Why Do We Need to Integrate Technology into Math and Science Curricula?
Integrating math and science brings together two very important academic subject areas, and enhances both. This combination better reflects the place of mathematics and science in the real world, and it provides students with a context for how they will use what they're learning once they finish school. By integrating math and science curricula through an inquiry-based approach, teachers build a strong framework for both subjects.
Teaching that uses current inquiry-based approaches can be more effective when technology is thoughtfully integrated. Technology enhances math and science instruction by allowing students to explore math and science concepts that might be too tedious, difficult, or costly to tackle without technology. Technology provides access to up-to-date information available on the Internet, as well as tools for visualizing and modeling, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating ideas. For example, simulations of the challenges inherent in space travel allows students to experience mathematical and scientific problems in the same way mathematicians, astronauts, and other scientists encounter them.
Numerous excellent reports provide more in-depth information about the relationships among math, science, and technology:
- Executive Summary: Before It's Too Late: A Report to the Nation from the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century
- Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS): Trend data based on student assessments in 1995, 1999, and 2003.
- TIMSS Video Studies
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
- NCTM Standards
- Elementary School Highlights
- Middle School Highlights
- High School Highlights
- National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
- The Elementary Science Classroom
- The Middle School Science Classroom
- The High School Science Classroom
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
- California Science Project Lesson Study
- WestEd Mathematics, Science, and Technology
- WebMath: Professional development for middle school math teachers
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
How did the information on this page answer the question "Why?" for you?
What other module topics would you find beneficial?
How are you using the information on this page?
Print Why Integrate Technology into Math and Science Curricula |
Print Entire Module
Home
Why
What
How
Resources