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In this paper, we explore the development of effective research-practice partnerships (RPPS) that created mediated spaces for mathematics teaching and learning, gleaning learning across activities and efforts. 

As the largest-bodied member of the family Lemuridae and the presumed primary disperser of large seeds, Pachylemur, now extinct, was a critical member of Madagascar’s primate communities. Material of this genus has been found at almost all subfossil sites across Madagascar, but extensive samples of this taxon are known from very few. It has been one of the more historically neglected of the “giant” extinct lemurs, as it is not very different in morphology from its nearest extant relative, Varecia, except in body size. The flooded cave called Vintany at the Tsimanampesotse National Park in southwestern Madagascar has yielded numerous specimens of P. insignis, including whole skulls and mandibles, many isolated postcranial elements, and, importantly, partial associated skeletons of immature individuals. This material allows us to address previously unanswered questions regarding its paleobiology, including questions concerning its growth and development. This article focuses specifically on its life history profile (especially developmental sequences and life history-related traits such as Retzius line periodicity of the teeth and endocranial volume in adults). We ask to what extent, despite its larger size, did Pachylemur “grow” like its smaller-bodied relatives? Did its dental eruption sequence and index of Relative Retardation of the Replacement teeth resemble those of its closest relatives? Did it, like other lemurs, have a Retzius line periodicity that is lower than “expected” for a primate of its body size, and if so, what is the likely significance of this? Was its brain smaller than expected for a primate of its body size? For these and other questions, we evaluate how large-bodied lemurs differ from anthropoids of comparable body size. 

This presentation poster summarizes the recruitment efforts, insights gained, and lessons learned through the VolsTeach for Appalachia project that focuses on recruiting and preparing community college students in becoming STEM teachers in East Tennessee.