A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Audience Approved by JDRP/PEP for grades 7-12, Sci-Math embraces mathematical techniques that can be applied by students of varying age and ability, from low achievers and the educationally disadvantaged to college-bound high school students in math, chemistry, and physics classes.

Description Sci-Math links the problem-solving skills utilized in mathematics with those needed in the sciences and in everyday life. Using the mathematics of rates and ratios, Sci-Math gives students problem-solving strategies which they can apply beyond their math classes to the sciences, social studies, home, and business. Sci-Math is ideal for teachers whose students say they can't do word problems because they just don't know where to start. Sci-Math promotes the National Goals for Education to increase student achievement in math and science and to strengthen math and science education.

• Central Theme The technique of factor analysis (also called dimensional analysis, labeled rates, and label canceling) is presented in discrete steps that build students' confidence in their problem-solving abilities. Sci-Math emphasizes essential problem-solving habits: to stay on track and find what a problem really asks for, to remember the importance of labels for data and answers, and to think of problem solving primarily in terms of relationships, not arithmetic calculations.

• Applications Teachers can easily implement Sci-Math as a mini-course, a supplement, or a parallel course. The program works well in cooperative learning environments. Advanced students of algebra, chemistry, or physics can assimilate the core Sci-Math ideas in as little as two weeks; for less advanced or younger students, teachers may spend three to six weeks, depending on the skill level they want to achieve. Teachers should note that Sci-Math does not expand the curriculum; rather, Sci-Math extends it by showing students new and efficient ways to solve the problems they already face.

• Activities More than 20 hands-on activities and experiments deal with situations at home, school, and business that are already familiar to students. Activity materials, such as rulers, string, and pressure gauges, are readily available and inexpensive.

• Materials Two editions of Sci-Math: Applications in Proportional Problem-Solving are available from Addison-Wesley. Module One is best suited to pre-algebra students; Module Two assumes familiarity with algebraic variables and graphing and charting techniques. Teachers' guides are available for each module, with all problems worked out in detail. The guides also provide record sheets, data, and answers to questions. The student texts cost about $8 per copy and are reusable. In addition, workshop participants receive numerous free worksheets and exercises which they can duplicate for classroom use.

Evidence of Effectiveness Grades 7-12 students of varying ability demonstrated significantly positive growth in proportional problem-solving skills on a validated criterion reference test.

Requirements Teacher training consists of one six-hour workshop that focuses on Sci-Math Module One. Participants should bring a Module One teacher guide and student book to the workshop. Workshop sponsors cover the cost of Addison-Wesley texts and the trainer's fee and expenses.

Services Awareness materials are available at no cost. Program personnel are available for one-hour awareness presentations when expenses are covered. Training costs are trainer's fee plus travel expenses, and $18 per participant (typically 20 people) for workshop materials. Duplication expenses are $3 per student each year. Program adopters receive follow-up assistance by phone or mail, and our newsletter, The Sci-Math Way, free of charge.

Contact

Laura Dunn, Carolyn Hubachek, Co-directors, Sci-Math, Education and Technology Foundation, 4655 25th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. (415) 824-5911, FAX (415) 282-4294.

Developmental Funding: National Science Foundation.
JDRP No. 82-20 (5/12/82)
Recertified (4/1/94)

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[Mathematics Achievement through Problem Solving (MAPS)]

[Seed, Project]