Bonus Blog # 2
Discuss how Math, Science and Technology Relate, in the Real World and in the Classroom.
In the real world, the connection between science, math and technology is evident all around us. Almost everything we are involved with on a daily basis could be seen in terms of these three disciplines. We could begin by thinking about food, nutrition and our bodies. Also, the air we breathe and the energy we use. All of these can be thought of in scientific terms- matter, molecules, compounds, liquids, solids, gases, but also can be quantified and so there is a link to math. Technology provides a link with which to analyse data and has been described as "the eyes and ears of science". The link between the three disciplines is most evident in engineering, where engineers need a deep understanding of math and science to control the man made world. Engineers also control and interact with the natural world, as in water quality control. Meteorologists predict and record weather on the basis of mathematical models, scientific concepts and technology, again showing a strong link between the three.
In the real world, the connection between science, math and technology is evident all around us. Almost everything we are involved with on a daily basis could be seen in terms of these three disciplines. We could begin by thinking about food, nutrition and our bodies. Also, the air we breathe and the energy we use. All of these can be thought of in scientific terms- matter, molecules, compounds, liquids, solids, gases, but also can be quantified and so there is a link to math. Technology provides a link with which to analyse data and has been described as "the eyes and ears of science". The link between the three disciplines is most evident in engineering, where engineers need a deep understanding of math and science to control the man made world. Engineers also control and interact with the natural world, as in water quality control. Meteorologists predict and record weather on the basis of mathematical models, scientific concepts and technology, again showing a strong link between the three.
In our classrooms, the link is not as evident. Until recently, most elementary students were taught these three subjects in isolation from one another. Application to the real world in math took the form of word problems, which did not have much in the way of solving real world problems that may arise. Science concepts were learned in a theoretical way, often by memorizing facts and formulae. Technology has been largely absent from integrated instruction, and I see evidence of this in our classroom where most of our students have at most a very basic working knowledge with technology.
The articles I have read recently, have introduced me to a way of teaching where math, science and technology are naturally linked in problem solving situations. Real world problems involve students in responsible decision making, which is engaging and motivating. More than this, it reflects the world around us where disciplines are connected and integrated. I intend to use these methods in my teaching to the greatest extent possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment