Integrating Math And Science Connections
The Integrated Math and Science Connections (IMASC) Project is designed for teams of 4th-8th grade teachers to participate in content-rich lessons to further enhance their own mastery of critical concepts in science and the common core math state standards. Teachers will expand their instructional delivery methods to include project-based learning experiences that integrate these concepts, promote 21st Century Skills, and use the environment /outdoors as an extension of the classroom and a context for learning. Participation in the project will earn 4 Graduate credits from Utah State University. To apply, please complete the IMASC Application; application will be accepted until all openings are filled.
Recommended Participants
Teachers from Washoe, Lyon, Storey, Douglas, Churchill, and Carson City School Districts, as well as Northern Nevada charter and private schools are eligible to participate. Participants are encouraged to register in teams of 3 or more teachers per school, and ideally, with at least one 7th or 8th grade teacher from a middle school into which their school feeds. While this team registration is not mandatory, it is recommended to enhance support within a school and for school-to-school vertical articulation.
*Should space be available, registrants from areas other than those listed above will be considered.
Participating Teachers Will:
1. Demonstrate improved mastery in science and common core math state standard content knowledge.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of project-based learning by designing and implementing two project-based learning experiences that integrate cross-curricular connections including math and science concepts.
3. Explore the definition and value of STEM education.
4. Develop a lesson plan outlining the use of teambuilding experiences to prepare students to work and communicate effectively in collaborative learning teams.
5. Assess student learning through the use of a flip camera and student-created videos.
6. Explore the value of using the environment /outdoors as an extension of the classroom and a context for learning.
7. Receive a stipend for personal use and/or to defray the cost of graduate credits
8. Spend a wonderful 2 days and one night at the Grizzly Creek Ranch Campus in Portola, CA
9. Have an opportunity to network with others and plan as a team for the 2012-13 school year
Project Meeting Times (proposed):
May 19-20, 2012 – 2 Day, Introductory Workshop
June 18-22, 2012 – 5 Day, Institute
- Day 1: Overview of integration model of Math CCSS, Science Standards and Science Framework
- Day 2: Earth and Space Science and Related Math Lessons, Flip Camera Training
- Day 3: Physical Science/Water Science and Related Math Lesson
- Day 4: Introduction to planning for math/science integration
- Day 5: Life Science and Related Math Lessons
July-August:
- Assignment: Independent planning for development of PBL project
- Assignment: Independent practice with flip camera
September:
- Assignment: Collect and submit class-specific needs data
- Assignment: Implement PBL Project #1
- Assignment: Collect and submit formative student assessment data
- Assignment: Educate students on flip camera use
October 6, 2012 – 1 Day, Post-Institute Workshop #1
- Review and Reflect on Progress
November:
- Assignment: Develop and Implement PBL Project #2
- Assignment: Participate in one site visit observation and debrief session (Nov. – Dec.)
- Assignment: Continue work on final presentation
- Collect and submit formative assessment data
December 15, 2012 – 1 Day, Post-Institute Workshop #2
- Assignment: Continue work on final project
- Assignment: Collect and submit formative assessment data
February 2, 2013 – 1 Day, Post-Institute Workshop #3
- Submit assessment data
- Final Project Presentations
- Post-Assessments
- Exit Surveys
November 2012-January 2013- 1 site observation visit per teacher