Debra L. Junk, Ph.D. Coordinator for Mathematics Initiatives The University of Texas Sara Flusche

1. CAST 2008 “Bringing Math and Science Together Through Collaboration: Making School Science Scientific” Debra L. Junk, Ph.D. Coordinator for Mathematics Initiatives The University of Texas Sara Flusche Project Director Science and Math North Central Texas College

2. Mathematics at the TRC • Began in 2006 • Coordinate with TEA • Support implementation of MSP Grants • Science since early 90’s • Professional development focus: • Algebra

3. Science at the TRC • 17 years of supporting science teachers • Coordinate with TEA • Support implementation of MSP Grants • Professional development focus: • Chemistry

4. TRC - Who We Are • An award-winning statewide network of P-16 partnerships that provide sustained and high intensity professional development to P-12 teachers of science and mathematics. • An infrastructure of over 43 institutions of higher education collaborating with education service centers, school districts, informal science educators and business partners. • A program with a 16-year track record of designing and implementing exemplary science professional development using research-based instructional models, materials, innovative technology, and best practices.

5. Geographic Distribution Regional Collaboratives are located in every Texas Education Service Center region. Over the 2005-2007 biennium, the TRC is providing professional development to approximately 10,000 teachers of science and 6,000 teachers of math in Grades P–12. 22 Mathematics Regional Collaboratives (08-09) 37 Science Regional Collaboratives (08-09)

6. Why Integrate?

7. Crystal Making • Chemistry • Geometry

8. Why Collaborate? Shared expertise is necessary !

9. What to Integrate? Integrations should reflect authentic connections to be meaningful.

10. Pushing MathScience Using charts, tables, graphs, numerical data, and formulas provides opportunities for students to “read” the data scientifically.

11. Oh Deer! • Ecosystems • Algebra • Line Graphs

12. Curricular Integration • Mathematics • Application of mathematics as a tool for interpretation • Reinforce the perspective of investigation, exploration and experimentation • Science • Push science beyond merely descriptive to modern scientific method • Underscore the importance of data analysis logical thinking and modeling

13. Bearly Growing Growth and Change Proportionality

14. How does invention help?

15. Pushing MathScience Allowing students to experiment with data collection and representation can highlight big ideas of mathematics--

16. Measuring Body Parts • Collecting Data • Variability • Measurement • Interpreting Data

17. Make Connections • Between models • Representations • Concepts • Differences

18. TAKS Connection • Physical Science • Speed/Time Graphs • Functions • Modeling

19. Resources AIMS GEMS Project Wild Project Aquatic Modelling Nature http://www.vanderbilt.edu/modeldata/ Math Momentum Informal Science: ASTC/TERC

20. Getting Ready to Integrate! • DO! • Collaborate with a math/science partner • Utilize instructional and uirricular strengths • Be mathematical about science and scientific about math • DON’T! • Sacrifice subject integrity • Do it to save time • Integrate all the time • Underestimate value of content knowledge

21. Contact Information www.theTRC.org • Kamil A. Jbeily, Ph.D.Executive Director • kjbeily@mail.utexas.edu • Carol L. Fletcher, Ph.D.Assistant Director/R&D Coordinator • carol.fletcher@mail.utexas.edu • Debbie Junk, Ph.D. Coordinator for Mathematics Initiatives • junkdeb@mail.utexas.edu • Sara Flusche • Project Director for Math and Science • North Central Texas College • sflusche@nctc.edu