers to experience mathematics outside of the classroom through math walks, physical models, hands-on experiments, and simulations—many of which need very little time. Teachers will explore a variety of mathematical problems and design activities for their students—including ones that invite passerby participation. They will leave with a toolkit of joyful, surprising, and interactive ways to bring math to life anywhere—in hallways, on school property, or in their community.

13 – Harnessing the Power of Technology in the PreAlgebra, Algebra I, and Geometry Classroom

Leader: Karen Latham, The Pike School

With today’s students learning in a digitally rich environment, our PreAlgebra, Algebra I, and Geometry curricula should strive to build conceptual math via technology. We will be exploring with the help of the TI-Nspire app for the iPad and the TI-84 CE Plus graphing calculator in conjunction with the Innovator Hub and the TI Rovers. Lessons will be geared towards PreAlgebra through Geometry with the focus on hands-on learning. Be prepared to learn some new strategies for teaching math, practice with a variety of TI technology tools, and have some fun learning!

14 – Design, Print, Math: Transforming Your Classroom with 3D Tools

Leader: Greta Mills, Oxbridge Academy

How can design tools turn math concepts into something you can touch and explore? In this course, you will use 3D modeling and fabrication to turn abstract ideas into tangible models. You’ll design projects that highlight topics from algebra through calculus and imagine new creations tailored to your classroom. In the Exeter Design Lab, you’ll gain hands-on experience connecting math with creativity and leave with prototypes, strategies, and the confidence to integrate design and fabrication into your teaching. Come join us and see how math can truly come to life!

15 – Fun in the Math Classroom

Leader: Subhadra Srinivasan, Hanover high school

In this course, we will look at math topics like sequences, optimization and trigonometry and explore ways to bring more fun into the classroom by using enriching problems, hands-on activities, applications and use of spreadsheets, Geogebra, Desmos and coding. We will look at how to invite more student choice in assignments without giving up rigor as well as the use of collaborative games in the classroom. Prepare to leave with activities and templates that you can use in your classroom, whether it is Geometry or Calculus or anything in between!

Afternoon Classes – 1:30-3:30 pm

16 – Exeter Math 1: A Student-Centered Problem-Based Approach to Algebra 1

Leader: Adam Chawansky, Phillips Exeter Academy

We’ll look at problems from the Exeter Math 1 materials to experience problem solving through a Harkness discussion-based format, with the goal of building content with students, rather than for them. We’ll explore ways to empower students to discover and apply mathematical techniques while fostering a thinking classroom culture where students are excited to “dig in”. Our content spans Algebra 1 topics, including linear relationships, inequalities, absolute value, proportions, and a variety of “word” problems. Come see what Exeter Math is all about, at this introductory level!

17 – Fun and Interesting Math Activities that Engage Students

Leader: Rebecca Courter, Charlotte Lain School

What can we do on a day that is not a normal teaching day? This course will illustrate several activities that can be used as a class warm-up, an enrichment activity, an interesting application, and a way to encourage mathematical imagination. These include patterns, brain teasers, games, hexaflexagons, math magic tricks, Pascal’s Triangle, combinatorics, origami, Moebius strips, math challenges, and curiosities. These activities apply to both high school and middle school classes.

18 – Exploring Exeter Math in Five Strands

Leader: Jess Emory, Phillips Exeter Academy

Exeter math materials are rich and exciting, spanning what is traditionally covered in algebra 1 through calculus BC over the course of four different problem sets (all of which are available for free online). From personal experience, it can be hard to explore these problems and make connections on your own. This course will explore two of our math books by following strands: volumes (pyramids, spheres, and packing chocolate bars), discovering conic sections, the number e, and derivative rules.

19 – Hitting the Goldilocks Zone in Precalculus and Calculus

Leader: Brent Ferguson, Rutgers University, F.E.R.G. Math Mentoring

“There are two gifts we should give our children – one is roots; the other is wings,” says Goethe. We all strive to help our students grow in many ways: learning math & learning how to learn. Sowe seek a balance between development (constructivist, open-ended explorations) and delivery (didactic, goal-oriented instruction). In this course, we’ll consider ways to use talking and writing in Calculus and Precalculus classes to hit the sweet spot in terms of structure (roots) and freedom (wings): not too little or too much, but “just right.”

20 – Where to Start with Harkness: Modify Your Existing Curriculum to Create a Discussion-Based Classroom

Leader: Thomas Hill, Brewster Academy

In this course, we will look at which concepts are the pillars of discussion classrooms and how you can use those with your existing curriculum. We will build problem sets for your students to use with what you already teach. You will leave the week with a framework on how to build up your existing curriculum to include discussion and problem-based learning approaches and have created a problem-based unit.

21 – Shape Shifters: Geometry in the Age of 3D Design

Leader: Greta Mills, Oxbridge Academy

How can modern tools like 3D printing and dynamic software reshape our understanding of classical geometry? This course blends traditional geometric principles with technology, moving beyond paper-and-pencil calculations to hands-on learning. Participants will use dynamic geometry software to visualize and manipulate shapes in real time. In the Exeter Design Lab, we’ll create 3D printed models to explore volume, surface area, the Pythagorean Theorem, and more, providing tangible tools for deeper understanding and engagement with key geometric concepts.

22 – Embedding Coding and Coding Activities into a Math Class

Leader: J Wysocki, Lakeside School, Seattle, Washington

How can programming support — not replace — math instruction? This session shows how coding can deepen understanding and reasoning. No programming experience is needed, though those with some background will find ways to go further. Using Python for its simplicity, we’ll cover basics like variables, loops, and functions, plus tools like Turtle and matplotlib, with a brief intro to Scratch/Snap. Participants will see classroom examples, try hands-on problems, and explore how AI can support coding-infused math activities.