Bringing Science and Mathematics to Life for All Learners

Adams, D., Hamm M. (2008). Bringing Science and Mathematics to Life for All Learners. Hackensack, NJ: World Scientific Publishing Co.

Summary/Analysis:

"Developing positive attitudes toward science and math goes hand-in-hand with developing competency." This book contains research and standards based activities that uses collaborative inquiry and active problem solving. The activities were designed to engage a diverse student group. Stressing active group engagement and continuity in the math and science experience the activities are designed to motivate and engage students from diverse backgrounds.

I was draw to this book as it examines the elements of inquiry, differentiated instruction, collaborative inquiry, active involvement and project based learning in math and science learning environment. These are elements of our classroom that we feel are the cornerstones of our daily activities. The book provides sample methods and learning activities that demonstrate how they could look in an innovative environment.

- "Collaborative inquiry is a form of reasoning and peer cooperation that begins with a problem and ends with a solution. In generally involves asking questions, observing, examining information, investigating, arriving at answers, and communicating the results." (10)

- "Students who complete their science and math lessons with little understand quickly forget or confuse the procedures (Miller & Mercer, 2001)" (21)

-"Personal growth and individual success matter. And every effort is made to introduce subject matter concepts in a way that each student finds meaningful and interesting." (30)

-"Inquiry often raises new questions and suggests ways of expressing science and math content more clearly (Liewellyn, 2005)" (31)

- "Collaborative learning builds on what we know about how students construct knowledge. It does this by promoting active learning in a way not possible with competitive or individualized learning models" (63)

- "In a classroom that values teamwork, teachers provide time for students to grapple with problems, try out new strategies, discuss, experiment, explore, and evaluate." (83)

- "Science can be the most interesting experience for all students and teachers if it is taught as an hands-on subject where students learn through doing." (123)