A STUDY OF MATH INFUSION IN MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGINEERING/TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CLASSES

摘要

This study is part of the Mathematics, Science, and Technology Project (MSTP), a Mathematics and Science Partnership project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and conducted by the Hofstra University Center for Technological Literacy (CTL). As part of its goal to improve mathematics in the middle school, MSTP introduced Bedroom Design, an engineering technology education (ETE) curriculum for middle school, and examined its impact on student learning of mathematics. The curriculum uses an "informed design" approach to infuse grade-related disciplinary mathematical concepts into ETE instruction. Designed to be taught as a five-week unit, it features a hybrid instructional model that employs computer simulation as well as physical modeling. Fifteen teachers in New York State and 20 teachers nationally implemented the curriculum, and gains in student mathematical learning and attitudes were studied using pre and post curriculum assessments.