Fifty-Seventh Annual
Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area
Mathematics Conference
An AMTNYS Affiliate
Saturday, March 19th, 2016
Hosted by the
NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Niskayuna High School
1626 Balltown Road
Niskayuna, New York 12309
http://hmvamc.webs.com/
Directions to Niskayuna High School
1626 Balltown Road Niskayuna, NY 12309 Phone 382-2511
From the:
NYS THRUWAY (FROM THE WEST OR SOUTH)
Take thruway until Exit 25, I-890. Travel on 890. Take exit 7, Route 7. Travel on
route 7 for 2 miles. Turn left onto Balltown Rd. (Route 146 East). School is on
right about 1.5 miles.
EAST/NORTHWAY (FROM THE SOUTH) Take Northway to Exit 6. Travel West
on Route 7. In about 8 miles, veer right onto Union Street towards 146. At traffic
light, turn right onto 146. Travel straight. School is on right about 1.5 miles.
Northway (FROM THE NORTH)
Take Northway Exit 9W, Route 146 West. Follow 146. In 6 miles, turn left onto
Balltown Road (this is still Route 146.) School is on left in about 3.5 miles.
Route 50 (North) Take Route 50 South into Glenville. After Price Chopper and
Hannaford, turn left onto Glenridge Road (there are Mobile and Speedway gas
stations at this intersection). Travel about 2 miles to Route 146 (you will pass
through a traffic circle, continue straight on Glenridge Road). Turn right onto
Route 146 West. School is on left in about 3.5 miles.
PARKING ~ Please be cognizant of NO PARKING signs both on-street & off-street
• NOTE: Signs will be posted directing you to the CONFERENCE
ENTRANCE.
• There is additional parking lots on the right side of the school building
Please enter NHS through the Front ENTRANCE on Balltown Road. ALL
other doors to NHS will be locked.

Conference Participants will be awarded a
Certificate of Completion for 5 contact hours.
 Please share this program with your colleagues 
A copy of this program, registration forms and
detailed information may be obtained by visiting
http://hmvamc.webs.com
Two (2) DOOR PRIZE RAFFLES
COMPLIMENTS OF
http://education.ti.com/en/us/home
WINNER will receive:
TI-84 Plus CE: the new rechargeable, color graphing, back lit
screen graphing calculator
or
TI-Nspire CX handheld: the top of the line technology from Texas
Instruments. Acceptable to use on all NYS Math Regents exams.
*** FREE TO ENTER ***
Must be present to win!
Drawings will be held
between Lunch A and Lunch B
Winners will be posted at the TI booth
Conference attendees must fill out and return raffle tickets at the TI booth!
-1-

Dear Mathematics Professionals of the Capital Region and Beyond:
Welcome to the Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area Math Conference and to
Niskayuna High School. We are thrilled that your professional community is here
in our district to share strategies and best practices that will benefit students
across the state. Your participation in this conference is a testament to your
dedication to the profession and your students – as well as the power of
colleagues learning from one another.
As educators in New York, we have come a long way in mathematics in a short
period of time. We are becoming more familiar with the shifts of the Common
Core standards and the instructional strategies that they require, and this is
starting to pay off for our students. They are not just learning the steps required to
answer problems – they are learning how to approach and solve problems. They
are learning the deep thinking that is at the heart of math. I encourage you to
take a moment to reflect on and be proud of what has been accomplished.
This is a challenging time to be in math education, but it is also an exciting one.
This conference certainly reflects that. We have educators here from all levels; it
is more critical than ever for us to recognize that the work and learning that takes
place in one grade is the foundation for the progress in the next – especially in
math. There are sessions focused on computer science, a growing and important
field in which math educators are playing a leading role. Other sessions will
focus on interdisciplinary approaches, reinforcing the fact that students rely on
the critical thinking and problem solving skills they learn in our math classrooms,
in other subjects and the rest of their lives. Math is real-world learning.
Finally, I would like to thank the conference presenters for sharing their
experiences, insights and strategies with colleagues. The formal and informal
learning that will take place throughout the day is professional development at its
finest. We are so pleased to welcome you to Niskayuna for it, and wish you a
wonderful conference and productive and enjoyable remainder to the school year.
Sincerely,
Lauren Gemmill
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Niskayuna Central School District
-2-

Dear Hudson-Mohawk Math Conference Attendees:
On behalf of our high school community, I would like to extend our
warmest welcome to all of you to Niskayuna High School.
We take great pride in our learning community and we support all
initiatives towards student learning and staff development. We hope that
your experience here will be one that yields many opportunities for you.
Our math department is a very talented group of educators led by director,
William Wales. We are proud to host this conference and we want you to
feel at home.
Enjoy your visit and may the 4’s be with you!
All My Best,
John W. Rickert
Principal
-3-
Fifty-Seventh Annual
Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area
Mathematics Conference
Saturday, March 19th, 2016
Schedule of Events
7:45 AM – 8:45 AM
Registration and Coffee
8:50 AM – 9:50 AM
Session 1 and Welcome
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
Session 2
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 3
12:10 PM – 1:10 PM
Lunch Break, Visit Exhibits
12:10 Group A Lunch ~ Café
DOOR PRIZE RAFFLES!!
Must be present to win!
12:25 Group B Lunch ~ Café
1:20 PM – 2:10 PM
Session 4
Book exhibits and vendors will be available
between the hours of 7:45 AM and 1:30 PM.
Visit the exhibits to view the latest in textbooks,
manipulatives, technology, and more!!
-4-
SESSION 1 ~ 8:50 – 9:50
4 Concepts for Math Success
K-2, 3-5, General
View the math you teach through the lens of these 4 succinct concepts, and your students
will understand math with greater ease, success and confidence.
Steven Bluestone
Bluestone Math
Room F309
Teaching 21st Century Mathematicians
K-2, 3-5, MS, College
Come explore online courses in three grade-bands providing opportunities to learn
through best practices. Each course offers a self-paced, interactive environment with
classroom-ready downloadable tools.
Heidi Bromley
Questar III BOCES & Excelsior College
Room C460
Tape Diagrams for All!
3-5
Let’s use tape diagrams as a problem solving strategy. We will examine some basic level
problems and move on to more complex problems involving fractions and decimals.
Judi Matthews
Chatham CSD
Room F310
Fractions & Decimals, Oh My!
3-5, MS
Come join us as we talk about ways to reinforce fraction and decimal operations with your
students. You will leave with activities, worksheets, websites and projects for your
classroom use.
Jennifer Toohey, Christine Tylock, Jacquie Giaccone
Iroquois MS
Room D306
Mathivators: Motivational Strategies for Success
3-5, MS
in Mathematics
Do you want YOUR students to look forward to YOUR class…every day? Then join us
and learn how to motivate students so they can learn, love and look forward to
mathematics.
Carolyn Hirst-Loucks and Kim P. Loucks
Teaching and Learning Connected
Room F302
-5-
SESSION 1 ~ 8:50 – 9:50
Learning Mathematics through Scratch Programming
3-5, MS
(Grades 5 -8)
Join Kathy for an interactive, hands-on Scratch programming workshop. Learn how you
can craft programming assignments that develop skill with the coordinate plane,
transformations, beautiful geometry, integer operations, systems of equations, infinity, and
beyond.
Kathryn Perry
Shenendehowa CSD
Room C444
Ice, Ice Baby - Using Hockey to Explore
3-5, MS
Math Concept & STEM Careers
Future Goals - Hockey Scholar™ is a no-cost, web-based resource aligned to CCLS.
Students apply hockey concepts to math (ex: area of a rink, geometric figures by painting
the ice and speed calculations.) BYOD optional
Note: This program has been sponsored by the NHL, NHLPA and your local professional
hockey team.
Colleen Schafer
EverFi, Inc.
Room C453
How to Conduct a Math Fair and Provide Enrichment
MS
for Your Students
During our session we will provide a step-by-step guide for teachers hosting a math fair.
We provide sample rubrics, parent communication letters as well as a robust list of over
thirty projects for students to investigate and explore. Samples of math fair poster boards
developed by students will be exhibited.
Beth Goldberg and Mackenzie Dabo
NYS Master Teachers
Linden Avenue MS
Room F307
Thin Films
MS
Using soap bubbles, learn how to measure the thickness of a thin film. We will calculate
the volume and surface area of a sphere in this module. The module can be taught over
three 40 min periods or shared with a science/technology teacher to do some STEM.
Mary Ann Nickloy, Mohonasen CSD/NEATEC/GCRTC
Debbie Silvernail, Fonda-Fultonville CSD
Room C442
-6-
SESSION 1 ~ 8:50 – 9:50
Applications to Enhance Learning
MS, HS
Use the APPS for the TI-84 to decrease "Chalk 'n Talk" and increase the depth of
understanding. An overview on integrating Applications; GuessCoef, AreaForm, ProbSim,
Transfrm, and more.
