Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Developing And Implementing An Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Symposium At A Small Liberal Arts College, Philip J. Nyhus, F R. Cole, D H. Firmage, E H. Yeterian

Philip J. Nyhus

No abstract provided.

An Integration Of Chemistry, Biology, And Physics: The Interdisciplinary Laboratory, Gerald R. Van Hecke, Kerry K. Karukstis, Richard C. Haskell, Catherine S. Mcfadden, F Sheldon Wettack

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

As a new venture to integrate research and education, a pilot section of a first-year laboratory sequence known as the Interdisciplinary Laboratory (ID Lab) was introduced on the Harvey Mudd campus during the 1999–2000 academic year and continues to be offered. The ID Lab attempts to bridge laboratory experiences from biology, chemistry, and physics for the first-year student. Taught by a team of faculty from these disciplines, the course seeks both to illustrate commonality of investigative methods and laboratory techniques in these sciences and to introduce discipline-specific principles. Experiments with a chemistry component include the Molecular Weight of Macromolecules, the …

When Is A Math Problem Really "Real"?, Michael E. Goldberg

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

"Magic In A Box", Lacie Juris

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Portfolio Assessment In Liberal Arts Mathematics, Mike Kenyon

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

This paper describes my efforts to incorporate problem-solving portfolios into my liberal arts mathematics course. I begin with a description of the components of the portfolios and the factors I consider in evaluating them. I then address some of the more significant obstacles I have encountered as well as what I consider to be among the major benefits. A selection from one student’s portfolio is appended.

Marcy's Dots: A Problem On National Test Revisited, Patricia Baggett, Andrzej Ehrenfeucht

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Divisibility: A Problem Solving Approach Through Generalizing And Specializing, Rina Zazkis

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

This paper describes a divisibility rule for any prime number as an engaging problem-solving activity for preservice secondary school mathematics teachers.

Classroom Questioning Strategies As Indicators Of Inquiry Based Science Instruction, Linda Hale Goossen

Dissertations

Inquiry teaching often rests upon the assumption that through the use of questioning and response strategies, teachers can stimulate students to actively construct knowledge. Based on this hypothesis, middle-school science lessons were observed and questioning and response strategies were identified that are related to inquiry-based instruction.

Twenty-four science lessons were observed, videotaped, and ranked by inquiry characteristics other than questioning strategy. The video and audio portions of the recordings were analyzed to determine the student and teacher’s questioning and response strategies in each classroom. These strategies were then compared to teaching style, along a continuum from traditional to inquiry, to …

Self Paced Math At Jccc, Steve Wilson

Contributions to the Math Classroom

Independent study is becoming more popular among students, and more schools are creating programs to meet the demand. The self-paced math program at Johnson County Community College had been operational since the mid-1980s, but has experienced fantastic growth beginning in about 2000. This presentation describes the current program from the viewpoints of students, faculty, and managers.

Museum Educators' Workshop Study: Attracting And Retaining Teachers In Museum-Sponsored Professional Development Programs, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

In preparation for the Museum Educator’s Workshop, the Planning Team saw that a necessary first step would be to honor the perspectives of Chicago Public School (CPS) teachers and principals. Changes in Illinois Teacher Recertification requirements, changes within the CPS itself, and nation-wide developments in the teaching profession suggested that a fresh look at Chicago’s professional development landscape would be necessary. Indeed, many relevant questions about the role(s) of museums in teacher professional development were raised during initial Planning Team discussions. Here are just a few examples: Which organizations are the foremost providers of professional development for CPS teachers and …

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 …

Integrating Mathematics, Technical Writing Skills And Authentic Assessment Into A Ninth And Tenth Grade Woodshop Curriculum, John Lawrence Mccarley

Graduate Student Projects

For this project an integrated woodshop curriculum containing elements of procedural writing and mathematics instruction was created. The curriculum design was based on the constructivist concept that students learn more efficiently when personal meaning is attached to the content presented. That concept was used to connect mathematics and writing to realistic applications in a woodshop setting. Support for integration of various content areas into a single curriculum is supported in the academic literature. Specific exercises to attain specific outcomes are discussed in the literature, and adaptations of those processes were incorporated in the project.

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.

Multiple Intelligence Theory And Seventh Grade Mathematics: A Handbook Of Activities, Mechelle Lynn Devries Lalanne

All Graduate Projects

Multiple intelligence theory was investigated; a description and history of the theory, as proposed by Howard Gardner, is provided. The multiple intelligence theory as it relates to education, particularly mathematics education, was reviewed. A handbook of activities was created to provide a resource for seventh grade teachers that will assist in the application and integration of mathematics across the range of multiple intelligences in their classroom. Assessments that resemble the Washington Assessment of Students Leaming are included, in order to develop skills necessary to meet the Essential Academic Leaming Requirements of Washington.

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 …

Forming Partnerships With Parents Through A Series Of Interactive Home-Based Activities Delivered Through The Use Of Personal Computers, Michael P. Stark

All Graduate Projects

A project was implemented in which parents and students were encouraged to collaborate on a series of interactive mathematics activities designed to be completed in the home. yth grade math students along with their parents completed problem-solving activities on personal computers. Students with no access to computers at home were able to borrow Apple iBook laptop computers from the local school district. The activities were all designed to help students in preparation for the ylh grade mat WASL. The project also contained many resources for parents, including WASL related resources as well as resources on parental involvement at home.

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.

Environmental Awareness Curriculum For First Grade, Dianna Lynn Whitley

All Graduate Projects

An environmental curriculum was created to increase student's awareness about their environment. The purpose was to provide students with knowledge and skills to participate in environmental issues. Three sub-topics were researched, Waste Management, Water Pollution and Water Conservation. Lessons were developed for all three areas to implement in a first grade classroom. The lessons are diverse and will meet the needs of all learning styles.

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.

Using Authentic Learning To Teach Basic Technology Skills, Steven Burken

Graduate Research Papers

During the past decade, most school districts have been required to write technology plans that have included the goal that students will become technologically literate. Teachers and administrators have been challenged to teach technology skills that will help student solve problems in the work place. What has been commonplace is for schools to offer courses or units in which students acquire skills without applying them to real world problems. This paper takes a look at the literature and research surrounding the use of technology, and the learning of technology skills, in the framework of authentic learning.

Teaching Nctm Standards Through Subject Areas In The Kindergarten Classroom, Elizabeth Tata O'Neil

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers are being expected to provide a full range of experiences for their students. But in reality, many early childhood programs have reading readiness and literacy as the only focus. In many situations, mathematics instruction is an afterthought. Many students are not given quality instruction because little time in the school day is left, once language arts instruction is completed. This is even more true for students in half-day programs.

One way to alleviate this disparity is to incorporate math instruction within other subject areas. This can be achieved if teachers are educated in the National Council of Teachers of …

Teaching Mathematical Problem Solving In The Context Of Oregon's Educational Reform, Nicole R. Rigelman

Dissertations and Theses

Implementation of Oregon’s Educational Reform Act (HB 3565 and HB 2991) provides the context for this inquiry as its emphasis on problem solving has impacted mathematics teaching and learning throughout the state. Even though all Oregon teachers are responding to the same policy, their goals in teaching problem solving vary. These goals and these practices are influenced by the way teachers view the role of problem solving in the curriculum. Further, their practice is influenced by their knowledge and beliefs about mathematics content, teaching, learning, and the reform policy. The questions addressed in this study are: (1) What do exemplary …