Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Strategies To Improve Math Fact Fluency In Elementary School Students, Jennifer Whealy

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to develop a guide that contains strategies to improve math fact fluency in elementary school students. The guide is developed to be used by elementary school teachers in Washington State to show them how to incorporate strategies for math fact fluency into their math curriculum. The math fact fluency strategies ca:n be used to help teachers support students in their understanding of their basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. This guide will contain research based strategies to improve math fact fluency for kindergarten through fifth grade students. The guide will include research based …

When Am I Ever Going To Use This? A Mathematics Investigation Involving Animals, Nicole Lynn Drake

All Graduate Projects

This project is a format for developing investigations that includes a sample set of investigations that teachers can use as a resource. This project develops an investigation that assists teachers in presenting math concepts within the context of his or her students' everyday life. Investigations use real live experiences as background and context for student learning. By developing a problem that the students can relate to, the student's attitudes and depth of knowledge will improve. This project looks into, the history of reform in mathematics education, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards, current curricula addressing reform, math workshops, …

Proposal For An Elemenatry Science Curriculum Outline To Help K-4 Teachers Prepare Students To Take The 5th Grade Science Wasl, Cindy D. Williams

All Graduate Projects

With a statewide pilot of the 5th grade science Washington Assessment of Student Leaming (WASL) in the spring of 2003, all elementary schools were tiying to prepare their students to meet the standards. At this time, the only resources schools had for preparation was a glimpse of the first criterion-referenced assessment, the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs), Grade level Expectations (GLEs) and a "release booklet" of sample items distributed to 5th grade science teachers. Educators knew that the best curriculum built on the previous year's knowledge which spiraled throughout the curriculum. At this time there were no curriculums designed starting …

An Integrated Solar System Unit For Third And Fourth Grade Students Using Nonfiction Children's Literature, Kelly Janee Mccann

Graduate Student Projects

This project was based on a review of literature in the areas of vocabulary development, curriculum integration, and using children's literature in the content areas. The purpose of this project was to provide third and fourth grade teachers with a handbook designed to increase the use of nonfiction, informational children's literature in the content area of science. The solar system-themed handbook consists of 10 comprehensive lessons containing vocabulary building activities, stories to be read aloud by the teacher, and hands-on science experiments. The handbook is intended for individual use, either as a compliment to the current curriculum or to be …

Pre-Algebra And Algebra I Class Starters, Lois Martin Serns

Graduate Student Projects

Mathematics has always been important, but never more than today. Math curriculums have been revised throughout the United States to better prepare students for success. The math class of today must offer an environment in which students can work individually and in cooperative groups on meaningful, real-life problems. Teachers need to make the most of the class time they have. Using a math starter problem or activity can help achieve this goal. A wide variety of activities not only improve the quality of learning in the classroom, but will also capture the interest of the student in math class. These …

A Supplemental Curriculum To Integrate Reading And Writing With First Grade Science Kits, Shauna Calandra Curtis

All Graduate Projects

This project provides a supplemental curriculum to assist teachers in integrating reading and writing with science kits for first grade students. Included is a review of research which discusses what thematic and integrative teaching encompasses, the value of thematic teaching, the development ofreading, writing, and language through thematic units, thematic centers, a rationale for using thematic content area teaching to English as a second language students in the acquisition of the English language, and the importance of science education. The handbook encompasses two main themes: weather and organisms.

Integrating Literature Into The Science And Social Studies Curricula: A Curriculum Guide For Grade Two, Jennifer M. Donald

All Graduate Projects

The adoption of the Open Court reading program in conjunction with the Washington Read's Grant was the initial idea for this project. The integration of science and social studies themes was researched, and found to be beneficial in the teaching of those content areas. A handbook for second grade educators was created to integrate the adopted science and social studies topics with the newly adopted reading curriculum at Vale Elementary in Cashmere, Washington. This handbook contains a scope and sequence, literature libraries for three reading achievement levels, the benchmarks and essential learning's for the designated topics, and suggested activities for …

A Curricular Design For Integrating Writing With Science: A Benchmark Handbook Approach, Marci Jayne Gano

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to create an integrated science and writing benchmark handbook. Review of the literature, Washington State Academic Learning Requirements for science and writing, published scie.nce lessons, and teacher's guides were utilized. Classroom teachers, district and school science and writing goals were consulted in the creation of this project. The activities presented in all five units were designed to provide hands-on experience in both science and writing. Possible assessment options are also provided.

