The Rice University School Mathematics Project is gearing up for its 2024 summer programs for teachers and students.
RUSMP’s Summer Campus Program for teachers is in its 38th year and reaches PreK–12 teachers across Texas and beyond. SCP classes are facilitated by award-winning RUSMP master teachers and Rice University faculty.
During the 2024 two-week virtual program, teachers develop a deep understanding of skills to implement high-quality mathematics curriculum, instruction, appropriate technology integration and assessment (including data-informed decision-making). They also develop a repertoire of research-based methods for motivating and supporting all students to persist and achieve in mathematics, with a special focus on motivating underrepresented minorities in STEAM.
Teachers participate in class discussions on current issues in mathematics education and also interact with mathematicians during colloquia. Teachers reported that the SCP “energizes them for the new school year” and “provides new strategies for teaching and assessing math.” Administrators said that the yearly SCPs continue to develop math leaders.
RUSMP also offers programs for middle and high school students on the beautiful Rice campus. In these programs, Preparing for Success in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus and Calculus, students strengthen their mathematics backgrounds through a problemsolving approach and develop important concepts and skills to prepare them for these courses in the upcoming school year. The instructional approaches help students make mathematical connections and provide students with mathematical knowledge and skills, as well as a variety of learning strategies to prepare them for success in their future mathematical studies. Students also receive guidance with the college admissions process. Students resoundingly express that they “learn to think mathematically” and “develop more confidence doing math.” They also find it “fun learning with like-minded math buddies.”
RUSMP also offers math camps for students at Annunciation Orthodox School and Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School. These camps blend content-focused
learning and enriching activities to engage students in hands-on mathematics investigations and games with connections to science, technology, engineering and the arts. Students explore topics that may not be emphasized during the school year to broaden their math backgrounds. Parents appreciate the careful blend of review, stretch and fun with math that children experience.
To learn more about these programs and camps, or to register, please visit rusmp.rice.edu.
Anne Papakonstantinou
RUSMP Director