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Full-Text Articles in Science and Mathematics Education

Incorporating Social Justice And Equity As Themes In Math Circles Online, Matthew Jones, Sharon Lanaghan, Carolyn Yarnall Feb 2022

Incorporating Social Justice And Equity As Themes In Math Circles Online, Matthew Jones, Sharon Lanaghan, Carolyn Yarnall

Journal of Math Circles

The CSUDH Math Teachers' Circle chose a focus on equity and social justice in 2020. The national focus on social justice caused us to reflect on what we can do to affect change regarding issues of equity and social justice in our society. In addition, the global pandemic caused us to shift our circle online, which presented both obstacles and opportunities. In this paper, we expand upon how we addressed various challenges faced in facilitating an online Math Teachers’ Circle, focusing on our experience facilitating sessions focused on equity and social justice and participants' reactions to this experience.


Community Roles For Supporting Emerging Education Researchers, Christopher A. F. Hass, Emilie Hancock, Samantha Wilson, Shams El-Adawy, Eleanor C. Sayre Aug 2021

Community Roles For Supporting Emerging Education Researchers, Christopher A. F. Hass, Emilie Hancock, Samantha Wilson, Shams El-Adawy, Eleanor C. Sayre

Mathematics Faculty Scholarship

DBER attracts many faculty from other STEM disciplines, and these faculty have little or no specific training in DBER. DBER requires a mastery of quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed methodologies, and also a nuanced understanding of breadth of topic, research questions, and theoretical frameworks. This interdisciplinarity is particularly challenging for emerging DBER researchers who often switch into DBER with only discipline specific content and research training. As part of a large study about how STEM faculty become involved with DBER, we interviewed a number of emerging DBER faculty about their pathways into DBER. We conducted a thematic analysis of these interviews …


Dots Explode In HawaiʻI, Veny Liu, Laurie James Apr 2021

Dots Explode In HawaiʻI, Veny Liu, Laurie James

Journal of Math Circles

Teachers are wonderful advocates of mathematics for future generations, and they are continually looking for ways to get students more engaged in mathematics. Through visuals and hands-on activities, the Exploding Dots concept can help teachers and students understand many elementary arithmetic and algebra topics. The implemented tasks promote problem-solving by allowing multiple entry points and varied solution strategies. This paper explored this idea beyond drawing clusters of dots by Locking Legos activity. With a thorough understanding of math content, participants in multiple Math Teachers’ Circle of Hawai‘i (MaTCH) meetings expressed confidence in creating and developing meaningful and relevant differentiated learning …


Mathamigos: A Community Mathematics Initiative, James C. Taylor, Delara Sharma, Shannon Rogers Aug 2019

Mathamigos: A Community Mathematics Initiative, James C. Taylor, Delara Sharma, Shannon Rogers

Journal of Math Circles

We present a broad, and we think novel, community mathematics initiative in its early stages in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At every level, the program embraces community-wide collaboration—from the leadership team, to the elements of the mathematics being implemented (primarily math circles and the Global Math Project’s Exploding Dots), to the funding model. Our MathAmigos program falls within two categories of math circle-related programs: outreach and professional development (PD). In outreach, we work with the Santa Fe Public School district (administration, teachers, students, and parents) and the City of Santa Fe government (our funders via a two-year contract) in …


The Signaling Problem: Using Exploding Dots To Solve An Accessible Mystery In An Elementary-Aged Math Circle, Rodi Steinig Jul 2019

The Signaling Problem: Using Exploding Dots To Solve An Accessible Mystery In An Elementary-Aged Math Circle, Rodi Steinig

Journal of Math Circles

Many people want to facilitate Math Circles for younger students but don’t know how. This article provides a model for how to create an engaging Math Circle for students aged 8-10 to explore different number bases and gives a detailed narrative to guide prospective instructors through the class. The narrative follows a group of eight students spending six weeks joyfully discovering underlying mathematical structure without being told what to do.


