Keeping the M in STEM: Supporting Mathematical Content in an Integrated Geoscience Unit

• In Event: 63.084 - MTCC Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: 63.084-10 - Does STEM Integration Help or Hinder Mathematics Outcomes for Teachers and Students?

Abstract

STEM integration promises to provide students with increased engagement and interest in STEM careers (NRC, 2014), positive learner identities (e.g., Calabrese Barton & Tan, 2010a, 2010b; Rahm, 2008) and participation in STEM fields. It is also an entry for students who have previously struggled in mathematics (Burghardt, Hecht, & McHugh, 2015). However, mathematics in integrated STEM curriculum tends to be overshadowed by the sciences content (English, 2017). We describe a 7th grade STEM integration curriculum designed to attend to mathematics content. We describe our curricular design process and initial mixed methods study. The data is promising including statistically significant change in student assessments, but also highlights where students need additional support to continue to strengthen their mathematical expression in this arena.

Authors

• Miriam Gates, Boston College

• Melita Morales, Boston College

• Mark Goldner, Brookline Public Schools

• Tom Moher, University of Illinois at Chicago

• James D Slotta, University of Toronto