UNL offers four summer graduate courses geared toward upper-elementary teachers
Take advantage of flexible summer professional development by enrolling in graduate courses for upper-elementary teachers this summer through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Nebraska Math and Science Summer Institutes.
To be as flexible with scheduling as possible, some courses will be synchronous on Zoom (web conferencing) over two weeks, or in person for one week. In some cases, synchronous online courses scheduled over the same two weeks vary in their live Zoom hours, allowing teachers to pair two courses and earn 6 graduate credits quickly and conveniently.
As follows are four courses recommended for teachers of grade 5 or upper-elementary:
Math 802P: Number, Geometry and Algebraic Thinking II
June 5-16, M-F, 8 a.m.-noon, web conferencing
The first week focuses on a study of fractions (which are prevalent in the 4 – 6 curriculum), and the second week emphasizes geometry topics that underlie the 4 – 6 curriculum. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on solving problems that develop the habits of mind of a mathematical thinker and then communicating solutions to peers. Note: This course builds on the mathematics studied in Math 800P and 801P through the Primarily Math program. Upper-elementary teachers who have not taken Math 800P or 801P are welcome to take this course.
Math 800T: Math as a Second Language
June 5-9, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., in Lincoln
This course is a study of numbers and operations from a teacher’s perspective. From an early emphasis on counting, cardinality and our place value system, the course will emphasize the arithmetic operations with an emphasis on fractions, decimals and the rational number system. An emphasis will be placed on units of measure and how numbers serve as adjectives that modify nouns (units). The course also focuses on problem solving and reasoning and developing the habits of mind of a mathematical thinker.
Math 802T: Functions, Algebra and Geometry
Two sections: June 12-23, M-F, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., web conferencing OR July 10-Aug. 10, online asynchronous
This course offers an introduction to the concept of a function and addresses both algebra and geometry topics. The course will deepen teachers’ understanding of the concepts of variable and function, problem solving, measurement, and geometric modeling, with emphasis on the connections between these concepts. Math 802T is part of our effort to assist teachers as they develop a strong foundation in mathematics focused on the mathematics that must be understood deeply to teach well at the middle grades.
Math 893: Computational Thinking for Middle-Level Teachers
June 12-23, M-F, 8 a.m.- noon, web conferencing
This class focuses on using algorithmic processes to break down complex problems and explore ways to quantify decision-making for current, relevant issues such as switching to electric cars or deciding who should receive heart transplants (or other limited medical treatments such as ventilators during COVID-19). Adaptations of the various projects will be developed for use with students. Experience with spreadsheets will be helpful but is not required. Note: This course is a good option for teachers who have completed Primarily Math or ITEAM and want to further their learning.
Visit the course catalog to see more details: https://go.unl.edu/nmssi-course-catalog-2023.
NMSSI courses that are not online asynchronous qualify for a 20% tuition discount on resident tuition for Nebraska teachers. You can apply now for additional NMSSI Fellowships, and read more about the costs at https://scimath.unl.edu/nmssi-costs-2023.
How to Apply and Enroll
If you took a class at UNL in the past year, you are eligible now to register through MyRed: https://myred.nebraska.edu. If you are NOT an active graduate student at UNL currently (active meaning you have taken a course in at least one of the past three semesters and have not recently graduated), you will need to apply to UNL as a graduate student first before you can register. Here is a link to the admission application: https://go.unl.edu/gradapp. You can apply as a non-degree-seeking, post-baccalaureate student without declaring a master's program, so search for “post” in the program selection step. Once admitted to UNL, please log in to http://go.unl.edu/gradappstatus to complete the decision form, and within 1-2 business days you should then be able to enroll via MyRED.
The Benefits of the NMSSI:
• Each course is worth 3 graduate credit hours
• Courses are offered utilizing several instructional models to allow for flexibility in scheduling
• Don’t want to declare a master’s degree yet? Enroll in one simple application as a post-bac student at https://go.unl.edu/gradapp
• Teachers can apply for additional tuition fellowships from the NMSSI: https://forms.gle/ZiBsQbnbcRJWtXmu5
Take advantage of these professional development opportunities conveniently and affordably. Join the NMSSI community and “learn in place!” Contact us at nebraskamath@unl.edu with questions.