Development Of A Math Infusion Model For Middle School Engineering/Technology Education

Engineering design projects can provide a rich opportunity to enhance middle school student knowledge in core disciplinary subject areas, such as mathematics and science and forms an important aspect of the NSF supported Mathematics, Science, Technology Education Partnership (MSTP) project. A key goal of the project has been to develop a model for infusing mathematics into science and technology at the middle school level. The informed design process was created as part of a NSF materials development program and formed the engineering design framework for this study. Structured mathematics activities (knowledge and skill builders KSBs) were developed that linked to the design challenge. As a result of these hands-on activities, students apply the mathematical reasoning developed in order to solve an engineering problem; the design of a bedroom. A unique professional development model was created to facilitate crossdisciplinary support and communication during the development and piloting of math infused technology and science lesson plans. A pilot research study, involved implementation of a math infused bedroom design lesson. A paired t-test indicated the difference was statistically significant t (128) = 2.828, p<.005, providing evidence that students were showing gains on their math content knowledge.