Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Imagination To Innovation: Design Thinking For Young Learners, Lindsey Herlehy, Cassandra Armstrong

Publications & Research

Design thinking is the intersection of engineering design and social-emotional learning. Today’s learners must be empathetic problem solvers capable of defining problems and designing appropriate solutions to meet the needs of the user. In this session, participants will experience design thinking through literature-based scenarios appropriate for early learners. They will analyze and compare their own models to those of others and compose a lesson that will engage students in the design thinking process.

Naval Engineering For Grades 4-6, Patrick Young

Publications & Research

Reading The Girl with a Mind for Math, we learn about the career of Raye Montague, an African-American woman who broke every barrier to pioneer computer-aided ship design and become the first female program manager in the United States Navy. Lessons are provided for using free, online software to design ships while exercising several Common Core Math standards and NGSS standards for engineering design.

E2: Equity And Excellence Framework, Adrienne Coleman, Traci Ellis

Publications & Research

Both the United States and the United Nations have identified, examined, and put out a call to action to address the educational inequities that have disproportionately and negatively affected racially minoritized students, as well as those from a lower socioeconomic background, and poorer countries. Data from the Nations Report Card and the Global Monitoring Report provide evidence of disparities in academic performance and access to equitable educational resources. The outcome of these inequities impacts countries throughout the world, as their residents will not possess the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving global society, nor possess the critical …

Math & Construction: Curriculum, Community, & Career Connections, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

Math & Machining: Curricular Connections For The Classroom, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

Aviation Integration: Promoting Careers Through Curricular Connections Within The Math Classroom, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

5th -12th grade teachers, curriculum/instructional leaders, & CTE directors will: 1) discover aviation-related careers, connections, and pathways that can be promoted within the math classroom, 2) gain knowledge of topics, tech, and tools that can be integrated within the mathematics curriculum, and 3) acquire lots of RESOURCES to help educators positively impact teacher instruction, student learning, and career awareness. Careers include: Load Master, Engineer, Mechanic, Pilot, Air Traffic Controller, Crash Reconstructionist, GIS Analyst, Machinist…. Aviation topics include: Forces of Flight, Time Zones, Drones, Satellite Imagery, GPS, CNC Programming... Math Concepts include: Angles, Area, Coordinate Geometry, Decimals, Fractions, Intersecting Circles, Linear …

Playing With Push Toys And Technology: Solving A System Of Linear Equations, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

When students are given the opportunity to utilize technology and engage in hands-on activities within a mathematics class, they can experience mathematics in action. Mathematical action technologies “offer students opportunities to interact...in ways that are not possible (alone) with paper and pencil” (McCullough et. al, 2021, p. 739). One such mathematical action technology, for instance, involves a calculator-based ranger (CBR) which collects and displays motion data in real-time. As CBR activities impact students’ abilities to interpret and model “physical phenomena” which enhances graphical understanding (Kwon, 2010), I have incorporated various CBR activities that involve students walking in front of a …

Flags Of Africa: Promoting Cultures & Connecting Math Concepts, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

Objectives

1. To share ideas for using flags of Africa and technology to engage students with math concepts: counting, fractions, percentage, aspect ratio, linear equations/inequalities, domain/range, angles/distances/slope, classifying triangles, area of polygons, slope, parallelograms, & coordinate geometry.
2. To highlight technology such as Google Slides, Google Sheets Pixel Art, GeoGebra, Desmos, and CNC Machines that help enrich the teaching of math concepts.
3. To provide ideas for promoting discussion of culture, history, & geography within the math classroom.

Little Changes, Big Impact: Integrating Evolution In Science And Ela, Christine L. Moskalik, Nicole Ross

Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

Playing With Code: Big Ideas For Early Learners, Lindsey Herlehy, Cassandra Armstrong

Publications & Research

For young children growing in today’s digital world, the acquisition of coding and computer programming skills has become a popular and appropriate focus in education. Beyond engaging in technology and coding applications as consumers – the passive act of sitting in front of a screen and merely pressing buttons without a high level of thought – early childhood students are capable of high-quality programming tasks through play-based learning experiences. As producers, our youngest students may explore the open-ended nature of computer programming and coding through design, art, and innovation. Engaging in coding builds valuable and transferable practices such as problem …

Aviation Integration: Topics, Tech, & Career Connections For Enhancing Math Concepts, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

5th -12th grade teachers will: 1) discover how to incorporate aviation concepts, tech, & tools into math curriculum & 2) gain ideas, corresponding activities, & LOTS of resources to enhance the teaching & learning of math concepts. Aviation Topics: Forces of Flight, Time Zones, Drones, Satellite Imagery, GPS, CNC Programming... Math Concepts: Angles, Area, Coordinate Geometry, Intersecting Circles, Linear Functions, Shapes, ...

Playing With Math And Science In The Early Childhood Classroom, Cassandra Armstrong, Lindsey Herlehy

Publications & Research

Young students are equipped with the curiosity and creativity to be successful scientists and mathematicians. In today’s classrooms, strong foundational skills in STEM promote success for years to come. Through play, young students can subitize, sort, draw, recognize patterns, and explore loose parts. Participants will actively take part in several activities highlighting each of these skills.

The Great Water Design Challenge: A Collaboration With Noaa Planet Stewards, Elizabeth Martinez

Publications & Research

Session Goals

• Define design challenge
• Generate ideas for classroom design challenge
• Outline design challenge for your classroom

NOAA Planet Stewards NESTA Article

Creating Career Pathways Though Curriculum Connections In Math & Science Classrooms, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

Pathways to Work Partners will discover how the Illinois Math & Science Academy (IMSA) - Center for Teaching & Learning is helping to promote career pathways and curricular connections through the professional development of teachers and the creation and integration of classroom to career connections related to Prek-12^th grade curriculum focused on STEM concepts.

