Integration of Math and Science
MATH 6376
Integration of Mathematics and Science, 6-8
Instructors: D. Reginald Traylor, Office: 829-2717; Email: traylor@uiwtx.edu
Ellen Szecsy, Mathematics Instructional Specialist, NEISD; Office: 805-5200; Email: szecsy@uiwtx.edu Office Hours: By appointment
Course Description:
MATH 6376 is a three-hour course that covers those mathematical and science topics that teachers of middle school are expected to know and be able to do.
Course Context:
Math Content and Pedagogy for Grades 6-8 is a problem-solving, standards-based course that provides teachers with the knowledge and skills to be successful in middle school mathematics. Instruction will have a student-centered learning approach incorporating lectures, discussions, written assignments, exam, and presentations; access to email and the internet is necessary as well as a graphing calculator.
Course Overview:
Integration of Mathematics and Science is a problem-solving, inquiry-based course that provides teachers with the knowledge and skills to successfully integrate their teaching of mathematics and science in grades 6-8. The mastery of selected mathematical concepts, integrated within related scientific studies at appropriate grade levels, will be the emphasis of instruction.
Students will have the opportunity to see how science and mathematics can be merged into specific lessons within a variety of the sciences. The instruction will include lectures discussions, written assignments, group and individual hands-on activities, technology and assessment strategies.
Course Outcomes:
- Be knowledgeable regarding TEKS andTAAS objectives in science and math for middle school grades
- Understand the elements of content, assessment, and pedagogy for middle school teachers/students
- Explain the various mathematical concepts discussed and be able to interface them with other concepts, topics and activities
- Develop an awareness of the middle school child and math/science curriculum
- Compile a journal/notebook of middle school math/science integrated activities
- Understand the elements of lesson planning and classroom operations that enhance math and science instruction
Requirements & Grading:
Weekly journals/homework assignments 15%
Due: Each week as class commences
Written in narrative form; be subjective; use personal experiences and reactions
Must be typed no longer than one page, double spaced
Annotated Bibliography 10%
Due: Each week as class commences
The science topic of the week's presentation will be researched the previous week
Must be typed and include printe4d and electronic resources (not every week)Resources must have proper formatting (APA Style Manual preferred)
Presentation 25%
Due: on the week assigned
Prepare an activity which addresses the Science Standards/TEKS you have been assignedIntegrate with corresponding Mathematics TEKS
Be prepared to present this to the class in a 2 hour format, including some form of assessment
All lessons must have some of YOUR OWN creativity
Turn in the following with your lesson plan:
ALL TEKS (math and science) covered
Resources
Technology required
The Assessment
Research Paper 20%
Title Page, Table of Contents for:
Introduction: identify topic, why chosen, describe the discussion to be presented
Background: identify major concepts of topics, define terms, describe historical or other relevant perspectives
Identify any data, describe
Relate findings to larger issues in mathematics education
Summarize with conclusions
Relate how this issue influences your understanding about mathematics education
References
Properly cite all references used (APA format)
Final Exam 20%
Class participation in activities and discussion 10%
Attendance Requirements
Class attendance is required for successful completion of this course.
Academic Honesty
The highest standards of Academic Honesty are expected.
