KÉYAH MATH: PLACE-BASED, CULTURALLY-RESPONSIVE, TECHNOLOGY-INTENSIVE, QUANTITATIVE MODULES FOR INTRODUCTORY UNDERGRADUATE GEOSCIENCE

The goal of the Kéyah Math Project (KMP), supported by the National Science Foundation under grant number GEO-0355224, is to develop an online series of versatile, place-based, culturally-responsive, technology-intensive modules in mathematical geoscience for the enhancement of undergraduate geoscience courses. The modules will serve as supplementary real applications that illustrate the use of elementary quantitative methods in beginning level geology or earth science courses. They are designed to be used in these courses regardless of curriculum or textbook. “Place-based” indicates that the modules are drawn from data-rich examples of the geology and environments of the Southwest United States. “Culturally-responsive” refers to the inclusion of Native American and other cultural knowledge about Earth processes and features. “Technology-intensive” means that the modules are accompanied by applets that can be used to do all the mathematics needed to solve the problems posed; this affords the option of using these or a graphing calculator. The mathematics required is at the pre-calculus level and below, rendering it accessible to students who have taken high-school or college algebra. Formative assessment of the modules is underway.

KMP is in its third year, and now offers free access to modules and related materials at http://keyah.asu.edu. This presentation will include a discussion of the goals and design of the project, suggestions for incorporation of modules into curricula and instructional methodology, and the basic structure of the website (including sample modules with applet solutions). Interested observers will be able to browse the website and experiment with the modules and applets by means of a laptop, and hard copies of materials will be available.