about the program
Engineers Teaching Algebra brings an engineer into your classroom for a fun and engaging STEAM experience. Engineers Teaching Algebra is a 'field trip' in a traditional classroom setting-students with desk space using pencils on paper with good erasers because engineers make mistakes! Whether they're strong or struggling in math, ETA is conducted in the belief that a wrong answer is better than no answer, 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! Since 1994 conducted in 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 appropriate for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders whether they're strong, struggling, or on-level. 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. Students are encouraged to approach a problem in the spirit that a wrong answer is better than no answer, and that problems are solved thru trial and error, with patience and imagination. The dialogue is Socratic and engaging; activities are hands-on, relevant and fun.
TIME REQUIREMENTS, CLASS SIZE, MATERIALS:
Remote - Fifty minutes live plus an asynchronous engineering challenge students will pursue long after. Class sizes should remain as they would be under everyday learning conditions, each student with a simple 4-function calculator, scratch paper, desk space and a pencil with a good eraser because engineers make mistakes!
In Person - Eighty minutes in a regular classroom setting, everyday class sizes, each student with a simple 4-function calculator, scratch paper, desk space and a pencil with a good eraser because engineers make mistakes!
