about the program
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 connect everyday value in algebra; to provide a fun and engaging experience in engineering; to encourage the pursuit of math and science.
SETTING, CLASS SIZE, TIME AND STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
Block scheduling is preferred, Engineers Teaching Algebra is one project-based lesson completed in 80 minutes in a traditional classroom setting. 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 dialogue. There is a remote option which is 60 minutes live via Zoom plus an asynchronous engineering challenge many students will pursue long after.
AGE AND SKILL LEVELS:
Engineers Teaching Algebra is appropriate for 8th and 9th graders whether they're strong or struggling in math; it's also appropriate 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 bring experience as passengers, they bring ideas, energy, and solutions. Applied math content includes manipulating fractions, ratios and percentages; estimation by proportional reasoning; 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 students are strong or struggling in math, Engineers Teaching Algebra is conducted in the spirit that a wrong answer is better than no answer, that uncertainty invites discovery, that problems are solved with patience and imagination. The dialogue is Socratic and engaging; activities are hands-on, relevant and fun!
