Connecting mathematics and science in undergraduate teacher education program: Faculty voices from t

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Connecting mathematics and science in
undergraduate teacher education program Faculty
voices from the Maryland Collaborative for
Teacher Preparation

• By Tad Watanabe Mary Ann Huntley
• Presented by Azalia Flores
• November 13, 2007
• ELED 415

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Introduction

• What is a scientifically literary person?
• According with Rutherford and Ahlgren 1990, The
  scientifically literary person is one who is
  aware that science, math and technology are
  interdependent human enterprises with strengths
  and limitations.

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Math And Science Connections

• Math and Science are closely related systems of
  thought and are naturally correlated in the
  physical world.
• Science provides concrete examples of abstract
  mathematical ideas.

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Math And Science Connections Continue

• Math helps students achieve a meaningful
  understanding of science concepts.
• Science activities illustrate math concepts and
  gives relevance and motivation to learn
  mathematics.

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Curricular Material That Integrate Math And
Science

• Activities that integrate Math and Science (AIMS)
• School Science and math integrated lessons.
• Teaching Integrated math and Science (TIMS)

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MCTP Project Purpose

• A National Science Foundation funded project
  aimed at facilitating and coordinating the
  development of teacher education program that
  will prepare special mathematics and science
  teachers

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Watanabe Huntleys Purpose

• To research the perspectives of the faculty in
  the MCTP project through interviews
• Report finding based on the answers to three
  questions
• Perceptions of MCTP instructors about the other
  discipline.
• Perceptions of MCTP instructor about the
  connections between math and science.
• Differences perceived by the MCTP instructor in
  implementing math and science integrated courses.

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Perspectives Of Math From The Science Instructor.

• Math is a tool for science
• Math is a language of science

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Perspectives from the Math Instructor About
Science

• Science is a context for math problem solving.
• Science is a useful tool to motivate students.
• Science helps students understand mathematics
  meaningfully.

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Perceptions About Connections Between Math And
Science.

• Tools
• Problems Solving
• Physical
• Chemistry
• Inquiry
• Observing
• Verifying
• Objectives of Study
• People
• Nature

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Conclusion

• Instructors have increased awareness for the
  other discipline area.
• Instructors continue to grapple with the issue of
  integrating math science