The model of math infusion into science and technology continues to be refined and
enhanced as we learn more from and about the teachers and classes that have adopted this
model. Based on what we have learned to date, elements of the math infusion model
are:
- The mathematics must address key areas where students
typically have difficulty
- Mathematics is taught in an inquiry based way,
focusing on conceptual understanding rather and formulaic application
- Mathematics is infused into existing inquiry based science lessons
- Instruction incorporates formative and summative assessments
- Teacher
professional development is provided for pedagogy and content knowledge
The model of math infusion provides a way to conceptualize how teachers can infuse
mathematics into science and technology. It provides guidance for both professional
development activities and classroom implementation. Data indicate with high quality
infusion that lasts for at least 20 days, students evidence increased content knowledge
and improved attitudes. Teachers in science and technology report a value added to
their content area from enhanced math performance by middle schools students. They
also find that math infusion is doable within a regular science or technology curriculum
and does not limit what they can teach of their own subject area. The implications
of this approach are great. Although standards within individual STEM areas suggest
the value of cross-discipline connections, this work provides guidance for implementation
and indicates the feasibly for wide-spread math infusion.
