In this paper, we investigate whether and how mathematics factors into students' performance in IT learning. The involved cognitive levels of students learning mathematics and hence problem solving, are correlated to how well they are able to transpose their knowledge and apply it to problem solving in the IT field(s). Our hypothesis is that if…

Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in interdisciplinary teaching and learning in the elementary grades. Teachers are increasingly looking for ways to help their students integrate literacy instruction with content area learning. This article highlights some of the similarities between reading comprehension and mathematical…

Have your students ever wondered what NASA scientists do? Have they asked you what their science and mathematics lessons have to do with the real world? This unit about Earth's atmosphere can help to answer both of those questions. The unit described here showcases "content specific integration" of science and mathematics in that the lessons meet…

Literature is viewed as a natural "thinking" medium to help children experience learning in a contextual setting (Ward 2005). Though, as Draper (2002) contended, mathematics is a subject that children are often unable to recognize as useful in their lives, literature with mathematical components may be able to address this concern. Combining…

Amid the global economic crisis dominating policy makers' recent attention, the world faces many other equal if not greater long-term challenges that will require concerted and highly skilled policy efforts in coming years. Those interwoven challenges include the mitigation of climate change, the control of emerging diseases, the reduction of…

Teaching math problem solving has been a challenge for many educators, especially in Title I schools. Textbooks provided by the district under study were the primary source of math instructional material. Moreover, the instruction of computation was the method used for preparing students for success with later problem solving lessons. The lack of…

These background papers are written to provide information for the teacher on technical problems that might arise as students carry on various USMES investigations. Background papers are also written which include information about the types of investigations which may provide good opportunities for learning in specific areas. This set includes…

A conference on the role of comprehensive problem solving in the secondary school curriculum made two major recommendations: (1) that a significant proportion of the curriculum be devoted to study of "real problems," and (2) that teachers be provided intellectual and physical resources for such a program. (SD)

A task force of community and junior college representatives defined and tested the hypothesis that study of the humanities offers students a way to develop certain skills and attitudes including working with others, solving problems, making decisions, and adapting to changes in the workplace. (JOW)

Thirty-four authors have joined to produce this book. Among them are natural and physical scientists, psychologists, historians, writers, scholars of curriculum and instruction, teacher educators, and teachers of the young. The contributors probe many methodologies including the place of unified concepts and processes; the interaction of the…

In this set of six booklets on graphing, intermediate grade students learn how to choose which kind of graph to make; make bar graphs, histograms, line graphs, and conversion graphs; and use graphs to compare two sets of data. The major emphasis in all Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) units is on open-ended,…

In this set of five booklets on measuring, primary grade students learn how to use a stopwatch, choose the correct tool to measure distance, use a trundle wheel, make a scale drawing, and find the speed of things. The major emphasis in all Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) units is on open-ended, long-range…

In this set of five booklets on measuring, intermediate grade students learn how to use a stopwatch, choose the right tool to measure distance, use a trundle wheel, make a scale drawing, and find the speed of things. The major emphasis in all Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) units is on open-ended, long-range…

In this set of three booklets on simplifying data, primary grade students learn how to round off data and to find the median and average from sets of data. The major emphasis in all Unified Sciences and Mathematics for Elementary Schools (USMES) units is on open-ended, long-range investigations of real problems. In most instances students learn…