Current Session:
Acting Out Mathematics 430pm PDT July 16th
Unable to participate via Remo? Watch sessions here.
Math Teachers' Circle Network
Virtual Workshop
July 13th – July 17th, 2020
Description: This free workshop offered stand-alone sessions throughout the week of July 13 to 17. The daily program included math sessions, “Teachers’ Lounge” seminars, and social time to connect with math friends near and far. All MTC members were invited to join the workshop for as many sessions as they liked!

Session Video Replays
Highlight over a session and click to open the video recording in another window, or view the YouTube playlist.

Daily Program Details
Warm-up: Zoom-ba With Math Friends
Facilitator: Sloan Despeaux (Western Carolina University, Smoky Mountain MTC, and North Carolina Network of MTCs)
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. PDT
Get ready for a day of math fun with some Zoom-ba! Please note that pre-registration is required for this session.
Remo Rookie Orientation
Facilitators: AIM Staff (American Institute of Mathematics)
10:40 - 10:55 a.m. PDT
Learn how to get the most out of our online events platform, Remo.
Math Session: Compositions
Facilitator: Joshua Zucker (Freelance Math Teacher)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
Counting the number of ways to decompose a number into sums is an accessible but challenging problem. We will explore various ways to represent sums and the patterns that emerge from them, and see how changing our point of view can help us get started on a novel problem! Along the way we’ll uncover a multitude of problem-solving strategies.
Teachers’ Lounge: A Discussion on Online Teaching
Panel moderated by AIM Staff
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. PDT
Because of the pandemic, many educators are finding that they need to teach partially or fully online. In this session, instructors Sloan Despeaux (Western Carolina University, Smoky Mountain MTC, and North Carolina Network of MTCs), Anne Ho (University of Tennessee & Tennessee Eastern and Appalachian MTC), and Emily Dennett (Columbus Academy) will discuss challenges, tools, and resources for online instruction.
Social Circle: Estimathon
Facilitator: Chris Bolognese (Columbus Academy and Columbus MTC)
3:30 - 4:25 p.m. PDT
Join us for this fun blend of math and trivia! Work with a team to estimate the answers to questions and earn points depending on the accuracy of your guesses.
Math Session: How to Compute Infinite Fractions
Facilitator: Pedro Morales-Almazán (University of California, Santa Cruz)
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
In this session we will explore everyone's favorite math topic: fractions. In order to make it more interesting, we will consider fractions that are infinitely long! By doing so, we will discover an interesting way to describe numbers and to approximate known ones!
Math Session: Snowflakes, Symmetry, and Math Storytelling Day
Facilitator: Dr. Maria Droujkova (Natural Math)
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
Why do we love stories and how can we write some of our own? You don't have to wait for the Math Storytelling Day in September: this session is all about mathematical stories with and for young children. You will try out and help to improve a storytelling technique based on children's imaginative play. First, have a hands-on activity: a little adventure. Chat with some math friends as you play, unlocking words and ideas. Next, let the experience spark characters and worlds. Ask and answer questions about them, and stories might unfold. At the very least, you will have your little adventure!
Warm-up: Piyo With Math Friends
Facilitator: Holly Pinter (Western Carolina University)
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. PDT
Get ready for a day of math fun with some piyo (a blend of Pilates and yoga)! Please note that pre-registration is required for this session.
Remo Rookie Orientation
Facilitators: AIM Staff (American Institute of Mathematics)
10:40 - 10:55 a.m. PDT
Learn how to get the most out of our online events platform, Remo.
Math Session: Low-High Math
Facilitator: Sophia Stier (Johannes Kepler Universität-Linz; creator of LilMathGirl)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
The beauty of low floor, high ceiling, math is the challenge it poses, allowing everyone to start in the exploration and conjecture, and having the point where everyone gets stuck. Understanding that math has flexibility to be played with is a key skill in math education. Using the basic operations and simple (at first glance) problems we’re going to bend math and explore alternative ways to solutions. The focus being on what we see, what we notice, and what we think, remembering that the struggle and mistakes are just as important as the solutions.
Math Session: The Quantum Princess's Problem-Solving Adventures
Facilitators: Peter Tingley (Loyola University Chicago & Chicago MTC), Amanda Harsy Ramsay (Lewis University & Southwest Chicago MTC), and Karl Liechty (DePaul University & Chicago MTC)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
In this session, participants will work through and discuss one of our favorite “straight problem solving” problems, which is about a princess. These problems are fun and accessible adventures that dive deep into the heart of problem-solving.
Teachers’ Lounge: Desmos Activity Builder
Facilitator: Chris Bolognese (Columbus Academy and Columbus MTC)
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. PDT
Come learn about Desmos and how it can be used for interactive online teaching.
Social Circle: Math Jeopardy!
Facilitator: Andrew Penland (Western Carolina University)
3:30 - 4:25 p.m. PDT
Join us for a math-themed game of Jeopardy!
