A Philosophy of Teaching Elementary School Mathematics/Science

• Nature of science and mathematics

• A framework of mathematics and science

• National, state, and local mathematics and science standards

• Effective practices and current trends in the teaching of mathematics and science

• Carriers in mathematics, science, and technology

• What might integration mean in the mathematics classroom?

• How can I add breadth, depth, and dimension to my students’ learning?

Teaching mathematics and science for ALL students: The Learner

• How do children learn mathematics/science?

• Developmentally appropriate practices

• Mathematics/science and nature of the learner

• Differentiating Instruction/Individualized Learning

• Effective teaching practices

• Reflection and meta-cognition

Teaching for Understanding

• What constitutes pedagogical content knowledge

• Misconceptions and alternate conceptions in mathematics and science

• Conceptual change model for teaching: The learning cycle with concept development

• Continuum of teaching: Inquiry and discovery, Demonstrations, ...

• Professionally developed curriculum: FOSS; AIMS; PLT/WILD; GEMS, Mission Mathematics

• Textbook

Planning for Hands-On, Minds-On Mathematics and Science Instruction

• Doesn’t every mathematics classroom look the same?

• The teacher--the classroom leader/facilitator?

• Developing integrated unit; Guiding questions

• Planning for large groups/small groups/individuals - cooperative learning; management; Safety

• Informal learning opportunities - Field trip

Assessing for Learning: How can I assess and evaluate my students’ learning?

• Scientific, numerical, and quantitative literacy

• Questioning; Taxonomy of cognitive domain

• Calculators and Testing

• Performance -Based Assessment in Mathematics and Science

TOOLS and Technology in an elementary classroom: How can I effectively use technology within my mathematics & science programs?

• Manipulatives

• Bulletin boards

• Calculators

• Computer technology

• Evaluating your sources

• Virtual field trip

Communication

• Using reading and writing in math and science

• Communicating about math and science activities

• Math/science logs

Problem Solving

• Problem solving strategies and the classroom climate

• Independent & cooperative problem solving

• Open-ended approach to teaching math: Pascal's triangle; system of equations with smaller number of equations than variables

• Scientific investigations: experimenting, process skills, identifying and controlling variables, interpreting data

• Understanding of controlling variables, interpreting data, formulating and teaching hypothesis, and experimenting in the elementary science 

• Problem solving across the disciplines

• Games

Reasoning

• Why teach logical thinking?

• What concepts in logical thinking should be taught?

• Concept maps as a teaching and learning tool

• LOGO & LEGO

Connections

• Within mathematics/science

• Connections to other subject areas, and

• Connections to real-world applications

Multiple representations

• Representations and learning

• Within mathematics/science

Organizing themes in mathematics - concepts and procedures - selected activities

• Number and Operations 

• Patterns, Relations, and Algebra

• Geometry and Spatial Sense 

• Measurement; Metric System 

• Data Analysis and Probability

Organizing themes in science/Basic principles of

• Life Science

• Physical Science - Physics

• Physical Science - Chemistry

• Earth and Space Science

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Updated July 2003

Maintained by:
  Mara Alagic
Curriculum and Instruction Department
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS 67260-0028