Parental Opinions And Perceptions Regarding Informal Stem Education, Christine L. Moskalik

Publications & Research

The purpose of this research was 1) to develop a new instrument to explore factors parents value regarding informal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) enrichment experiences for their children in Illinois, and 2) to adapt and use an existing instrument to assess the degree to which parental perceptions of their child’s STEM attitudes and beliefs align with the child’s actual STEM attitudes and beliefs. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was implemented over two parts. During Part I, a new survey was developed to quantitatively measure the degree to which certain factors are valued by parents when considering STEM enrichment …

Microcredentials To Promote Stem Professional Learning, Angela Rowley

Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

Meaningful Math: Activities, Applications, & Career Connections For The Teaching & Learning Of Math Concepts, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

5^th-12^th grade teachers will:

1. Discover career connections & tech tools that can be integrated into the math curriculum
2. Gain ideas, activities, & LOTS of resources which can enhance the teaching/learning of math concepts

Imsa Core Competencies: Micro-Credentials For Teacher Development, Angela Rowley

Publications & Research

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has created a system of micro-credentials for K-12 teachers to promote best practices in STEM education and to promote IMSA’s core competencies of inquiry-based, problem-centered, competency-driven, and Integrated STEM teaching and learning. In this session, these competencies will be demonstrated as effective pedagogy to differentiate for more advanced learners within the same classroom as other students or can be used independently with groups of gifted students to promote deep thinking and provide challenge.

Imsa Lunch And Learn “Only Time Will Tell”, Angela Rowley, Gwen Seeley-Joosse

Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

Tech & Toys To Teach Linear Algebra, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

6th - 12 Grade Math teachers will Discover activities involving tech and/or toys:

1. CNC Machines- graphing points & line segments
2. Desmos/GeoGebra & flags- graphing linear equations/inequalities w/ domain/range
3. CBR & movement- graphing/analyzing lines
4. Push toys- systems of equations
5. Water growing toys- growth rate
6. Ziplines, Balloons, Barbie, & Lego People - slope & linear equations

Flags And Tech To Teach Math, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

Teachers will discover innovative activities for math concepts that engage students with flags & technology such as CNC Machines, Google Sheets Pixel Art, Desmos, & GeoGebra.

Pixel Math Across All Levels, Kelly W. Remijan

Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

What’S The Buzz? A Hands-On, Interdisciplinary, And Fun Way To Learn About Circuits, Energy, Engineering, Bee Communication, And Pollination, Christine L. Moskalik

Publications & Research

How can a simple toothbrush- bot be used to model honey bee communication as well as the role of such communication in pollination? Learners explore basic circuitry through the popular tooth- brush-bot activity, with a spin.

Young Mathematicians: Stem Skills For Success, Lindsey Herlehy

Publications & Research

Our youngest STEAM learners are creative and curious, but require support and foundational skills in mathematics and science. Join us for a series of integrated activities that explore subitizing, sorting, drawing, patterns, and data analysis, and leave with new ideas of how to build these STEAM skills in your classroom and remote-learning environment.

Stem: Innovación Y Transformación Educativa, José M. Torres

Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

Little Big Minds: Stem For Our Youngest Learners, Cassandra Armstrong, Lindsey Herlehy

Publications & Research

STEAM-integrated activities are for all learners, including those in an early childhood setting. Participate in a series of play-based activities that promote foundational mathematics skills and foster curiosity, creativity, and innovation. Measure, graph, sort, categorize, argue, and defend your ideas while previewing a series of STEAM-integrated concepts featuring simple machines.

Problem Centered Teaching By Tomorrow, Cassandra Armstrong

Publications & Research

Problem Centered Instruction is a great way to engage students, integrate content, and inspire learning. However, true problem centered instruction requires a major shift in both teaching and learning, requiring the one thing teachers don't have: time. In today's session, we will look at some simple strategies that teachers can put to immediate use within the classroom to help start the shift towards a student-led, problem centered learning environment.

The Great Water Design Challenge: A Noaa Planet Stewards And Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy (Imsa) Collaboration, Elizabeth Martinez

Publications & Research

Through generous NOAA Planet Stewards funding, schools in the Northern Illinois area had the unique opportunity to participate in a one-day design challenge that focused on local and state environmental issues. Student teams, which ranged from fifth grade through high school, engaged in research and design thinking to create innovative responses and solutions to address their selected water challenge. Subject matter experts were available, both virtually and in person, for questions, conversations, and insights as teams worked. Simultaneously team sponsors engaged in their own professional development related to the NOAA Planet Stewards Program. Students showcased their work at the end …

Content Validity Of A Mathematics Placement Test For A Gifted High School, Hannah R. Anderson

Publications & Research

The Content Validity of a mathematics placement test at a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) gifted residential high school is examined. Data were collected from internal and external mathematics subject matter experts (SMEs) using a card- sorting task and were analyzed using Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Results demonstrate some congruence between the two configurations, suggesting marginal evidence of Content Validity.

Context Is Critical: K-5th Grade Three-Act Math Tasks, Lindsey Herlehy

Publications & Research

Mathematicians view mathematics within interesting and natural contexts. In this session, participants will engage and explore Three-Act Math Tasks; a story-telling pedagogical strategy that elicits student curiosity, collaboration, and questioning while redefining the term “real-world context” and the role that students play in the learning process. Resources will be provided