Exploding Dots At The Msu-Billings Math Circle, Tien Chih Jul 2019

Exploding Dots At The Msu-Billings Math Circle, Tien Chih

Journal of Math Circles

Global Math Week is an annual event started by Dr. James Tanton and the Global Math Project, connecting students around the world with the mathematics of Exploding Dots. Exploding Dots is a reconceptualization of the mechanics of arithmetic, which allows for a visually intuitive and accessible representation of a variety of mathematical topics ranging from different base representations to the arithmetic of polynomials and series. In this manuscript, we describe the first implementation of Exploding Dots at the MSU-Billings Math Circle. The actual itemized agenda of the session is described, followed by highlights of the session and observations by the …


Commentary From The Field: Elimu Haina Mwisho “Education Has No Limits”, Erick Mathew Jul 2019

Commentary From The Field: Elimu Haina Mwisho “Education Has No Limits”, Erick Mathew

Journal of Math Circles

Commentary From the Field: ELIMU HAINA MWISHO “Education has no Limits”


Editorial Introduction To The Journal Of Math Circles, Emilie Hancock, Brandy Wiegers Jul 2019

Editorial Introduction To The Journal Of Math Circles, Emilie Hancock, Brandy Wiegers

Journal of Math Circles

Editorial Introduction to the Journal of Math Circles.


A Message From The Global Math Project Team, James Tanton Jul 2019

A Message From The Global Math Project Team, James Tanton

Journal of Math Circles

A Message From the Global Math Project Team


Do Homework Trackers Affect Students’ Academic Performance?, Luisdaniel Barrera Jan 2017

Do Homework Trackers Affect Students’ Academic Performance?, Luisdaniel Barrera

All Master's Theses

With new state assessment requirements for high school graduation, teachers are focusing on different strategies to assist students to achieve those goals. Many teachers state that students who complete homework perform better academically. The current study analyzed whether homework planners (trackers) had any positive effect on the academic performance of 16 seventh grade students in a very small and rural school district. This was a mixed study (quantitative and qualitative). Students’ grades, district assessments, state assessments, and teacher surveys were analyzed. The results showed that students improved their math and English Language Arts (ELA) district assessment scores when compared from …


Spanish Science Resources For A Kindergarten Dual Language Classroom, Carmen Lorena Yanez May 2010

Spanish Science Resources For A Kindergarten Dual Language Classroom, Carmen Lorena Yanez

All Graduate Projects

The high population of English Language Learners (ELL) in the United States has impacted the educational system. Accountability for meeting high stakes tests and state standards has been a constant pressure for many schools that have a high concentration of ELL. School districts have adopted different programs to meet the needs of ELL. These programs focus on making academic content more relevant and comprehensible so students can meet state standards. One of the programs that has proven to be successful in meeting ELL needs is dual language. However, a challenge for many dual language programs that target English and Spanish …


Third Grade Hands On Science Curriculum, Douglas Ray Cornwell May 2010

Third Grade Hands On Science Curriculum, Douglas Ray Cornwell

All Graduate Projects

In 2009, Washington State issued a new set of science standards. These new standards focus on building scientific literacy. With the emphasis now on scientific literacy rather than the traditional emphasis on fact memorization, many teachers must now find new ways to teach their science programs that reinforce understanding in science concepts rather than simple fact recollection. A science program that focuses on the constructivist learning philosophy and that offers students "hands on" activities as well as teacher led demonstrations is offered here to fill the role as an example of one of these new programs.


The Level Of Mathematical Understanding Possessed By Prospective Elementary Teachers, William Dean Vodarski Jul 1970

The Level Of Mathematical Understanding Possessed By Prospective Elementary Teachers, William Dean Vodarski

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study to determine the level of mathematical understanding possessed by prospective elementary teachers graduating from Central Washington State College. It was also the purpose to determine if the measured level of mathematical understanding is related to such factors as sex, education classes completed, mathematics classes completed, and grade level of student teaching.


A Comparative Investigation Of The Effects Of Precision Of Response In Two Ninth Grade Algebra Classes, James Henry Krack Aug 1969

A Comparative Investigation Of The Effects Of Precision Of Response In Two Ninth Grade Algebra Classes, James Henry Krack

All Master's Theses

One of the areas of concern in mathematics education is that of communication of ideas and procedures. Since language plays the key role in the communication process, it is of value to examine its effect in the mathematics learning situation. The particular topic discussed in this paper concerned itself with various levels of precision in language usage in the mathematics classroom.


Mathematics Text Evaluation For The Intermediate Grades, Frank R. Naasz Aug 1968

Mathematics Text Evaluation For The Intermediate Grades, Frank R. Naasz

All Master's Theses

It was felt that the present means for selecting mathematics textbooks for use in the classroom at the intermediate level were inadequate. Therefore, the development of a mathematics textbook evaluation device might benefit those responsible for assisting in the evaluation and selection of mathematics textbooks.


A Study Comparing The Understanding Of Selected Principles Of College Chemistry By Intermediate Grade Pupils In Ellensburg And Mercer Island, Washington, Geoffrey Wallace Mills Aug 1968

A Study Comparing The Understanding Of Selected Principles Of College Chemistry By Intermediate Grade Pupils In Ellensburg And Mercer Island, Washington, Geoffrey Wallace Mills

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study (1) to teach the content as identified in the Ellensburg Study to fifth and sixth grade pupils in West Mercer Elementary School; (2) to determine if differences or similarities existed between the Mercer Island and Ellensburg groups; and (3) to develop an attitude scale to reflect pupils' concerns about science.


Audio-Visual Aids, Manipulative Materials, And Arithmetic Achievement In Grade Four, Janice Cameron Mccolaugh Aug 1968

Audio-Visual Aids, Manipulative Materials, And Arithmetic Achievement In Grade Four, Janice Cameron Mccolaugh

All Master's Theses

The central problem of this study was to determine whether children using an above-normal amount of audio-visual aids and manipulative materials would achieve significantly higher in arithmetic.


Development Of A Tentative Science Program For Hebeler Elementary School, Paul Emil Drotz Jul 1965

Development Of A Tentative Science Program For Hebeler Elementary School, Paul Emil Drotz

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to (1) develop a group of science topics and subtopics used and accepted for elementary science; and (2) list certain criteria concerning Hebeler Elementary School (H.E.S.) which can be used in determining appropriate content for the science program; and (3) select topics and subtopics for developing the H.E.S. science program using the listed criteria for selection.


A Comparative Study Of The Traditional And The Scott, Foresman Approaches To The Teaching Of Addition And Subtraction Of Fractions, Austa L. Daverin Nov 1964

A Comparative Study Of The Traditional And The Scott, Foresman Approaches To The Teaching Of Addition And Subtraction Of Fractions, Austa L. Daverin

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the achievement of a control group of children taught addition and subtraction of fractions in the traditional way with that of an experimental group taught by the Scott, Foresman approach. The factors under consideration were the ability to perform the basic operations required in adding and subtracting fractions, and the retention of ability to perform these skills.


Growth In Geometric Skills Made By Students In Grade Four, Gail Crum Aug 1964

Growth In Geometric Skills Made By Students In Grade Four, Gail Crum

All Master's Theses

For the first time in School District Number Seven, Yakima, Washington, a structured geometry course is included in the fourth grade mathematics program. The purpose of this study was to determine the growth in geometric skills made by the students enrolled in this program. It is a study to help determine which learnings fourth graders grasp, which only a few grasp, and, if there are some, none grasp.


An Experimental Study Of Fear: Test Of An Alleged Innate Sign Stimulus, Paul Dawson Aug 1964

An Experimental Study Of Fear: Test Of An Alleged Innate Sign Stimulus, Paul Dawson

All Master's Theses

The purpose of the present study was to test the Tinbergen hypothesis that specifically shaped sign stimuli innately arouse fear behavior in certain species of birds.


