Correlated Geology and Math. A New Model for Linking Science and Math In the Classroom

Integrating science and math has long been recommended by both the national science and math standards and somewhat practiced, especially in the science classrooms. Surprisingly, there is little research on this topic. There are only a few small studies on the impact on student performance which report that math scores improve with integration.

Typically, integration of science and math occurs in the classroom when science uses math as a tool or even as a way to teach the science concept. If science is used in math, it occurs when the math teacher wants to show students an application of a math concept or to make math more interesting with real world examples.

However, a new model for linking science and math, called Correlated Science and Math (CSM) links them in a unique manner. In CSM, both (1) science and math are taught for approximately the same amount of time; (2) are taught conceptually, unlike integration; and (3) are taught using the correct language for each discipline. We designed and taught a Correlated Geology and Math course to grades 5-8 science and math teacher teams. The session will provide (1) information about how a CSM course can be designed; (2) syllabus; (3) information about how to access the resources needed to design such a course that can be used for teachers or their students; (4) data on teacher and student performance; and (5) differences between different types of CSM courses that focus on either different science or math disciplines. The CSM Project Director, and instructors for geology and math will discuss these aspects and answer questions from those interested in adopting the CSM model.