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Math and science matter...now
more than ever
Middle school is a time when even the most curious
learners' thoughts turn to...well, just about anything
but math and science. Despite the pull that friends,
fashion and sports can have for preteens, the middle
school years are not a time for a break from these
studies. Skills such as reasoning, problem solving,
writing and research that students learn during their
math and science studies now will help them with their
other subjects and as they move into the high school
years. These are also the skills that employers say they
look for in new hires.
Sparking an interest in math and science
You don't have to be a math whiz or rocket scientist to
inspire your children in these areas. In fact, your
enthusiasm and willingness to learn something new along
with your middle schoolers may be the best way to spark
their interest. Here are some ideas to try and resources
for you and your children to look to for inspiration:
- Get messy, make
mistakes. Although they are getting older, most
middle school age children still enjoy learning
about science through hands-on experiences. The key
is to tap into what interests them most. If they
love being active outdoors, take a hike together.
[Reading resource: Essential Hiking for Teens
(Outdoor Life) by Kristine Hooks.] If it's cooking
(also a great application for math skills), help
them plan and shop for ingredients for a meal to
prepare together. [Reading resource: Teens Cook: How
to Cook What You Want to Eat by Megan Carle and
Rachael Ray's 30-Minute Meals for Kids: Cooking
Rocks! by Rachael Ray.]
- Delve into the
science of all things gross at
yucky.kids.discovery.com or in books such as
Grossology by Sylvia Branzei and Oh, Yuck!: The
Encyclopedia of Everything Nasty by Joy Masoff.
- Help them learn
about how the famous-and not so famous-use math and
science every day. At
www.mathmovesu.com, kids can learn how Tony Hawk
uses math to calculate the angle for a successful
skateboard jump or video game designer Ted Price
uses measurement and proportion to create fantasy
worlds and characters. At
http://www.thefutureschannel.com/real_world_professionals.html,
families will learn about the science and math that
goes into jobs such as interior design and
veterinary medicine. Think about what you and your
friends do for work and how math and science skills
might play an important role.
- Don't overlook the
importance of homework. Practice outside of the
school day can help cement the basic skills that
kids will need for new learning. It also allows new
skills and ideas to sink in. Though they are
becoming more independent, middle schoolers still
need your guidance-and some hand holding-when it
comes to making schoolwork a priority. Let your
children know that learning is job one-and homework
comes before after-school activities and visits with
friends. Coach them in using a daily planner to
record assignments and materials (e.g., class notes,
reference books and sample work from class) they
will need to complete their homework. Encourage them
to refer to the planner when packing up at the end
of the school day so they have all they need to work
at home.
- Support kids who
struggle to learn math and science. Learning science
and math doesn't come easy for everyone, and kids
are more likely to be turned off by the subjects
that challenge them. Talk with your children's
teachers and guidance counselors about ways you can
work together to help your children become
successful learners, not only in math and science,
but in all of their studies.
Encouraging girls in
math and science
"Studies show that young girls enjoy math, science and
technology just as much as boys do. Yet, by eighth
grade, twice as many boys as girls show interest in
science, engineering and mathematics careers. As a
result, only 22 percent of engineers and scientists are
women-even though women make up nearly half the
workforce. If this pattern continues, many of today's
girls will miss out on the jobs of the future."
Source: Girls Go Tech brochure for families from the
Girl Scouts of America. Even if math was a subject you
thought was uncool or you struggled with it when you
were in school, your current stance on the subject can
encourage your preteen. This is especially important
with daughters, who might be interested in math and
science, but buy into the still prevalent idea that math
is just for guys. For more information on how to support
girls in learning math and science, log on to
www.girlsgotech.org/girls_go_tech.html,
www.academic.org and
www.girlpower.gov/girlarea/sciencetech/jobs/index.htm.
For permission to reprint this article, please contact
the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service.
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