Agricultural Data Science PD for Middle School Math Teachers

[Marc Sager]

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to share a professional development opportunity for middle school mathematics teachers focused on integrating agricultural data science into grades 6–8 mathematics instruction.

Please see the attached flyer for complete details. Highlights of the program include:

• Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
• Location: Texas Tech University
• Format: Full-day, in-person professional development (6 hours) plus a 1-hour virtual follow-up session during the fall semester
• Target Audience: Teachers of grades 6–8 mathematics
• Benefits for Participants:
• 9 CPE hours
• $300 stipend
• An air quality sensor for classroom use
• Place-based education book
• Training on collecting, analyzing, and using real-world data with students
• Access to classroom-ready datasets, lesson templates, project ideas, and instructional protocols
• Resources for using CODAP to integrate data science into mathematics instruction

 

The professional development is aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), Data Science Learning Progressions, and National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes. Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use resources that connect mathematics, data science, and agriculture in engaging and meaningful ways.

We encourage multiple teachers from the same campus or district to participate when possible, as this can support collaboration and implementation efforts. However, individual teachers are welcome and encouraged to apply as well.

Enrollment is limited. If you are interested, please complete the interest form as soon as possible. Participant selections will be made no later than July 15, though we hope to notify selected participants sooner.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Dr. Marc Sager at msa...@smu.edu. 

We hope you will consider joining us for this exciting opportunity to explore innovative ways to engage students with mathematics and data science through authentic agricultural contexts.

Marc T. Sager, Ph.D.

Assistant Director of Research, The Budd Center

Data Science 4 Texas (DS4TX) Initiative Organizer

AERA Division H Mentor Committee Chair
Data Science Education K-12 (DSE K-12) Themes and Strands Co-Chair

Simmons School of Education and Human Development

SMU