Computational Modelling in Mathematics and Science Education (Summarize assignment
Exploring Spatial Reasoning, Coordinate Grids Through Coding, Connecting Research to Practice
Gadanidis, G., & Cummings, J. (2018). Integrated Mathematics + Computer Studies – Gr. 10. Mathematics Knowledge Network White Paper, 1-4.
Helps facilitate students ability to display their full range of academic and social ability
Promotes the collaboration of peers
Students can observe the real-world/ practical application of in-class mathematic learning
Teaches students indepenent learning from the teachers instruction
Shows that stories, a useful teaching strategy, can be used even in math
diSessa, A.A. (2018) Computational Literacy and “The Big Picture” Concerning Computers in Mathematics Education, Mathematical Thinking and Learning, 20:1, 3-31,
Using computers for learning in STEM
Develop computation as a form of literacy
Discusses coding as a social movement
Becoming a main stream/ everyday reality
Can be engaging for many students when compared to pencil and protractor
How to best implement computer learning for mathematics
Students learn as they go; do not front load programming coursework
Long-term tragectory/ Big Picture
Promotes analytical framework on decisions regarding best practices in education
Exploring Physics and Spatial Reasoning Through Programmable Robots, Connecting Research to Practive
Papert, S. (1980). Turtle geometry: A mathematics made for learning. In Mindstorms: Children, computers and powerful ideas (pp. 55-93). New York: Basic Books.
Pen, paper and protractor
Comparable to Contemporary Scratch
Still useful today because it is a low cost alternative to computers
Promotes 'debugging'/ fixing math proble,
Students learn from mistakes rather thn focus on failure
Cements learning because it is independent and meaningful
Promotes 'body syntonicity'
Timeless teaching method
Helps students relate math concepts to real-life
'How would you move your body through space'
Sphero
Helps practicaly apply in-class learning
Integrated STEM
Physics labs
Math labs
Motion of objects/ Kinematics
Shows students how geometry theory interacts with the real world
Introduces to students of accelerometers and gyroscopes
Gadanidis, G. (2017). Five Affordances of Computational Thinking to support Elementary Mathematics Education. Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 36(2), 143-151.
Low floor, high ceiling activity
Tailored Learning
Students design their own learning experiences
Promotes independent learning
Promotes differentiated learning
Promotes computational thinking across emerging areas of study
Can help shift students perception of math
Provides students with context for math theory
Facilitates a deeper understanding and ability to recall math content
Exploring Geometry & Spatial Reasoning Concepts Through Coding, Connecting Research to Practive
Wing, J. M. (2006). Computational thinking. Communications of the ACM, 49(3), 33–35.
Develops problem solving & critical thinking skills
Across multitude of educational disciplines and learning levels
Demonstrates the ubiquity of computational thinking
Prepares professional and academic minds for the future
Smith, C. P., & Neumann, M. D. (2014). Scratch it out! Enhancing geometrical understanding. Teaching Children Mathematics, 21(3), 185–188. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=98910632&lang=es&site=ehost-li
Scratch Program benefits
Teaches students pseudocoding skills through geometric art
Helps students conceptualize math theory in a real-world practical sense
Visualize math problems
Either students can learn from their mistakes, or can apply math concepts to achieve goals in the program
Encourages fixing bugs rather than focusing on wrong answers
Makes learning math fun, even for students that would not traditionally think so
Allows for personality and design
Engaging Activity
Creative Outlet