The Application Of The Additivity Theorem To Subjective Probability, Branton K. Holmberg Aug 1964

The Application Of The Additivity Theorem To Subjective Probability, Branton K. Holmberg

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the validity of applying the additivity theorem to subjective estimates of probability. Additivity, as used herein, refers to the process of adding the probability of the occurrence of an event and the probability of the non-occurrence of the same event and arriving at a total of one.


A Study Of Mathematics Curriculum For Grades 4-6, Jack J. Guns Jul 1961

A Study Of Mathematics Curriculum For Grades 4-6, Jack J. Guns

Graduate Student Research Papers

Teachers are being encouraged to achieve competency in improved mathematics instruction through workshops, "in-service training," National Science Foundation Scholarships, Carnegie Foundation Scholarships, and college summer schools. By providing training and sufficient motivation, educators can solve the primary problem in revamping our mathematics' curriculum. But educators are also confronted with the serious challenge of defining and organizing a sound modern curriculum drawn from research on the basic concepts students must have as they move from one level to the next.


Aerospace Education In The Sixth Grade, Edith Marie Jackson Aug 1960

Aerospace Education In The Sixth Grade, Edith Marie Jackson

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was twofold: to formulate an aerospace education handbook providing pertinent information and material which may be woven into existing sixth grade courses in the elementary curriculum and to make a careful evaluation of one aerospace program in a sixth grade classroom. The problems were: (1) selection and organization of appropriate information and material for the handbook; (2) determining suggested teaching procedures and activities; and (3) preparation and administration of evaluative instruments for the program.


An Investigation Of The Demonstration Method For Teaching Critical Thinking In Elementary School Science, John Gilbert Eyres Aug 1959

An Investigation Of The Demonstration Method For Teaching Critical Thinking In Elementary School Science, John Gilbert Eyres

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the effectiveness of the demonstration method, as used in science on the elementary school level, in teaching the critical thinking ability; (2) whether a reliable testing device could be designed to measure critical thinking ability at the elementary school level; and (3) whether there exists a relationship between the mental ability of elementary school children and their ability to do critical thinking.


A Study Of Critical Incidents Relating To Effective Instruction In Secondary School Physics, Chemistry, And Biology, Ernest Solomon Palmer Aug 1958

A Study Of Critical Incidents Relating To Effective Instruction In Secondary School Physics, Chemistry, And Biology, Ernest Solomon Palmer

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, to compile a list of factors aiding in the effectiveness of instruction in secondary school chemistry, physics, and biology classes, and second, to determine whether or not these factors aiding effectiveness have elements in common. The problem will then be to characterize these common elements.


A Survey Of The Field Of Primary Science, Lora May Aden Aug 1958

A Survey Of The Field Of Primary Science, Lora May Aden

All Master's Theses

The purpose of this paper will be to develop the specific objectives of science teaching as it applies to the children of the six to nine age group, commonly known as the primary school.


A Survey Of The High School Course In Physical Science, Kenneth H. Johnson Aug 1956

A Survey Of The High School Course In Physical Science, Kenneth H. Johnson

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study (l) to determine the predominant characteristics, content, functions, and place of the High School course in physical science in relation to the over-all science program, (2) to disclose some of the current practices found to be most applicable to the course, and (3) to determine the most important values and limitations of the course as it has currently been taught.


A Survey Of The Arithmetical Concepts Of Children In The Elementary Grades Pertaining To The Use Of Money, Eyler L. Elliot Aug 1955

A Survey Of The Arithmetical Concepts Of Children In The Elementary Grades Pertaining To The Use Of Money, Eyler L. Elliot

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this study: (1) to survey the present concepts of money and its use, in a specific elementary grade level, in a cross section of a city that included all socio-economic levels; (2) to determine the extent to which knowledge of economic concepts is related to socio-economic level; and (3) make suggestions as to areas where greater emphasis towards understanding of money concepts should be placed.