JoAnn Miltenberg
Farmingdale HS
Room D307
An Investigation of Linear Functions
MS, HS
Functions play a key role in CCSS-M. This session explores definitions of linear functions
and three standard forms: slope-intercept, homogeneous, and the less familiar interceptintercept.
James Carpenter
Iona College
Room F305
Programming with Python
MS, HS
Python is an exciting computer language that allows students to create their own games
and drawings and is a gateway to Java. The students will learn to translate their problem
solving technique into computer programming language. Python is free to download.
Stephanie Graseck
Niskayuna HS
Room D111 (computer lab)
It’s still about Fundamentals: Stop Using PEMDAS
MS, HS
– Bracket Method
Better fundamental skills = better math students: 20 years of success without PEMDAS.
Middle school, Low level, ESL, Special Ed. The best method for teaching fundamental
algebra skills.
Nick Badalato
Kingston HS
Room C455
-7-
SESSION 1 ~ 8:50 – 9:50
Infusing Nano-Technology into the Mathematics Classroom
MS, HS, College
Come learn about the fastest growing field in our area! Discover lessons that are aligned
to the Common Core standards that show applications to Nano-Technology. Get your kids
excited about the Nano field while using hands-on activities in your classroom. There will
be a focus on Algebra 2 statistics topics.
Audrey Cucci, Erika Roberts, Tracey Smith
NYS Master Teachers
Room D303
Utilizing Algebra as a Proof Technique in
MS, HS, College, General
Exploring Mathematical Insights
This hands-on presentation will illustrate the power of algebra in proving a number of neat
results selected from the branches of geometry, number, and discrete mathematics.
Jay L. Schiffman
Rowan University
Room F306
Geometry CC – Integrating Equations into Your Course
HS
Looking for integration of quadratic, rational, and systems of equations into your course?
Geometry-driven algebraic questions and tips for developing your own questions will be
shared.
Carey Grigas and Shana DeRocco
Niskayuna HS
Room F303
Algebra 2 Stats
HS, College, General
This presentation is designed around “post Geometry” math instruction. We will clarify
topics that have moved, as well as provide lessons and strategies for Statistics.
Marcy Boyd
York HS
Room D301
Student-Centered Activities for non-AP Calculus Students
HS
Want to make Calculus exciting for your students? Come see some student-centered
activities you can use in your classroom. Lessons will be demonstrated.
Angela Netoskie and Dan Mattoon
Niskayuna HS
Room D308
-8-
SESSION 1 ~ 8:50 – 9:50
Formative Assessment – 2 Quick and Easy
General Interest
Interactive Methods
Plickers and Kahoots – whether you have one device (cell phone or ipad) to an entire
class set, I’ll help you gather data to drive instruction in minutes!
Beverly Greco
Amsterdam HS
Room D305
Investigating the Soma Cube
General Interest
During this engaging workshop attendees will create the different pieces that make up the
Soma cube and investigate some other interesting shape that can be made with these
pieces.
Janice Balogh, Liz Carroll, Mark Kaercher, Jason Reinhard, Michelle Riley, and
Susan Yagielski
NYS Master Teachers
Maple Hill HS
Room D304
Google Sites for Beginners
General Interest
During this workshop, participants will learn the basics of Google Sites including how to
create a basic homepage, add images and links, upload files, and build additional website
pages. You must have a gmail account to participate.
Lindsay Tresansky
Shaker HS
Room D310 (computer lab)
-9-
SESSION 2 ~ 10:00 – 10:50
4 Concepts for Math Success
K-2, 3-5, General
View the math you teach through the lens of these 4 succinct concepts and your students
will understand math with greater ease, success and confidence.
Steven Bluestone
Bluestone Math
Room F309
Teaching 21st Century Mathematicians
K-2, 3-5, MS, College
Come explore online courses in three grade-bands providing opportunities to learn
through best practices. Each course offers a self-paced, interactive environment with
classroom-ready downloadable tools.
Heidi Bromley
Questar III BOCES & Excelsior College
Room C460
Math and Technology in the Classroom
K-2, 3-5
This workshop will include lessons, ideas and processes for including technology into daily
math lessons. It will be a tutorial on how to use the smartboard effectively during math
instruction and also building these lessons using the smartboard.
Ian Knox
Craig Elementary School
Room D304
Tape Diagrams for All!
3-5
Let’s use tape diagrams as a problem solving strategy. We will examine some basic level
problems and move on to more complex problems involving fractions and decimals.
Judi Matthews
Chatham CSD
Room F310
Mathivators: Motivational Strategies for Success in Mathematics
3-5, MS
Do you want YOUR students to look forward to YOUR class…every day? Then join us
and learn how to motivate students so they can learn, love and look forward to
mathematics.
Carolyn Hirst-Loucks and Kim P. Loucks
Teaching and Learning Connected
Room F302
- 10 -
SESSION 2 ~ 10:00 – 10:50
Secret Agents Missions to Teach STEM
3-5, MS
Radius - STEM Readiness™ web-based learning, covering topics ranging from the real
world application of algebra to basic computer science and STEM career exploration.
BYOD optional
Note: This program has been sponsored in full by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers
Colleen Schafer
EverFi, Inc.
Room C453
MATH = FUN
MS
Would you like to organize a Family Math Night? Or create centers for your math
classroom? Or do you just need activities to engage your students? Then join us and
leave with ideas and activities to make math FUN!
Susan Summerfield
Fort Plain CSD
Room F303
What is Nanoscience?
MS
An introductory overview of nanoscience and how size affects the properties of materials.
Real life connections to scientific notation and surface area. The module is taught over
four 40 min periods or shared with a science/technology teacher to do some STEM.
Mary Ann Nickloy, Mohonasen CSD/NEATEC/GCRTC
Debbie Silvernail, Fonda-Fultonville CSD
Room C442
Keep Them Wanting More!
MS, HS
From review games to in-class competitions, come and find new methods to make math
class fun again. This session will be high energy. Be prepared!
John Carlino, NYS Master Teacher
Bethlehem HS
Room F304
An Investigation of Linear Functions
MS, HS
Functions play a key role in CCSS-M. This session explores definitions of linear functions
and three standard forms: slope-intercept, homogeneous, and the less familiar interceptintercept.
James Carpenter
Iona College
Room F305
- 11 -
SESSION 2 ~ 10:00 – 10:50
GeoGebra – a FREE Program
MS, HS
Come learn how GeoGebra can be used in class, by students, to create diagrams for
Word and more. No prior experience needed. Learn basics and explore GeoGebra tube.
Michelle M. Connolly
Shaker JHS and CBA
Room C444
Programming with Python
MS, HS
Python is an exciting computer language that allows students to create their own games
and drawings and is a gateway to Java. Students will learn to translate their problem
solving technique into computer programming language. Python is free to download.
Stephanie Graseck
Niskayuna HS
Room D111 (computer lab)
Applications to Enhance Learning
MS, HS
Use the APPS for the TI-84 to decrease "Chalk 'n Talk" and increase the depth of
understanding. An overview on integrating Applications; GuessCoef, AreaForm, ProbSim,
Transfrm, and more.
JoAnn Miltenberg
Farmingdale HS
Room D307
Infusing Nano-Technology into the Mathematics Classroom
MS, HS, College
Come learn about the fastest growing field in our area! Discover lessons that are aligned
to the Common Core standards that show applications to Nano-Technology. Get your kids
excited about the Nano field while using hands-on activities in your classroom. There will
be a focus on Algebra 2 statistics topics.
Audrey Cucci, Erika Roberts, Tracey Smith
NYS Master Teachers
Room D303
Utilizing Algebra as a Proof Technique in Exploring
MS, HS, College, General
Mathematical Insights
This hands-on presentation will illustrate the power of algebra in proving a number of neat
results selected from the branches of geometry, number, and discrete mathematics.
Jay L. Schiffman
Rowan University
Room F306
- 12 -
SESSION 2 ~ 10:00 – 10:50
Construction Junction – Learning More Advanced Constructions
HS
Want to learn more on constructions? Bring your compasses! We will perform
constructions involving transformations and justify why inscribing a hexagon can be
useful.
Jessica Hallock and Dan Mattoon
Niskayuna HS
Room D308
TI + JMAP = Regents Review Made Easy!
HS
We all have to review for the NYS Regents exams. See how easy reviewing has become
with the partnership between TI and JMAP.org. Engage students in review and get instant
feedback while reviewing the entire course,
Dana Morse
Texas Instruments
Room C455
Are You Ready for Statistics in Algebra 2?
