Sunday, February 26, 2012

Inquiry Project: STEM Literacy

STEM (a)

Inquiry Project


What is STEM and why it is important in education?

Stem as everyone knows that it stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. As the world becomes increasingly technological, the value of national assets will be determined by the effectiveness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Stem education will determine whether we will be able to solve immense challenges in such areas as energy, health, environmental protection and national security. It will help produce the capable and flexible workforce needed to compete in a global marketplace. It will ensure our society continues to make fundamental discoveries and to advance our understanding of ourselves, our planet and universe.

Furthermore, with the help of STEM education, it will continue to generate scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians who will create the new ideas, new products, and entirely new industries of the 21st century. It will provide the technical skills and quantitative literacy needed for individuals to earn livable wages and make better decisions for themselves, their families and their communities. And it will strenghten our democracy by preparing our citizens to make informed choices in an increasingly technological world.




Monday, February 13, 2012

Annotated Bibliography


My content area is Algebra, I will be teaching a unit on Linear Equations to 9th grade students.

To supplement and enrich this unit, I will be incorporating the following three trade books:

1. Bill Handley (2003). Speed Mathematics: Secret Skills for Quick Calculation. New Jersey:  Wiley
2. Dr. Richard Elwes ( 2010 ). Mathematics 1001: Absolutely Everything That Matters In Mathematics In 1001 Bite-Sized Explanations. New York: Firefly Books


http://www.amazon.com/Mathematics-1001-Absolutely-Everything-Explanations/dp/1554077192/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329967459&sr=1-2

Mathematics 1001: Absolutely Everything That Matters About Mathematics in 1001 Bite-Sized Explanations


3. Benjamin, A & Shermer, M ( 2006 ). Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathemagician's Guide to Lightning Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks. New York: Three Rivers Press
Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathemagician's Guide to Lightning Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks