When solving a real-world problem, we are not just interested in understanding what is happening, but also estimating what had happened in the past and predicting what will happen in the future or different scenarios. Such a problem-solving process requires the ability to think logically to build mathematical models and to use computational skills to analyze information, validate models and simulate outcomes.

Because of this, teachers are now feeling the pressure to incorporate more modeling, coding and data analytics into their curricula.

Imagine you have the power to offer students a chance to have a deeper experience of how mathematics can explain our world and what working with mathematics is like in other fields such as science, engineering, health care, finance and business. Math for Real, an enriched mathematical modeling education program, provides such an opportunity to you and your students for free.

Also, imagine being able to use a university-level analytics platform — capable of big data processing, data visualizations, build a mathematical model, and run simulations — in your high school classes. And imagine this tool being cost-free, easy to use, and only needing a web browser to operate. This is a real opportunity for simple, accessible, and interactive learning — we call it Callysto.

This interactive workshop consists of two parts over two days.

• In Day 1, secondary teachers will be introduced to the Callysto platform via rich problems that straddle different areas of the Ontario high school curriculum. Together, we'll see how these beautiful math problems lend themselves to computational thinking, and allow teachers to showcase the power and versatility of Callysto notebooks. Our team will show you how to use these modules in your classroom, and will also work with you to customize specific modules to fit your needs.

• In Day 2, secondary teachers will have inspiring experiences in modelling, programming in Callysto, and the unexpected areas that math take you to, and discussions on how to prepare students to gain confidence for the upcoming Canadian competition at the International Mathematical Modeling Challenges. At the end of the workshop, the participants will walk through the process via a mini mock math modelling contest. Also, we will provide assistance to help you register your schools on the website.

Please bring your laptops with Chrome, Firefox or Safari web browser installed. There is no cost to attend, and teachers will be provided with a free lunch on both days. Honorariums for Ontario teachers will be provided upon request to attendees of this workshop to cover teacher substitute costs. For more information about teacher honorariums, please contact us at contact@callysto.ca

Agenda Day 1 - Intro to Callysto

9:30 am: Introductions and the Bridge Problem

10:00 am: Physical Literacy + takeaways

10:30 am: Coffee Break

10:45 am: Introduction to the Callysto Hub

11:15 am: Introduction to Python: Turtle Graphics

12:00 pm: Lunch

1:00 pm: Computational Thinking

1:15 pm: Callysto in the Classroom

1:30 pm: Open Data Exercise

2:00 pm: Callysto Research and Next Steps

Agenda Day 2 - Intro to Math Modelling

9:30 am: Introduction to Math for Real program and Mathematical Modeling Education

10:00 am: Introduction to Mathematical Modeling

10:45 am: Team-building activities + Coffee Break

11:15 am: Mathematical Modeling using Callysto Notebooks

11:45 pm: Modeling Exercises

12:30 pm: Lunch

1:30 pm: Take Challenges: IMMC, modeling contest for Canadian Secondary Schools

2:00 pm: How to prepare your students for the contest

3:00 pm: Head Start: register your schools in the contest