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An integration of a common pedagogy and technology platform in Mathematics, Botanical, Physical and Life Science courses at Texarkana College.

Courses emphasize science content and pedagogical techniques utilizing hands-on/minds-on, constructivist-based strategies and alternative assessment techniques appropriate for the elementary classroom. 

Students enrolled in Modern Mathematics I & II, Physical Science, Life Science I & II and Botany at Texarkana College are participating as mission specialists solving problems as we explore space in an integrated modeling exercise. Goal: Professors model the way science and math should be taught and assessed in the elementary grades. 

Dr. Carl Nelson President Texarkana College Dr. Steven Hensley President Texas A&M University-Texarkana 

David Allard Ph.D. NOVA Project Leader Prof. Biology Texarkana College and Texas A&M University-Texarkana Jamie Ashby Prof. Mathematics Texarkana College Delbert Dowdy Prof. Physics Texarkana College Mark Storey Prof. Biology and Agricultural Sciences Texarkana College 

NASA Connections

The NASA strategic enterprise, Human Exploration and Development of Space has been utilized in providing a means to present mathematics and science in an integrated context. Data has been collected in science classrooms and is being analyzed in mathematics classrooms while discussing the implications of humans studying and exploring space. Integrated science and math modeling activities allow students to explore contexts that are not available in traditional isolated courses.

Pedagogical Techniques Utilized in Math and Science courses: 

Technology Utilized in the Modeling Activities:

During the Fall 1999 semester we conducted studies regarding classes of functions, their graphs, and their applications in modeling situations. Experiments to collect data for mathematical analysis and modeling will be conducted using the TI-83Plus® graphing calculator, Calculator Based Laboratory (CBL), and Calculator Based Ranger (CBR) technology platform. These experiments will connect real world science concepts to mathematical contexts.

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"CHAIR" ROVER The stage is set by considering the position of the Rover on Mars during the Mars Pathfinder Mission in Summer 1997. When the Rover landed on Mars during the Pathfinder Mission scientists had to have the ability to know where the Rover was located with respect to the lander. The Rover acted like a remote control toy car. In this activity*, students utilize the TI-CBR to simulate the path of the Rover as it journeyed across the surface of Mars. This data collection and transmission technique is similar to the Rover transmitting its location on Mars back to Earth. *Adapted from materials presented by Mark Klespis during The Ohio State University Short Course Program in cooperation with Texas Instruments Inc. 

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In one activity we explored the relationships of surface area and environmental factors on plant transpiration. The plant used in our tests was Photinia X Fraseri. The slope (rate) of transpiration in this trial was found to be -1.75 x E-04 ATM./s 

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Project Impact

Elementary Education courses that have been significantly modified:

The following courses within the Master of Science in Education Degree with an Emphasis in Science Education have been significantly impacted by the NOVA project: 

Texarkana College hosted three Texas Instruments Teachers Teaching with Technology (T3) programs during April and May1999: Mathematics Teacher Educator (MTE) Mathematically Modeling Science(M2S) SCIENCE 

Activities allowed participating college and high school teachers to explore new and innovative ways of teaching traditional science concepts and an emphasis was placed on new methods of data collection and analysis. By using a hands-on approach, the participants learned how to effectively integrate the calculator and the CBL system into their courses. Our workshop participants gained understanding, confidence, and enthusiasm for using the calculator in and out of the classroom.

Spin-off Projects

The East Texas Regional Collaborative for Excellence in Science Teaching (ETRC) is a part of the Eisenhower Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science Teaching. The goal of the ETRC is to improve science education by providing local pre-college science teachers with sustained training in science content and innovative methods of teaching science. The North East Texas Science Improvement Project and Project ESTT (Empowering Science Teachers of Texas) are the current programs for 1999-2000 school year. 

Provides 24 middle school teachers (Grades 5 -8) from area school districts with a three-week course in summer 1999 followed by one session per month during the1999-2000 academic year. Topics include force, motion, use of graphing calculators and data recording devices, and integration of reading and mathematics with science. 

Casio® digital cameras were used as data collectors in this activity exploring the laws of motion. Small "friction drive" model cars were used and captured in a "mini-movie." The movie was composed of 32 frames each 0.1 seconds in duration for a total of 3.2 seconds per movie. 

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http://www.tc.cc.tx.us/~dallard/NOVA/nova.html

Email: mstorey@tc.cc.tx.us

Home Page: http://www.tc.cc.tx.us/~mstorey/NOVA/nova.html

Other information:
NASA - Nova Project Poster Presentation National Leadership Conference January 11-14, 2000 Kenedy Space Center Orlando, Florida