Math Session: The Game of Cycles
Facilitators: Fred Peck (University of Montana & the Montana MTC) and Nick Grener (Hellgate High School & the Montana MTC)
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
Join us for a fun game and engrossing mathematics. Francis Su introduced “The Game of Cycles” in his book, “Mathematics for Human Flourishing.” The game is easy to learn and fun to play. And—importantly—it is a fascinating mathematical object. In this session we’ll play the Game of Cycles, and then ask and explore mathematical questions about the game. No experience with the game is necessary.
Math Session: Fold & Cut
Facilitator: Elysée Wilson-Egolf (BATMath)
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
What happens when we fold paper flat and make a single straight complete cut? Let's explore our questions. We might find some open problems on the way.
Warm-up: Zoom-ba With Math Friends
Facilitator: Sloan Despeaux (Western Carolina University, Smoky Mountain MTC, and North Carolina Network of MTCs)
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. PDT
Get ready for a day of math fun with some Zoom-ba! Please note that pre-registration is required for this session.
Remo Rookie Orientation
Facilitators: AIM Staff (American Institute of Mathematics)
10:40 - 10:55 a.m. PDT
Learn how to get the most out of our online events platform, Remo.
National Math Session: Perfect Rulers
Facilitator: Chris Bolognese (Columbus Academy & Columbus MTC)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
Is it possible to measure all possible integer lengths on a ruler without marking every integer on that ruler? In particular, can you construct the most efficient ruler that can measure all integer lengths from 1 inch to 36 inches on a yardstick using the least number of marks? Join us as we explore how to make a “perfect ruler”!
Teachers’ Lounge: Navajo Math Circles Watch Party
Hosted by AIM
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. PDT
Navajo Math Circles is a one-hour film that documents the meeting of two worlds: that of some of the country’s most accomplished mathematicians and math educators, with the children and teachers in the underserved, largely rural Navajo educational system. Join us for a screening of the film and a chat with filmmaker George Csicsery.
Social Circle: Math Communities Online
Facilitators: Brianna Donaldson and Spencer Bowen (American Institute of Mathematics)
3:30 - 4:25 p.m. PDT
Find out how you, your students, and their families can participate this fall in the sister programs to MTC that make up Math Communities at the American Institute of Mathematics (https://mathcommunities.org/). Also, learn some creative methods for engaging students and educators in online math circles and festivals.
Math Session: Game of Life
Facilitator: Scott Kim (Math Monday & Game Thinking)
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
Join us as we explore John Conway’s Game of Life, one of the most mind-expanding mathematical playgrounds ever invented. It is based on cellular automata — an area of mathematics that gave rise to computers and the computerized world we now live in. Think Minecraft meets Rube Goldberg machines. You’ll learn how to play Life using physical manipulatives, then go deeper with computer versions of Life. Along the way you’ll ponder deep questions about physics, biology, computability, and how complex behavior can arise from simple rules.
Math Session: Snowflakes, Symmetry, and Math Storytelling Day
Facilitator: Dr. Maria Droujkova (Natural Math)
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
Why do we love stories and how can we write some of our own? You don't have to wait for the Math Storytelling Day in September: this session is all about mathematical stories with and for young children. You will try out and help to improve a storytelling technique based on children's imaginative play. First, have a hands-on activity: a little adventure. Chat with some math friends as you play, unlocking words and ideas. Next, let the experience spark characters and worlds. Ask and answer questions about them, and stories might unfold. At the very least, you will have your little adventure!
Remo Rookie Orientation
Facilitators: AIM Staff (American Institute of Mathematics)
10:40 - 10:55 a.m. PDT
Learn how to get the most out of our online events platform, Remo.
Local Math Session: Problem Solving (North Carolina Network of MTCs)
Facilitator: Judith Covington (Northwestern State University of Louisiana)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
Please contact Nathan Borchelt at naborchelt@email.wcu.edu to participate.
Local Math Session: Set (Tennessee Eastern & Appalachian MTC)
Facilitators: Tabatha Rainwater and Anne Ho (University of Tennessee & Tennessee Eastern and Appalachian MTC)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
Please contact Anne Ho at aho5@utk.edu to participate.
Local Math Session: Chameleon Mayhem! (Chicago MTC)
Facilitators: Chicago MTC Personnel
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
We will work on a problem involving color changing lizards, which (hopefully) will also lead to colorful math. As usual we will end with some reflection, this time probably also reflecting on the online format we are all getting used to. Hope to see you there! Please fill out this form to participate, and include your location in the response about your school/organization if you are not from the Chicago area.
Teachers’ Lounge: Desmos (North Carolina Network of MTCs)
Facilitator: Chris Bolognese (Columbus Academy)
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. PDT
Please contact Nathan Borchelt at naborchelt@email.wcu.edu to participate.
Social Circle: North Carolina Network of MTCs Happy Hour
3:30 - 4:25 p.m. PDT
Reconnect with all of your NC MTC friends. We’ll discuss news and plans for the upcoming year. Please contact Nathan Borchelt at naborchelt@email.wcu.edu to participate.
