Math on the Move

M²:  Mathematics on the Move, a joint project between SDSU's physics and mathematics departments, is a curriculum project designed to help math teachers use science as a means of motivating students in learning algebra concepts.  The project utilizes the existing South Dakota Mobile Science Labs and is patterned after the successful Science-on-the-Move program.  The project is a 4-day workshop on the campus of SDSU, first offered during the summer of 2008.  During the workshop, teachers are involved in inquiry-based science activities focused on linear functions, proportionality, systems of equations, the square root function, quadratic functions, the distance formula, inverse functions, and exponential functions. These concepts are discovered in the context of physical science lab activities, such as Newton’s Second Law, motion (linear and simple harmonic), and gravity.  The workshop is offered to physical science and mathematics teachers at the same time with the intent of building partnerships in teaching math skills.  Teachers are encouraged to develop projects that cross between their classrooms so that students see the connections between science and math in each class.   Up to 2 hours of graduate credit is available in mathematics or physics.  Grant application is being made to continue the project in 2009.
 

South Dakota State University College of Engineering
Department of Physics
Box 2219
Brookings, SD 57007
voice:   (605) 688-5428
fax:   (605) 688-5878