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

Audience Approved by PEP in grades 8 and 9.

Description Relationships and Math-Friendly Physical Science (RAMPS) has incorporated its innovative mathematics treatment into a unit interfaced into a one-year physical science textbook that covers the usual science topics so as to increase students' understanding of both science and mathematics. All of the materials, both science and applied math, include many hands-on activities which are simple but make their point, use materials which are already available in the school or can be purchased in the supermarket, and are nonpolluting. The special materials include sections about organization of knowledge, science relationships and how they are expressed both mathematically and nonmathematically, problem solving, proportionality, and how equations show relationships. The content is easily learned both by student and teacher, and enables the student to be comfortable and understanding in the applications of mathematics to introductory science. Optional materials and activities enable the teacher to tailor the materials to the students. An extensive teacher's guide provides answers to all items, tips, demonstrations, discussions of all activities, additional optional activities, updates, and references. By learning the special methods and approach of RAMPS, students are helped toward achievement of National Goal for Education 5. Because of its interdisciplinary component, RAMPS can be effectively used as part of the effort for systemic change.

The RAMPS materials may be adopted whole as a student textbook. Instead, the teacher may use RAMPS as a sourcebook and extract the parts most useful and appropriate to the particular classroom and textbook in use.

Evidence of Effectiveness Students in grades 8 and 9 participating in RAMPS demonstrated: (1) higher levels of understanding of the mathematics used for science and (2) higher achievement in applications of mathematics to science than did comparison students in a traditional physical science course.

Requirements RAMPS material can be taught by any teacher of physical science, even if not mathematically knowledgeable. Teachers can easily learn the special material by reading the textbook and utilizing the Teacher's Guide. Two days of training are recommended to learn the special aspects of the materials; additional training for up to four days makes it easier for the teacher.

Costs Training costs consist of travel expenses and the cost for a RAMPS textbook and Teacher's Guide ($65). Operational costs total $4 to cover supplies for a class. When student textbooks are ordered in lots of ten or more (without the Teacher's Guide), they cost $18 each.

Services In addition to training, awareness materials are available. A newsletter with updates, suggestions, and new materials is sent out twice per year to adopters. Telephone help from project trainers is available. The project has a toll-free number which is provided to adopters.

Contact

Madeline P. Goodstein, PRIMAK Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 701, Devon, PA 19333. (215) 687-6252. E-Mail: mgoodste@inet.ed.gov

Developmental Funding: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company and local.
PEP No. 91-lR (4/8/91)

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[Program for Access to Science Study (PASS)]

[STS Issues and Solutions (STSIS)]