Comparison Of East Asian And Western Culture In Teaching Mathematics: A Model Of Elementary School Mathematics Curriculum, Hui-Nuan Nuang

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to compare cross-cultural mathematics teaching in the elementary schools in East Asian and Western countries, particularly focused on Taiwan and the United States. Another purpose was to design and develop a common mathematics curriculum program for elementary schools to use in both environments. To accomplish this purpose, a review and comparison of current research and literature regarding current curriculum and teaching practice of mathematics in Taiwan and the United States was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.

A Model Mathematics Thinking Skills Curriculum For Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary School In Sammamish, Washington In The Lake Washington School District, Stacy S. Murphy

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model Mathematics Thinking Skills Curriculum for Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary in Sammamish, Washington, in the Lake Washington School District, aimed at sixth grade mathematics classrooms. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature and research was conducted and utilized to develop unit and lesson plans for a model mathematics thinking skills curriculum. Students were given sample problems from the units and comparisons were made between teaching mathematics with thinking skills and traditional methods. The results support the hypothesis that mathematics concepts are better understood when combined with thinking skills and the …

An Integrated Math Curriculum Designed To Develop Problem Solving Skills In Third Grade Students, Nwaynna Bernadette Stewart

All Graduate Projects

The effectiveness of a curriculum integrating math, manipulative use, writing, drama and the visual arts was examined. The information gathered through research articles and case studies was used to create an integrated math program. The focus of the project is to strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills of third grade students. The project is designed to supplement materials and textbooks teachers are currently using in their classrooms. Implications for future areas of research are discussed.

A Model Geometry And Probability Supplimental Curriculum For Fourth Grade Students In Alignment With The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements For Mirror Lake Elementary School, Federal Way School District, Federal Way, Washington, Melanie Jane Strey

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a model supplemental geometry and probability curriculum for Mirror Lake Elementary in the Federal Way School District, Federal Way, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature was conducted. Additionally, related information and materials from selected sources was obtained and analyzed. Control Groups were formed to test district provided curriculum and district provided curriculum with supplemental units. The results showed greater student academic gains when the district provided curriculum was supplemented with additional material.

A Model Mathematics Problem Solving Curriculum For Randle Elementary School In Randle, Washington In The White Pass School District, Randy A. Torrey

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model fifth grade mathematics curriculum, in alignment with Washington State Essential Academic Leaming Requirements, for the White Pass School District in Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of cun-ent research and literature was conducted and used to develop unit and lesson plans for a model problem solving mathematics curriculum. The results support the hypothesis that mathematic concepts are better understood when problem solving skills are used. Implications for using problem solving skills in a mathematics cuniculum are discussed.

Integrating Mathematics And Language Arts With Assessment In A Fourth Grade Classroom, Erika Vestad

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a unit integrating language arts, mathematics, and Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) practice items for use in a fourth grade classroom in the Yakima School District in Yakima, Washington. This unit allows teachers to better use the W ASL practice items assigned by the district. It also helps students prepare for the WASL and teaches life-long skills. To accomplish this purpose. current literature was reviewed. Additionally, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed. Current literature and related sources were synthesized into an integrated unit on measurement and geometry to …

Integrating The Primary Grades Curriculum Using A Science Activity Handbook For A Classroom Pet, Sue Wilson

All Graduate Projects

An integrated activity handbook for a guinea pig, a classroom or home pet, has been developed to aid teachers in incorporating science into the elementary classroom. Studies indicate the importance of science education for young children. This integrated approach has been found to be a means to connect various academic areas such as science, reading, and mathematics. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements contain many elements, features, and forms that can be met in the materials and activities in this project. Research and literature regarding science education were explored.

Integrating Writing To Enhance Mathematical Skills At The Elementary Level, Kendra J. Kupp

All Graduate Projects

The recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Washington State Commission on Student Learning Essential Academic Requirements are addressed. The benefits of integrating mathematics and writing are studied. Integrated activities and materials for a first and second grade mathematics curriculum are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

The Mathematics Of Sound: Integrating Music Into A Math Curriculum, Shawn William Meacham

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop prototype lesson plans that connects and integrates musical and mathematical concepts at the 5th grade level. Both musical and mathematical concepts can be enhanced when studying the correlation between the two subjects. This project will provide lesson plans and activities using the Washington State Essential Academic Leaming Requirements as a basis for the concepts being taught. The goal of the project is to inspire teachers to use integration throughout the curriculum. An integrated curriculum develops and supports the coherence of ideas and concepts taught within our schools. By fostering our natural instinct …

Wolves And Bears: An Interdisciplinary Activity Guide For Grades 3-5, Susan L. Thomas

All Graduate Projects

A popular set of "Discovery Boxes" are used by educators across North Central Washington. These boxes are administered by the U.S. Forest Service and focus on such themes as wolves, bears, fire, plants and forests. These boxes are available to be checked out to educators for two-week periods, and reach approximately 9,000 students annually. Each box contains "hands-on" props which enhance the learning of each theme. Some of the boxes have activity guides in them to assist the educator in teaching the theme and thus using the box to its full potential. Two of the most popular boxes, the wolf …

Writing Across The Curriculum For Primary Grades, Jenneifer L. Perri

All Graduate Projects

Writing activities have been developed for the primary classroom to help in the teaching of science and social studies. Both research and observation have shown that writing is a thinking process which has a positive impact on all areas of the curriculum. The project included specific writing activities which can be taught during specific science and social studies themes. A list of writing prompts which can be used when using learning logs has been provided as a way to encourage reflection and interaction with curriculum content.

A Model Fourth Grade Science Curriculum Based On Multiple Intelligence Theory And Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements For Science, Kerry Lynn Ward

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model fourth grade science curriculum based on Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and in line with Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science. Along with this, assessment criteria were to be designed for each learning activity. To accomplish this purpose, current research on Multiple Intelligence Theory, assessment, curriculum development and Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science were reviewed. Finally, student learning objectives, learning activities and corresponding assessment criteria were adapted and developed.

The Development And Design Of Activities To Support Performance Based And Integrated Math Instruction For Fifth Grade Students, Lelia L. Coghill

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop and design activities and materials to support performance based integrated mathematics instruction for fifth grade students in the concept areas of place value, decimals, percents, and fractions. The activities and materials were prepared in conjunction with other disciplines, namely reading, writing, art, science, and social studies. The intent was to make mathematics relevant to real life with stress on student performance as an indicator of knowledge, understanding, and application. The activities make use of performance based, integrated, and real life situations, and the materials include technology, field trips, gaming, manipulatives, recording sheets, …

A Model Third Grade Science Curriculum For Use In A Magnet School, Tracy E. Schroder

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model third grade magnet school science curriculum that would give students an opportunity for hands-on, experiential learning. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on magnet schools, magnet science curricula, elementary science curricula, experiential learning and multiple intelligences were reviewed. Additionally, information and materials from selected magnet elementary schools around the Yakima Valley were obtained and analyzed. Finally, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

Traditional Vs. Individualized Fifth And Sixth Grade Arithmetic Program, Donald Paul Giaudrone

All Master's Theses

This paper presents a comparative study involving two methods of arithmetic instruction for fifth and sixth grade students. Thirty pupils were taught arithmetic using a traditional approach and thirty pupils were taught arithmetic using an individualized approach. Each group was divided into high, average, and low ability students and between group achievements compared at the end of an eight month period with encouraging results. Evaluation and statistical analysis followed. The findings were discussed and recommendations offered for further study.

A Critical Review Of Current Literature On Modern Arithmetic, Hugh Fotheringill

Graduate Student Research Papers

It was the purpose of this study (1) to review current literature regarding new trends and programs in elementary mathematics; (2) to investigate the need for the adoption of a new mathematics program in the elementary schools; (3) and investigate the need for the retraining of elementary teachers in the new mathematics.

A Study Of Science Concepts For Upper Elementary Grades, Floyd Edwin Bond

Graduate Student Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to itemize the topics and concepts prepared for the Highline School District by selected teachers, and to identify those aspects which were to be found in each of five textbook series.

The five areas of study were: (1) The Earth, (2) Living Things, (3) The Universe, (4) Matter and Energy, and (5) Health.

The textbook series used were: (1) The John C. Winston Company, (2) The L. W. Singer Company, (3) The D. C. Heath Company, (4) The Macmillan Company, and (5) The Scott Foresman Company.

An Overview Of Mechanism And Function Of Respiration In The Human Organism, James Morley Freese

Graduate Student Research Papers

The purpose of this paper was to take a seemingly simple concept of zoology, reveal in some measure its complexity, and show how this concept is often inadequately expressed and taught.