Local Math Session: Problem Solving (North Carolina Network of MTCs)
Facilitator: Angie Hodge-Zickerman (Northern Arizona University)
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
Please contact Nathan Borchelt at naborchelt@email.wcu.edu to participate.
Warm-up: Yoga Flow With Math Friends
Facilitator: Holly Pinter (Western Carolina University)
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. PDT
Get ready for a day of math fun with some yoga flow! We’ll do a blend of yoga and pilates movements for stretching and strengthening. Please note that pre-registration is required for this session.
Remo Rookie Orientation
Facilitators: AIM Staff (American Institute of Mathematics)
10:40 - 10:55 a.m. PDT
Learn how to get the most out of our online events platform, Remo.
Math Session: Snapology Origami
Facilitators: Dave Honda (Thurgood Marshall Middle School & San Diego MTC) and Yana Mohanty (Geometiles & San Diego MTC)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
In this hands-on, interactive session we will teach the basics of snapology origami and guide you in constructing an icosahedron out of paper strips with no glue! After the session, you will be able to construct other snapology origami polyhedra on their own. This math craft activity builds spatial and fine motor skills, and is perfect for long periods of time spent at home. Please note that pre-registration is required.
OTHER SPECIAL NOTES:
- In order to benefit fully from this interactive Zoom session, it is requested that video cameras be left on. Please only sign up if you are able to participate via video.
- Please come prepared with special cardstock for doing your own snapology origami. Two options for obtaining this cardstock are through Michael's (free curbside pickup) or Staples (free curbside pickup or next-day delivery).
- It would be also helpful to have an icosahedron model at hand while the class is happening. The icosahedron can be made out of any material or construction toy. Alternatively, you can simply print this icosahedron template onto cardstock or a manila folder and glue it together along the tabs.
Math Session: Modeling a Pandemic
Facilitators: Kyle Evans (Trinity College, CT), Scott Kapralos (Capitol Region Education Council),
Gina Rivera (Bristol Public Schools), Megan Staples (University of Connecticut)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
In this session, we “read the world” with mathematics by modeling the pandemic and the impact of different policy proposals on the spread of disease. We then consider the implications of this mathematics and how our deepened understanding helps us and students look at the world through a critical lens and utilize mathematics to “write the world.”
Teachers’ Lounge: Equity in Mathematics Education
Panel Moderated by Anne Ho and Chris Bolognese
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. PDT
In this panel session, Gloria Brown Brooks (Instructional Leadership Corps, BATMath, TODOS: Mathematics for All), Hortensia Soto (Colorado State University), Belin Tsinnajinnie (Santa Fe Community College), and Aris Winger (Georgia Gwinnett College) will share their perspectives on equity in math education. This will be followed by a Q&A with the audience.
Social Circle: Equity Roundtable Discussions
Facilitators: equity panelists and workshop organizers
3:30 - 4:25 p.m. PDT
Continue discussing equity in mathematics education with panelists, workshop organizers, and other participants.
Math Session: Acting Out Mathematics
Facilitator: Hortensia Soto (Colorado State University)
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. PDT
In this session, the facilitator will provide a quick overview of how body movement influences the learning of mathematics. In teams, participants will create body movements related to geometry facts and will use their body to create a convincing argument as to why the statement is true. Please bring your fun-meter, your creativity, your body, and open physical space (for moving) to this session.
Warm-up: Zoom-ba With Math Friends
Facilitator: Sloan Despeaux (Western Carolina University, Smoky Mountain MTC, and North Carolina Network of MTCs)
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. PDT
Get ready for a day of math fun with some Zoom-ba! Please note that pre-registration is required for this session.
Remo Rookie Orientation
Facilitators: AIM Staff (American Institute of Mathematics)
10:40 - 10:55 a.m. PDT
Learn how to get the most out of our online events platform, Remo.
Virtual Math Festival: Activities from MathCircles.org and JRMF.org
Facilitator: Spencer Bowen (American Institute of Mathematics)
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PDT
Bring the whole family along to enjoy some doing some fun math together at this virtual festival! Please note that pre-registration is required for this session.
Teachers’ Lounge: Pile Splitting
Facilitator: James Tanton (The Global Math Project & the Mathematical Association of America)
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. PDT
Take a pile of nine pebbles or nine coins or nine cucumbers (you can't use zucchini) and split them into two piles. Then split each of those piles into two piles. And keep doing this until you have nine piles each with one object. What could be mathematically astounding about such a process? A scary, tremendous amount of astonishing mathematical stuff! Let's explore that mathematics together. All you need is pencil and paper and an open brain.
Problem of the Day
This workshop was sponsored by the Math Teachers’ Circle Network of the American Institute of Mathematics and organized by:
- Chris Bolognese (Columbus MTC and Columbus Academy)
- Nathan Borchelt and Sloan Despeaux (Smoky Mountain MTC, North Carolina Network of MTCs, and Western Carolina University)
- Anne Ho (Tennessee Eastern & Appalachian MTC and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville)
- Brianna Donaldson and Spencer Bowen (American Institute of Mathematics)