Engineers Teaching Algebra brings an engineer into your classroom for a fun and engaging STEAM experience. Engineers Teaching Algebra is a hands-on 'field trip' in a traditional classroom setting with chalk/whiteboard space, desk space, and pencils on paper with good erasers because engineers make mistakes! Whether students are strong or struggling in math, ETA is conducted in the belief that a wrong answer is better than no answer, that uncertainty invites discovery, that problems are solved through trial and error with patience and imagination. The dialogue is Socratic and engaging; activities are hands-on, relevant and fun! Connecting everyday value in algebra since 1994, ETA has been conducted in over 5000 classrooms, 1800 schools, 38 states.
"It was a fantastic, compelling experience in which our kids were deeply immersed. No bells or whistles, just a very interesting, meaningful experience. Many thanks!" Christopher Weaver, Director if STEM, The Hewitt School, New York City
The pace and emphasis adapts to a range of skill levels: given gifted students the emphasis is not on algebra but on higher levels of engineering analysis; given struggling students the pace is slow and the objective is to make algebra practical and meaningful.
"It was a such pleasure watching you tailor the lesson to each group, patiently encouraging my first crew to finish what they start and then really challenging my next group. It was perfect. At each level the kids were engaged and excited to apply math to real engineering problems, thank you!" Lori Steele, 7-8th grade Math Teacher, Holyoke MA.
"Thanks to you we have a few new algebra fans! You brought STEM concepts to them in a real, accessible way that we simply can't do as traditional teachers. Your connections between the curriculum and real life applications are invaluable.” Team 8 faculty, Glen Rock Middle School, Glen Rock NJ
OBJECTIVES:
To show the everyday value of algebra; to provide a fun and engaging window into engineering; to encourage the pursuit of advanced math and science studies.
AGE AND SKILL LEVELS:
Engineers Teaching Algebra is for all 8th and 9th graders whether they're strong or struggling in math, and for 7th graders accelerated in math. Engineers Teaching Algebra is one project-based lesson in traffic design. Activities include students simulating driving behaviors. While 7-9th graders are not yet licensed drivers, they do bring experience as passengers, they bring ideas, teamwork, energy and solutions.
Applied math content includes manipulating fractions, ratios and percentages; estimation by proportional reasoning to verify computed results; developing algorithms for variable inputs; applying problem solving techniques including understanding the problem, analyzing and interpreting data, testing solutions and learning through trial and error. Whether they're strong or struggling in math, Engineers Teaching Algebra is conducted in the spirit that a wrong answer is better than no answer, that discovery is accidental, and that problems are solved with patience and imagination. The dialogue is Socratic and engaging; activities are hands-on, relevant and fun!
CLASS SIZE, TIME, CLASSROOM, AND STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
Remote - The remote program is one project-based lesson, 50 minutes live via Zoom plus an asynchronous engineering challenge many students will pursue long after. Class size should remain as it would be under everyday learning conditions, each student with their own calculator, desk space, and pencil with a good eraser because engineers make mistakes!
In Person - Block scheduling is preferred. Engineers Teaching Algebra is one project-based lesson, 60 minutes is required, 80 minutes is preferred. A regular classroom is required, one with good chalk/whiteboard space in addition to a smartboard or screen or projector image area. Class sizes should remain as they would be under everyday learning conditions. Limited class size allows the engineer to review and approve each student's work and manage a Socratic exchange of ideas. Students need calculators (simple 4-function minimum), scratch paper (lined, gridded or blank), desk space, and pencils with good erasers because engineers make mistakes!
Algebra is a tool of expression and discovery in all fields of endeavor.
Math is not a subject, it's a necessary language.
Call/text 603.767.3462 email info@engineersteachingalgebra.com
Copyright © 2022 Engineers Teaching Algebra - All Rights Reserved.
Math is not a subject, it's a necessary language.