HS
I taught my Statistics unit early, so I can share my successes and failures with you! Never
taught stats before? No worries! We’ll all get through it together!
Robyn Poulsen, T3 Instructor
Master Teacher Fellow
Lake Placid MS/HS
Room D306
How Does It Grow…Or Does It?
HS
Participants will experience many interesting problems and investigations around
exponential equations. The problems lead to a better understanding of exponential
growth/decay, and the participants will take back lessons that can be used in their
classrooms.
Tim Scripko
College Preparatory Mathematics
Room F307
- 13 -
SESSION 2 ~ 10:00 – 10:50
Formative Assessment – 2 Quick and Easy
General Interest
Interactive Methods
Plickers and Kahoots – whether you have one device (cell phone or ipad) to an entire
class set, I’ll help you gather data to drive instruction in minutes!
Beverly Greco
Amsterdam HS
Room D305
Google Sites for Beginners
General Interest
During this workshop, participants will learn the basics of Google Sites including how to
create a basic homepage, add images and links, upload files, and build additional website
pages. You must have a Gmail account to participate.
Lindsay Tresansky
Shaker HS
Room D310 (computer lab)
The Interactive Classroom – Formative Assessment
General Interest
Using Technology
Learn about a few free online tools
(Socrative, Kahoot, Quizizz, the Desmos activity builder, and Pear Deck) that have
changed my classroom into a more interactive learning environment.
Elizabeth Carroll
Shaker JHS
Room D301
- 14 -
SESSION 3 ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Beautiful Math, Numerical Art
K-2, 3-5, MS, HS, General
Math and art, as different as night and day, right? Wrong! Creative ways to help kids fall in
love with math. Free book raffle!
Jennifer Zhao
EDC Publishing (Usborne Books and More)
Room F303
Making Modules Easy
K-2, 3-5, General
This presentation is designed for Elementary Math teachers. We will discuss “new math”,
as well as teaching strategies to help your students thrive!
Marcy Boyd
York HS
Room D301
Practical Mathematical Instructional Leadership
K-2, 3-5, MS, HS
Geared for those who provide professional learning opportunities in mathematics K-12 to
delve into HOW our students internalize mathematical knowledge reaching beyond the
content to the full potential of the practices.
Heidi Bromley
NYSAMS President
Room C460
Bar Modeling / Tape Diagrams 101
3-5
This is an introduction to using bar modeling, aka tape diagrams, to teach a variety of
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division word problems.
Danielle Bouton-Wales
Questar III BOCES
Room F305
Secret Agents Missions to Teach STEM
3-5, MS
Radius - STEM Readiness™ web-based learning, covering topics ranging from the real
world application of algebra to basic computer science and STEM career exploration.
BYOD optional Note: This program has been sponsored in full by the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers
Colleen Schafer
EverFi, Inc.
Room C453
- 15 -
SESSION 3 ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Programming with Scratch
3-5, MS, HS
Scratch is an exciting computer programming environment that allows students to create
their own animated stories and video games. This language was designed to make the
process of learning to program easier and less frustrating for beginners by dragging and
dropping code elements. Scratch can be downloaded for free or used on wifi.
Stephanie Graseck
Niskayuna HS
Room D111 (computer lab)
Google Docs for the Math Classroom
3-5, MS, HS
Do you want to use Google Docs for your materials but are afraid to leave your current
software? Come learn how to create and collaborate with Google’s suite of tools.
Participants should provide their own laptop or tablet to be used in the session.
(Grades 5-12)
Mark Kaercher, NYS Master Teacher
Shaker HS
Room D307
How to Conduct a Math Fair and Provide Enrichment
MS
for Your Students
During our session we will provide a step-by-step guide for teachers hosting a math fair.
We provide sample rubrics, parent communication letters as well as a robust list of over
thirty projects for students to investigate and explore. Samples of math fair poster boards
developed by students will be exhibited.
Beth Goldberg and Mackenzie Dabo
NYS Master Teachers
Linden Avenue MS
Room D305
Ready Made Quality Group Work 6th-8th Math
MS
Join us as we focus on group activities that will engage students, provide formative
assessment, and cover Standards and differentiated instruction using all free material
from map.mathshell.org.
Debbie Silvernail, Fonda-Fultonville CSD
Mary Ann Nickloy, Mohonasen CSD
Room C442
- 16 -
SESSION 3 ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Keep Them Wanting More!
MS, HS
From review games to in-class competitions, come and find new methods to make math
class fun again. This session will be high energy. Be prepared!
John Carlino, NYS Master Teacher
Bethlehem HS
Room F304
Technology Tools in the Math Classroom (Part 1)
MS, HS
Differentiate instruction and use formative assessments in your classrooms with Kahoot,
Quizizz, Secretive, Plickers, and other technology tools. BYOD
Lisa McCleod and Carole Geruso
Glens Falls HS
Room C444
eduCanon = Interactive Classroom
MS, HS
eduCanon is an on-line learning environment where teachers can create, find, and share
interactive video lessons. Students receive feedback on each completed question, and
teachers get students’ progress in real-time. A worksheet can be transformed into an online learning experience that engages students and drives data-led instruction.
Vanessa Cramer
Gowana MS
Room D310 (computer lab)
Smartboard Games for the Smart and Bored
MS, HS
Smart? Bored? Looking to spice up your lessons? During this workshop, participants will
explore a variety of games developed for the Smart Board and learn how to create their
own.
Lindsay Tresansky
Shaker HS
Room F310
Fun with Foldables
MS, HS, General
Use interactive notes to keep students engaged and organized. This note style is great for
vocab, comparisons, equations, etc. Be creative in math again!
Michelle Riley, NYS Master Teacher
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake HS
Room F302
Stepping Up STEM with TI Nspire Technology
MS, HS, College
Are you looking for ways to improve STEM instruction in your classroom? Come and learn
how to present these activities using the TI-Nspire. See how these STEM activities reach
our students and get them excited about STEM careers. Learn a few tricks on how these
activities can be used to flip a classroom.
Audrey Cucci, NYS Master Teacher
Frankfort-Schuyler CSD
Room D303
- 17 -
SESSION 3 ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Exploring the Beauty of Counterexamples
MS, HS, College, General
We often wonder if a statement is always true. In this hands-on workshop, participants will
discover counterexamples in number, analysis and algebra. Delving deeper into
conjectures will be key.
Jay L. Schiffman
Rowan University
Room F306
TI Tips for Regents Exam Success
HS
Get the most out of your TI technology and build mathematical confidence in your
students. Learn the hidden features and see tips that can really help on high stakes
exams.
Dana Morse
Texas Instruments
Room C455
Some Higher Intellectual Topics that you can Skip
HS
in Common Core Algebra
Designed for teachers of weaker Algebra students, this presentation suggests which
topics could be combined efficiently and which might best be altogether eliminated.
Keith Landry and Angela Netoskie
Niskayuna HS
Room D308
Common Core Geometry and the Regents Exam
HS
Learn more about the CC Geometry Regents. I’ve compiled Regents questions by
standard for discussion and will show resources provided by the state.
Dan Mattoon
Niskayuna HS
Room D304
Polynomial Relationships with Leprechans
HS
and other Holiday Problems
Participants will solve problems that lead to functional relationships that can be described
with polynomials. The problems have connections to St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo,
and other holidays. Great problems of the week for special times of the year.
Jim Matthews, Siena College
Connor Breen, Grad Student, SUNY Albany
Room F307
- 18 -
SESSION 3 ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Are You Ready for Statistics in Algebra 2?
HS
I taught my Statistics unit early, so I can share my successes and failures with you! Never
taught stats before? No worries! We’ll all get through it together!
Robyn Poulsen, T3 Instructor
Master Teacher Fellow
Lake Placid MS/HS
Room D306
AP Stats – Our Local Community
HS
This session will focus on activities that will help improve current courses, techniques to
prepare your students for the AP, and will look at life after the May Exam. Bring your
graphing calculator and copies of your favorite activity to share with everyone (25 copies
please).
Laura Favata
Niskayuna HS
Room F309
- 19 -
LUNCH Break, Visit Exhibits: 12:10 – 1:10
Group A lunch at 12:10
Group B lunch at 12:25
- 20 -
SESSION 4 ~ 1:20 – 2:10
Beautiful Math, Numerical Art
K-2, 3-5, MS, HS, General
Math and art, as different as night and day, right? Wrong! Creative ways to help kids fall in
love with math. Free book raffle!
Jennifer Zhao
EDC Publishing (Usborne Books and More)
Room F303
Making Modules Easy
K-2, 3-5, General
This presentation is designed for Elementary Math teachers. We will discuss “new math”,
as well as teaching strategies to help your students thrive!
