Join the National Museum of Mathematics in Inspiring Curiosity and Inquiry in Math Education

Are you an educator who believes that curiosity, inquiry, and experiment are essential parts of learning mathematics? Are you interested in teaching engaging, hands-on lessons that leave middle grade students excited and interested in learning more mathematics? Are you committed to deepening your understanding and use of innovations in mathematics, instructional practices, and mathematics outreach? If so, the National Museum of Mathematics is looking for you this summer!

For the past ten years, the National Museum of Mathematics has been hosting the Rosenthal Prize for Innovation and Inspiration in Math Teaching. This prestigious competition invites teachers from around the world to share their original and replicable lessons for students in grades four through eight. The aim is to inspire and recognize educators who are dedicated to creating transformative learning experiences in mathematics.

What is the Rosenthal Prize?

The Rosenthal Prize is an annual competition that seeks to highlight innovative and inspiring math lessons that engage students in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative exploration. The prize is named after the late Marcia Rosenthal, a passionate advocate for math education and the former executive director of the National Museum of Mathematics.

Each year, the Rosenthal Prize recognizes up to three outstanding teachers who have developed exceptional math lessons. The winners receive a cash prize, as well as the opportunity to showcase their work at the National Museum of Mathematics in New York City.

Why Participate?

Participating in the Rosenthal Prize offers numerous benefits for educators. Firstly, it provides a platform to share your innovative teaching practices with a global audience. By submitting your lesson, you have the opportunity to inspire and influence other educators who are looking for new ways to engage their students in mathematics.

Secondly, the Rosenthal Prize allows you to showcase your expertise and dedication to math education. Winning this prestigious award not only brings recognition to your teaching skills but also opens doors for professional development opportunities and collaborations with other educators and math organizations.

Furthermore, being part of the Rosenthal Prize community provides access to a network of like-minded educators who are passionate about math education. This network offers a valuable platform for sharing ideas, resources, and best practices, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for professional growth.

How to Participate

Participating in the Rosenthal Prize is a straightforward process. To enter the competition, you need to submit an original math lesson plan designed for students in grades four through eight. The lesson should be engaging, hands-on, and aligned with current mathematics standards.

Your lesson plan should include a clear objective, detailed instructions, and assessment strategies. It should also demonstrate how it encourages curiosity, inquiry, and experimentation in students' learning process.

Additionally, you are encouraged to provide any supporting materials, such as worksheets, manipulatives, or technology tools, that enhance the lesson's effectiveness.

Once you have prepared your lesson plan and supporting materials, you can submit them online through the National Museum of Mathematics website. The submission period typically opens in the spring, so make sure to check the website for the latest updates and deadlines.

Selection Process and Criteria

The selection process for the Rosenthal Prize involves a panel of esteemed mathematicians, educators, and researchers who evaluate the submitted lessons based on several criteria:

1. Innovation: Does the lesson demonstrate a creative and original approach to teaching mathematics?

2. Inspiration: Does the lesson inspire curiosity, inquiry, and experimentation in students?

3. Engagement: Does the lesson actively engage students in meaningful mathematical thinking and problem-solving?

4. Replicability: Can the lesson be easily replicated by other educators in different classroom settings?

5. Alignment: Does the lesson align with current mathematics standards and educational best practices?

The panel carefully reviews each submission and selects the winners based on the strength of their lesson's content, pedagogical approach, and impact on student learning.

Join the Movement

By participating in the Rosenthal Prize, you become part of a larger movement to transform math education and inspire the next generation of mathematicians, problem solvers, and critical thinkers. Your innovative lesson has the potential to ignite a love for mathematics in students and empower them with the skills and mindset needed to excel in the 21st century.

So, if you are an educator who believes in the power of curiosity, inquiry, and experimentation in math education, seize this opportunity to share your passion and make a lasting impact. Join the National Museum of Mathematics this summer and be a catalyst for change in math education!

Official website: MOM

Deadline: 15th May 2024

Event dates: July 10 - July 12

Apply here.