Upping Our Math GameOutreach, Exhibits and So Much More

Let’s Do Some Math!

Mathemania!Natalie Bortoli

V.P. Programming & Experience Development

Goals of MathemaniaProgramming at CCM

•To enhance children’s math development

•To enhance visitors’ positive associations with math learning

•To raise capacity among our staff

Funding from McCormick Tribune

Math Initiative Elements

Based on our Playing With Numbers educator curriculum:

•9 Math-Focused Floor Programs

•Exhibit Self-Guide Cards: Make Your Visit Count!

•Parent/Caregiver Handout

•Training for Our Staff

How Young Children Approach Math

“Mathematical experiences for young children

should build largely upon their play and the

natural relationships between learning…and

their daily activities, interests and questions.”

-Douglas H. Clements, Ph.D, Early Childhood Today

Observable Math Skillsin Young Children

1. Classifying objects

2. Counting and developing number sense

3. Composing and decomposing numbers

4. Describing relationships between objects

5. Recognizing shapes; spatial reasoning

6. Describing the steps taken in reaching a conclusion (metacognition and problem-solving)

Math is all around you

at Chicago Children's

Museum. Discover

playful everyday math

in our exhibits and

programs. Surprise

yourself with how much

fun math can be!

• Multiple programs with flexibility to deliver individually or as stations

• Programs have varying levels of complexity

• One broad description for all programs

• Programs are “dealer’s choice,” decided by daily supervisor and facilitators based on audience

A Menu of Math Programs

1. Hammertime 6 mo.—4 years

2. Read Aloud 2-6 years

3. Shape of the Day 3-10 years

4. Make a Pattern 3-10 years

5. Counting Book 3—10 years

6. Fraction Action Pizzeria 4—10 years

7. Tangrams 3—10 years

8. Bar Graph All ages

9. Estimation Station 3—10 years

Purple=Good for Group Visitors

Hammertime!

Shape of the Day Pictures

Make a Pattern

Counting Book

Fraction-Action Pizzeria

Tangram Puzzles

Big Bar Graph

Estimation Station

Math Story Read-Aloud

Exhibit Cards: Make Your Visit Count!

Take-Home Piece for Parents/Caregivers

Staff TrainingTraining focuses on Observable Math Skills:

• Where do you see these happening in our exhibits?

Staff try out programs firsthand and discuss:

• How do these programs support children’s math play?

• How can I support and extend the learning?

www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Early Math Professional Development & Programming

Early Math Initiative Objectives

Childcare Providers

Foster a positive change in

attitudes and beliefs of early

math concepts in their programs.

Transfer skills learned through

the EMI into other informal

learning environments.

Childcare Program Components

• 3 Professional Development Workshops designed around “Big Ideas” of Sets, Patterns, Measurement, Spatial Relationships, and Shape.

• Classroom resources (children’s story books, manipulatives, lesson plans).

Childcare Program Components

• Activities for families

• Education Specialist visit site to conduct activity with children

• Field Trip to museum, hands-on workshop for children

(cover transportation and admission fees)

Math Exhibits Guide

Math Exhibits Guide

Childcare Directors Foster a positive change in attitudes

and beliefs of early math concepts

within childcare learning

environment.

Coaching and mentor support for

staff development on

implementation of early math into

classrooms.

McCormick Math @ Museums Initiative Objectives

Director Program Components

• 5 Professional Development Workshops designed around “Big Ideas” of Sets, Number Sense, Counting, Measurement, and Shape

• Individual Learning/ Self Reflection Assignments

• Coaching/ Mentor Strategies• Classroom resources (children’s story

books, manipulatives, lesson plans• Activities for families

Director Program Components

• 5 Professional Development Workshops designed around Early Math Big Ideas of Sets, Number Sense, Counting, Measurement, and Shape.

• Individual Learning/ Self Reflection Assignments

Director Program Components

• Coaching/ Mentor Strategies

• Classroom resources (children’s story books, manipulatives, lesson plans).

• Activities for families

Math Counts Program

Sets, Number Sense, Counting, Shape, Measurement, Spatial Relationships, Patterns

Math Focused Field Trips

Measure It!• Discover and explore how your body can be used as a measuring tool.

• Use comparisons to explore measurement

• Investigate and identify objects by their shape, size, color texture and pattern

• Learn how to make “fair” comparisons by using a variety of materials

• Identify attributes to make comparisons

• Appropriate for Grades: PK, KMeets Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards : 7.A, 7.B, 7.CMeets Common Core State Standards: MP.1, MP.3, MP.4, MP.5, MP.6

Math Focused Field Trips

Water Investigations

• Investigate various tools and methods to move water.• Test materials and methods to move water by comparing and contrasting various

tools including pipettes, basters and sponges.• Graph and chart data sets.• Plan, construct and test a pipeline to move water from one location to another.• Experiment with water flow by molding sand to create streams, rivers, lakes, and

dams.• Appropriate for Grades: PK, K, 1, 2, 3

Meets Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards: 10.A, 10.B, 10.C, 11.A, 13.B

• Related exhibit:• Water Works• Focus:• Math• Science

Early Math Big Ideas“Big Idea” Concepts must meet 3 criteria

(Clements and Sarama 2009)

• Mathematically central and coherent

• Consistent with children’s thinking

• Generative of future learning

Let’s Do Math!

SUBITIZING

THE DOSEUM

• Located in San Antonio,

TX

• Open since June 5th,

2015

• 104,000 sq. ft. overall

• 36,000 sq. ft. outdoor

space

• Formerly the San Antonio

Children’s Museum

• Blend of science center

and children’s museum

• STEM focus

MATH IN THE SUMMER

MATH MOVES MATHLETICS

MATHLETICS SUMMER CHALLENGE

GET MEDALS!

OUTREACH

• 6,700 kids reached

• Community Centers, Parks & Rec, YMCA Camps

IN ACTION!

• 2,120 kids earned at least one medal

• 525 kids earned all 5 medals

• Summer Do’Lympics

YOUR TURN!

Early Math Matters

Our Mission

The DuPage Children’s Museum ignites the

potential of all children to learn through hands-on

exploration by integrating art, math, and science.

Approaches to Supporting Early Math Learning

• Exhibit evaluation and design• Staff Training

• Professional Development• Caregiver Support

Everywhere Math!

Math Moments

Any Questions???