“Mathematics is the door and key to the sciences.” –Roger Bacon
Mathematics, or math, is the study of numbers. This may include patterns, equations, systems, and shapes. The study of math links many different subjects together and can be seen in the natural world as well as in the man made world. This makes it such an important subject to learn and be comfortable with.
When including STEM mathematics instruction in your program, it is important to link this with real-world applications. This is one of the things that sets STEM math apart from standard classroom math. Instead of the standard arithmetic lessons, a STEM math lesson will usually involve a partner or group project and be included in an engineering or design process. STEM math doesn’t always have one correct answer, but instead, students are using math skills to create, design, solve, or question something.
How to include STEM math lessons in your program:
Encourage the use of math to solve problems during other processes.
Support math skill exploration.
Use math games to exercise math skills of all kinds.
Connect the current activities in you program with real-world math concept.