This project provides an opportunity for a select group of middle school teachers of mathematics (grades 6-8) to learn the basic concepts of discrete mathematics, probability, and mathematical modeling, and to write materials for a curriculum guide for use in middle school classes. Two subgroups of 21 teachers will participate for three academic quarters. Each subgroup will spend two academic quarters studying topics in discrete mathematics, probability, and mathematical modeling. The third quarter will be devoted to the preparation of supplementary curricular materials on these topics appropriate for middle school students. During the summer quarters of 1990 and 1991, the University of Cincinnati faculty associated with the project, assisted by a middle school mathematics teacher, will edit the modules written by the participants, develop additional modules, and add a bibliography, background material, and appropriate computer software. It is anticipated that the curriculum guide will be duplicated and distributed at the end of the summer, 1991. A six-hour workshop for 30 additional middle school teachers is planned for autumn, 1991, to provide a wider distribution of the curriculum guide. Non-NSF cost sharing for this project is 5% of the award total.
