Contributors to the iSTEM (Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) department share ideas and activities that stimulate student interest in the integrated fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in K–grade 6 classrooms. The authentic STEAM project described here was born of a critical need of one child in the community. Using the Design Thinking framework, a class of fourth graders embarked on what was arguably the most meaningful school project of their lives. We place an explicit focus on the M in STEAM.
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Hoyun Cho and Carolyn Osborne
Postscript items are designed as rich grab-and-go resources that any teacher can quickly incorporate into his or her classroom repertoire with little effort and maximum impact. A personal timeline provides a rich and relevant context this month for students' to investigate numbers and number relationships.
Math for Real: The Battle of Antietam
“when will I ever use this?”
Allesandra King
This problem ties into real-life population estimates.
Steve Leinwand, DeAnn Huinker, and Daniel Brahier
This article provides an introduction to the six guiding principles for school mathematics and eight core mathematics teaching practices that appear in the new NCTM document, Principles to Actions: Ensuring Mathematical Success for All.
Janet Sharp and Rachael M. Welder
Students notoriously struggle with division of fractions in 5 key areas. Hear what those 5 areas are and how recommendations address the limitations.
Casey Hord and Samantha Marita
Support math conversations and teach students to approach various problem-solving tasks by encouraging the use of tables.
Debra I. Johanning and James D. Mamer
Developing number and operation sense associated with fraction division is viewed from multiple perspectives: modeling, equivalence, and symbolism.
Mathematical Explorations: Rethink Your Drink
classroom-ready activities
Caroline B. Ebby
An activity uses the visual element of sugar cubes to examine how much sugar is included in drinks packaged in various sizes. Activity sheets are included.
Mathematical Explorations: Exercise Away the Big Mac: Ratios, Rates, and Proportions in Context
classroom-ready activities
S. Asli Ozgün-Koca, Thomas G. Edwards, and Kenneth R. Chelst
An activity centers around an authentic context: the nutritional content of a Big Mac and how to exercise the calories away. The task, which focuses on ratios, percentages, rates, and proportion concepts, also includes activity sheets.
Juli K. Dixon and Jennifer M. Tobias
Anticipate and address errors that arise when fractions are placed in context and illustrated with models.
