AlgebraLAB

Description

Welcome to AlgebraLAB, an online learning environment that focuses on topics and skills from high school mathematics that students must be able to draw upon in their introductory science courses. Since math is the language of science, science courses are often where students first realize “Oh, so this is why we learned that in algebra …” In many cases students often discover that it is one or more math skills that initially block their ability to understand and internalize new science concepts. In science classes students must learn how to recognize when particular mathematics procedures are applicable so that they can select from their "mathematics toolboxes" the correct methods needed to solve new problems. And to make matters worse, these new problems are often "word problems" that require not only an ultimate solution but an understanding of how to interpret givens, relate cause-and-effect, and set up any initial conditional equations. We have used successful research-based design models to drive the project’s design and implementation. AlgebraLAB focuses on building the connections between science and the basic mathematics required for its understanding by means of: Follow this link to read our recommendations on how to use the website . The project was developed in conjunction with a Florida Department of Education Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) Competitive Grant, a National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' Edward G. Begle Grant for classroom-based research in precollege mathematics, and Volusia County Schools. Developing integrated math and physical science courses that include topics from Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, Physics and Chemistry will enable students to see the practical applications of their mathematics skills and to understand the importance of math in discovering accurate, data-driven scientific conclusions. The online environment is critical because it allows students access to content both at school and at home. It also provides immediate diagnostic assessment to the teacher and feedback to students that reinforces understanding of content or to provide just-in-time remediation of the math skills that may be hindering the student’s learning in science. The digital XML format used in AlgebraLAB's development allows teachers to organize not only their documents, but the data contained within them (questions, answers, topics, skills, standards, diagrams, lectures). Students that miss questions or realize that they need refreshing on a former topic of study can in real-time initiate queries to find explanations and additional practice problems to re-teach the desired skills. Through this curriculum project , participating math, science, and reading teachers have effectively incorporated online curricular materials into their lessons, implemented new technology-based teaching strategies, and integrated active-learning environments that allow them to facilitate their students’ learning. Dr.

Products & services

Similar companies nearby