Work in progress - math infusion in a middle school engineering/technology class

Abstract

Engineering design projects can provide a rich opportunity to enhance middle school student knowledge in core disciplinary subject areas, such as mathematics and science and forms an important aspect of the NSF-supported mathematics, science, technology education partnership (MSTP) project . A key goal of the project has been to develop a model for infusing mathematics into science and technology at the middle school level. The informed design process was created as part of a NSF materials development program and formed the engineering design framework for this study. Structured mathematics activities (knowledge and skill builders - KSBs) were developed that linked to the design challenge. As a result of these hands-on activities, students apply the mathematical reasoning developed in order to solve an engineering problem; the design of a bedroom. A pilot research study, involved implementation of a math-infused bedroom design lesson. A paired t-test indicated the difference was statistically significant t (128) = 2.828, p<.005, providing evidence that students were showing gains on their math content knowledge.