Carvel LaCurts
Research Interest
Effects of the type of manipulatives used and when they are used with students who are initially learning to conceptualize and apply mathematical concepts.
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Teaching Philosophy
At the beginning of my third year of teaching my first student teacher intern asked me to state my teaching philosophy. The response I gave then has not wavered; “Believe not only in that which you teach – but in whom you teach; for only then will you LIVE to teach.”
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Current Courses
Fall 2019MATH 130 FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS I (Fall 2019)Provides a thorough understanding of the mathematical concepts covered in grades one through eight. Moves through the mathematical content into the ability to explain the mathematical ideas and relationships. Emphasizes the ability to explain the concepts in everyday language appropriate for the listener, using correct vocabulary, and the ability to demonstrate these ideas using physical models and/or activities. Use of technology is required. Includes non routine problem solving. May not receive credit for both MATH 103 and MATH 130. Prerequisite: Declared elementary education or early childhood education major. Three hours per week. Does not meet General education requirements.MATH 150 DATA & PROBABILITY CONNECT (Fall 2019)Provides prospective teachers with a conceptual understanding of statistics and probability. Includes concepts for which elementary curricula lay a foundation, bivariate data analysis, conditional probability, formal inference, relevant educational software and guidelines for teaching statistics as set forth by the American Statistical Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. May not receive credit for more than one: MATH 150, 155, 213 or 216. Prerequisite or corequisite: C or better or concurrent enrollment in MATH 130. Three hours per week. Meets General Education IVB or IVC.MATH 230 FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS II (Fall 2019)Continuation of the process begun in MATH 130 of preparing prospective elementary school teachers to teach mathematics. Like MATH 130, it fosters a thorough understanding of fundamental mathematics and emphasizes the ability to communicate this. May not receive credit for both MATH 104 and 230. Prerequisite: C or better in MATH 130. Three hours per week. Meets General Education IVB or IVC.Winter 2020MATH 155 MOD STATISTICS WITH COMPUT (Winter 2020)Descriptive and inferential analysis of raw data, emphasizing appropriate assumptions, computer use and interpretation. Consideration of parametric and nonparametric methods and comparison of their powers. Intended for students in the social and natural sciences. May not receive credit for more than one: MATH 150, 155, 213 or 216. Prerequisites: High school Algebra II and plane geometry. Three hours per week. Meets General education IVB or IVC.Spring 2020MATH 150 DATA & PROBABILITY CONNECT (Spring 2020)Provides prospective teachers with a conceptual understanding of statistics and probability. Includes concepts for which elementary curricula lay a foundation, bivariate data analysis, conditional probability, formal inference, relevant educational software and guidelines for teaching statistics as set forth by the American Statistical Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. May not receive credit for more than one: MATH 150, 155, 213 or 216. Prerequisite or corequisite: C or better or concurrent enrollment in MATH 130. Three hours per week. Meets General Education IVB or IVC.MATH 230 FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS II (Spring 2020)Continuation of the process begun in MATH 130 of preparing prospective elementary school teachers to teach mathematics. Like MATH 130, it fosters a thorough understanding of fundamental mathematics and emphasizes the ability to communicate this. May not receive credit for both MATH 104 and 230. Prerequisite: C or better in MATH 130. Three hours per week. Meets General Education IVB or IVC.
- Awards/Honors
National Presidential Award for Excellence Award in the Teaching of Mathematics (Maryland)
National Tandy Technology Scholar Award
Maryland Mathematics Teacher of the Year Award
- Presentations
“Use CODING to investigate and unlock surprising math connections while experiencing AHA moments"2019National Counci of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Conference, San Diego, CA
“Driving toward CORE Engagement with Manipulatives: Balances, Fraction Bars, Geoboards, Pattern Blocks"2017Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Conference,
“Connecting the DOTS”2016American Mathematics Contest 8,
- Press Releases
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SU Announces 22 New Faculty
Friday, September 10, 2004
- Awards/Honors