Math & Movement Mini-Academy

Program Description:
A free annual summer academy that combines physical activity with math instruction for elementary school students and professional development for K-5 teachers. The program is based on the philosophy that students can learn valuable math skills while exercising their bodies and minds.

For Students

Eligibility:

• Rising 1st - 3rd graders (Day 1)
• Rising 4th - 6th graders (Day 2)
• Elementary school students (grades K-5)

Program Features:

• Cost: Free to attend
• Duration: Two-day event
• Format: In-person at ORAU's main campus in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
• Activities Include:
  • Math problems combined with physical movement
  • Giant counting mats/colorful floor mats with numbered squares
  • Jumping from number to number to solve math problems (hopscotch-style)
  • Interactive games and activities
  • Non-stop action and engagement
  • Focus on retaining math interest and building excitement about math

Educational Outcomes:

• Students learn and retain valuable math skills
• Students gain basic math competencies
• Physical exercise combined with learning
• Increased student engagement and enthusiasm for math

For Educators

Eligibility:

• K-2 teachers (Day 1 morning session)
• 3rd - 5th grade teachers (Day 2 morning session)

Professional Development:

• Cost: Free to attend
• Duration: Two days with morning and afternoon sessions
• Focus Areas:
  • How to make learning fun for young elementary students
  • Ways to incorporate physical activity into math instruction
  • Creative curriculum approaches
  • Strategies to increase student engagement with math
  • Hands-on instruction methods

Program Structure:

• Day 1 Morning: K-2 teacher professional development workshop
• Day 1 Afternoon: Teachers work with rising 1st-3rd graders to apply lessons learned
• Day 2 Morning: 3rd-5th grade teacher professional development workshop
• Day 2 Afternoon: Teachers interact with rising 4th-6th grade students

Location

• ORAU's main campus in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Schedule

• Annual summer event (June dates typical)
• Two-day format

Contact Information

Communications Team:

• Pam Bonee, Director of Communications: (865) 603-5142, Pam.Bonee@orau.org
• Wendy West, Manager of Communications: (865) 207-7953, Wendy.West@orau.org

Background

The program addresses research showing that students lose interest in math quickly. Math & Movement provides an engaging, active alternative to traditional math instruction that helps students understand that learning can be exciting and fun.