ERIC Number: EJ1053579
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Mar
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1072-0839
EISSN: N/A
Girls Build Excitement for Math from Scratch
Amador, Julie M.; Soule, Terence
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, v20 n7 p408-415 Mar 2015
By 2020, five of the top ten in-demand jobs in the United States will be in information technology (Moeller 2012). Companies across the nation are seeking a new type of employee: one who is computer savvy and who is familiar with computer coding, data, mathematics, and augmented reality (Leber 2013). Recent reports indicate that, although students are initially interested in jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, positive attitudes toward mathematics drastically decline between seventh grade and tenth grade, and interest in careers involving mathematics decrease as well (University of Idaho 2013). Findings indicate that girls' attitudes diminished at a far more substantial rate than that of boys, highlighting the need to focus on girls and STEM disciplines (University of Idaho 2013). As a result, the authors designed and implemented a computer-coding unit, specifically for girls in grades 6-8, focused on increasing their technological and mathematical understanding. This article describes their approach and provides directions for integrating technology with mathematics as students learn to create virtual games and programs. A bibliography is included.
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Secondary School Mathematics, Middle School Students, Females, STEM Education, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Learning Activities, Technological Literacy, Mathematics Skills, Coding, Teaching Methods, Integrated Curriculum, Student Projects, Mathematical Concepts, Concept Formation, Scientific Concepts, Student Motivation, Technology Uses in Education
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1502. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-3702; Fax: 703-476-2970; e-mail: orders@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Secondary Education; Middle Schools; Junior High Schools; Grade 6; Intermediate Grades; Elementary Education; Grade 7; Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A