ERIC Number: EJ1378718
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-May
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0025-5769
EISSN: EISSN-2330-0582
Using Programming to Express Mathematical Ideas
Spencer, Deborah; Mark, June; Reed, Kristen; Goldenberg, Paul; Coleman, Kate; Chiappinelli, Kathryn; Kolar, Zachary
Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12, v116 n5 p322-329 May 2023
As computer-science-for-all initiatives continue to grow, many schools are looking for ways to introduce computer science skills and thinking to elementary-age children. Some initiatives have focused on coding as its own endeavor, not integrated with other subjects like mathematics, science, or literacy. Increasingly, developers and researchers are exploring ways that programming can be integrated into core subjects, although challenges remain to ensure they are mutually supportive of both subjects. The authors, a team of teachers and researchers, are investigating one such approach that integrates programming and elementary school mathematics, developing microworlds for Grades 2-5 that treat programming as a language to help children express and investigate mathematical ideas. In this article, the authors describe one of the programming environments they have developed, Number Line, and their observations of second graders' experiences and mathematical thinking while using this tool.
Descriptors: Computer Science Education, Teaching Methods, Thinking Skills, Elementary School Students, Coding, Programming, Mathematics Instruction, Grade 2, Self Concept, Personal Autonomy
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-9840; Fax: 703-476-2570; e-mail: publicationsdept@nctm.org; Web site: https://pubs.nctm.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 2; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: DRL1741792; DRL1934161