Marcy Boyd
York HS
Room D301
Bar Modeling / Tape Diagrams 102
3-5
This session builds on the basics of bar modeling to explore more complex word problems
involving ratios, percents, and fractions.
Danielle Bouton-Wales
Questar III BOCES
Room F305
Ice, Ice Baby - Using Hockey to Explore Math Concepts
3-5, MS
& STEM Careers
Future Goals - Hockey Scholar™ is a no cost, web-based resource aligned to CCLS.
Students apply hockey concepts to math (ex: area of a rink, geometric figures by painting
the ice and speed calculations.) BYOD optional
Note: This program has been sponsored by the NHL, NHLPA and your local professional
hockey team.
Colleen Schafer
EverFi, Inc.
Room C453
Programming with Scratch
3-5, MS, HS
Scratch is an exciting computer programming environment that allows students to create
their own animated stories and video games. This language was designed to make the
process of learning to program easier and less frustrating for beginners by dragging and
dropping code elements. Scratch can be downloaded for free or used on wifi.
Stephanie Graseck
Niskayuna HS
Room D111 (computer lab)
- 21 -
SESSION 4 ~ 1:20 – 2:10
Ready Made Quality Group Work 6th-8th Math
MS
Join us as we focus on group activities that will engage students, provide formative
assessment, and cover Standards and differentiated instruction using all free material
from map.mathshell.org.
Debbie Silvernail, Fonda-Fultonville CSD
Mary Ann Nickloy, Mohonasen CSD
Room C442
Transform Geometric Instruction Applying the Practices
MS, HS
Transformation in geometric instruction, primarily in 8th and HS, illustrates how practices
are changing the game. Come investigate implications here in NY, and leave with
materials and resources.
Heidi Bromley
Questar III BOCES
Room C460
Introduction to Geogebra
MS, HS
Participants will learn the basics of this powerful software, which can be used to explore a
variety of topics. Come learn how to use this dynamic geometry software. Participants
should provide their own laptop or tablet to be used in the session. (Grades 7-12)
Mark Kaercher, NYS Master Teacher
Shaker HS
Room D307
Google Forms
MS, HS
Come and learn how to create homework assignments, quizzes, and tests with Google
Forms. Watch your students’ answers be graded in seconds! Immediate feedback is sent
to your students via e-mail. Student performance is recorded in a teacher’s Google Drive.
This data can transform your classroom by increasing student responsibility and informing
teacher instruction quickly.
Vanessa Cramer
Gowana MS
Room D310 (computer lab)
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SESSION 4 ~ 1:20 – 2:10
Technology Tools in the Math Classroom (Part 2)
MS, HS
More differentiated instruction and formative assessments with Blendspace, EDpuzzle,
Desmos, QR codes, and other technology tools. BYOD
Lisa McCleod and Carole Geruso
Glens Falls HS
Room C444
Student Motivators for the 8th and 9th grade Common Core Standards
MS, HS
Come check out a variety of projects, activities, and lessons designed to help motivate
and engage students in their learning of the 8th & 9th grade standards! Many have been
updated to address the ISTE standards, and these ideas will be shared as well.
Amy Moore and Carly Mead
Windham Ashland Jewett CSD
Room D306
Smartboard Games for the Smart and Bored
MS, HS
Smart? Bored? Looking to spice up your lessons? During this workshop, participants will
explore a variety of games developed for the Smart Board and learn how to create their
own. BYOD
Lindsay Tresansky
Shaker HS
Room F310
Interactive Notebooks
MS, HS, General
Have you been using foldables already? Are you ready to take it to the next level? See
how I use interactive notebooks in my non-Regents class.
Michelle Riley, NYS Master Teacher
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake HS
Room F302
Stepping Up STEM with TI Nspire Technology
MS, HS, College
Are you looking for ways to improve STEM instruction in your classroom? Come and learn
how to present these activities using the TI-Nspire. See how these STEM activities reach
our students and get them excited about STEM careers. Learn a few tricks on how these
activities can be used to flip a classroom.
Audrey Cucci, NYS Master Teacher
Frankfort-Schuyler CSD
Room D303
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SESSION 4 ~ 1:20 – 2:10
Exploring the Beauty of Counterexamples
MS, HS, College, General
We often wonder if a statement is always true. In this hands-on workshop, participants will
discover counterexamples in number, analysis and algebra. Delving deeper into
conjectures will be key.
