Connecting Science and Mathematics - Using Computer Probeware
Eisenhower Grant Partnership
- George Mason University
- Graduate School of Education
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy
- Mathematical Sciences Department
School Districts
Overview
The partnership is developing a teacher professional development course designed to increase middle school and secondary school teachers knowledge and experience with computer probeware in collecting, analyzing, and reporting data. The science, mathematics, and technology teachers participate in an integrated environmental science course employing probeware. They work in school teams to design and implement a mini unit based on the Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools (SOL) where students use probeware as part of the inquiry process.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of the project is for teachers to have students use computer probeware to collect, analyze, and report data as they investigate real issues. The project provides 24 middle and secondary teachers from six schools with content knowledge and teaching strategies that emphasize the inquiry process and connections among science, technology, and mathematics as articulated in the SOL. The teachers:
- Increase their knowledge and understanding of computer applications to science and mathematics by participating in a problem solving model as they investigate a local environmental science issue using computer probeware to obtain data;
- Plan and conduct an environmental science investigation using a series of computer probes such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity;
- Analyze pedagogical strategies for using probeware to facilitate student investigations; and
- Design and implement for their students an inquiry-based mini unit using probes to collect, analyze, and report data.
Teacher Support
The inservice teachers participate in two weeks of training during the summer with follow up sessions during the academic year. Each team consists of science, mathematics, and technology teachers. The teachers present their projects at a state conference - Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST), Virginia Council of Teacher of Mathematics (VCTM), or Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE). Each teacher receives graduate credit, stipends, conference fees, substitute teacher days, and equipment for participating in this project.