Making Mathematics Meaningful

The making mathematics meaningful (3M) project was designed to prepare 50 elementary school teachers to be better qualified to teach their students about measurement. The project was a partnership among the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the Louisiana Department of Education, and a number of school systems in Northeast Louisiana. The project emphasized practical applications of mathematics in the real world, grade-appropriate hands-on activities, and mathematics literacy activities. The project consisted of a three-week Summer Institute and five follow-up Saturdays during the Academic Year. Projects such as this are necessary if students are going to be properly prepared to pursue careers in engineering, mathematics, science, and technology.