Jay L. Schiffman
Rowan University
Room F306
Some Higher Intellectual Topics that you can Skip
HS
in Common Core Algebra HS
Designed for teachers of weaker Algebra students, this presentation suggests which
topics could be combined efficiently and which might best be altogether eliminated.
Keith Landry and Angela Netoskie
Niskayuna HS
Room D308
Exponential Relationships with Jelly Beans
HS
and other Holiday Problems
Participants will solve problems that lead to functional relationships that can be described
with exponential expressions. The problems have connections to Easter, Flag Day and
other holidays. Great problems of the week for special times of the year.
Jim Matthews, Siena College
Connor Breen, Grad Student, SUNY Albany
Room F307
Geometry CC – Integrating Equations into Your Course
HS
Looking for integration of quadratic, rational, and systems of equations into your course?
Geometry-driven algebraic questions and tips for developing your own questions will be
shared.
Carey Grigas and Shana DeRocco
Niskayuna HS
Room F304
It’s still about Fundamentals: Stop Using PEMDAS
MS, HS
– Bracket Method
Better fundamental skills = better math students: 20 years of success without PEMDAS.
Middle school, Low level, ESL, Special Ed. The best method for teaching fundamental
algebra skills.
Nick Badalato
Kingston HS
Room D304
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SESSION 4 ~ 1:20 – 2:10
Data Analysis and Probability for Common Core Algebra II
HS
This session will explore problems that require students to formulate questions, collect,
organize, analyze and draw conclusions from data and apply basic concepts of probability.
We will look at the pacing of the curriculum through conceptual understanding, active
learning, real-world data and appropriate use of technology.
Laura Favata
Niskayuna HS
Room F309
Let's Talk Common Core Precalculus
HS
This session is going to be an open discussion group to explore and analyze the changes
to the Precalculus course as a result of the NYSCCLS. What book will you use? Will the
new course prepare students for Calculus? or Stats? Bring your questions.
Michelle M. Connolly, Shaker JHS and CBA
Patty Ryan, Niskayuna HS
Room C455
The Interactive Classroom – Formative Assessment
General Interest
Using Technology
Learn about a few free online tools (Socrative, Kahoot, Quizizz, the Desmos activity
builder, and Pear Deck) that have changed my classroom into a more interactive learning
environment.
Elizabeth Carroll
Shaker JHS
Room D305
- 25 -
- 26 -

2017 
The 58th Annual
Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area
Mathematics Conference
will be hosted by the
Ballston Spa Central School District
For more information or
to serve on the committee, contact:
Kris Jensen
([email protected])
Continue to visit us on the web at:
http://hmvamc.webs.com/
- 27 -
Regional Committee Members
Bill Wales, 2016 Chair
Danielle Bouton-Wales, Registration
Jim Colton, Promotion
Frank DiDonato, Treasurer
Karen Smith, Refreshments
Lucky Palmer, Vendors/Exhibitors
Cheryl Stockwell, Presenters & Program
Dan Mattoon, Presenters & Program
John Moskov, Buildings and Tech
Jen Toohey, Presenters & Program
Patty Ryan, Presenters & Program
Dave Hurst, Speaker Gifts & Volunteer T-Shirts
Chris Pappis, Webmaster
Nick Verdile, 2015 Chair
Kris Jensen, 2017 Chair
A Special Thanks to the:
NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Niskayuna Central High School Student Volunteers
- 28 -
57th Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area Mathematics Conference (HMVAMC)
Hosted by the NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2016
We are no longer using registration forms
To register and pay for the conference you must go to:
http://hmvamc2016.eventzilla.net/
Purchase Orders are NOT accepted. Districts or individuals can pay online by Paypal Account (credit card) or check.
•
•
Early registration fee:
Regular registration fee:
$35
$40
Early registration deadline:
Regular registration deadline:
March 10th
March 17th
Full-Time College Students:
• Early registration fee:
• Regular registration fee:
$20
$25
Early registration deadline:
Regular registration deadline:
March 10th
March17th
Lunch is included
On-site registration will be available
On-Site payment must be CASH or CHECK only (credit cards cannot be accepted on-site)
If your organization requires a W-9 from the HMVAMA, please e-mail our treasurer, Frank DiDonato,
at [email protected] to receive an updated W-9 form. Write "W-9 Request" in the subject of the e-mail.
Admission to all sessions will be on a first-come first served basis. Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m.
Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area Math Conference
Attn: Danielle Bouton-Wales
3 Princess Pine Drive
Clifton Park, NY 12065