A look at the Integration of Science and Mathematics in the Elementary School1976

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A look at the Integration of Science and
Mathematics in the Elementary School-1976

• William R. Brown and Curtiss E. Wall
• School Science and Mathematics 767, 551-562.

Martha Atanus ELED 415 FALL 2005
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Continuum of the Integrationof Math and Science
Most fully integrated
Math for the sake of math
Science for the sake of science
Math for the sake of science
Math and science in concert
Science for the sake of math
School programs should include all five points of
this continuum
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Math and Science Six areas of common learning

• Sorting and classifying
• Measuring
• Using spatial and time relationships

• Interpreting Data
• Communicating
• Formulating and interpreting models

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Sorting and Classifying

• Organizes raw data in order to refine students
  thinking
• Periodic Table of the Elements

1 all objects in group
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3
4
2 green but not vegetable 3 vegetable but not
green 4 green and vegetable
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Measuring

• Begin with metric system

• Begin with children comparing objects
• Then proceed to ordering objects
• Then compare nonstandard units of measurement

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Using Spatial and Time Relationships

• Uses many activities often done in mathematics
  lessons
• Geometry
• Speed
• Ex Calculating speed
• Relationship of planets to each other

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Interpreting Data

• Charts, tables, graphs
• Science and math differ in how they determine a
  hypothesis validity
• Math
• Truth of a statement can be clearly determined
• Science
• Hypothesis may never be absolutely proven one
  way or the other

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Communicating

• Clear communication is essential to science and
  math
• Can be oral or written
• Hands-on activities increase students
  communication skills

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Formulating/Interpreting Models

• Creating models of abstract concepts helps
  students understanding
• Helpful for concrete thinkers

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Curriculum that integrates Science and Math

• Elementary Science Study (ESS)
• Science A Process Approach (SAPA)
• Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS)
• Unified Science and Mathematics for
• Elementary Schools (USMES)
• Minnesota Mathematics and Science Project
  (Minnemast)

Lessons from these programs can be found on
the Enhanced Science Helper K-8 CD-ROM sold by
The Learning Team
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Integration is essential to learning Math and
Science
I hear and I forget I see and I remember I do and
I understand Chinese Proverb