We use math, science and technology in almost everything we do today, from ATMs and fax machines to grocery store scanners and DVD players.

As our world becomes more technology based, children will need stronger math and science skills to be successful. Parents and teachers share the responsibility of preparing our children for a world full of math and science. 

Major Education Issues Center on Improving Math and Science Skills

Math and science education has come a long way from the days of total memorization. While some memorization in K-12 grades is still necessary (such as knowing multiplication tables), schools now focus on teaching students how to think for themselves and use math and science to solve problems in the real world.

These days, working smarter is more important than working harder. Jobs require workers who are mentally fit for tomorrow's world-prepared to absorb new ideas, adapt to change, cope with uncertainty, perceive patterns and solve unconventional problems.

But how do you know if your children's math and science classes are helping them to work smarter, not harder? Here's what to look for:

  1. Student homework should sometimes ask children to define and solve interesting and relevant mathematics and science problems. An example would be planning to rearrange bedroom furniture by using a floor plan and furniture drawn "to scale," or discovering what household materials make the best pop-can insulator. Students should be gathering and analyzing facts, justifying solutions and writing conclusions. 
  2. Students should use calculators regularly -- even in grade school -- to use math and do it better. 
  3. Investigation and explanation should be emphasized. Having students explain how they get to an answer is as important as the answer itself. 
  4. Students should learn how to connect math and science to their lives. For example: If you went from your hometown to Orlando, Florida, how fast would you have to go to get there in 10 hours? In 20? How does the number of people in the car, the speed and the size of hills affect how many miles your vehicle can get from a tank of gasoline? (Uses choices, comparing costs). 
  5. Science and math classes should include hands-on experiments that excite, motivate, and encourage students: comparing sizes of kites, planting and fertilizing tomato plants, or weighing and comparing different parts of an egg (the shell, the yolk, and the white). Activities such as these get students involved and engaged with math and science projects. 
  6. Learning should be assessed on problem-solving abilities and projects (done as an individual or in a group) and not solely on tests and pop quizzes.

This type of math and science curriculum is used in many school districts. The Hands-On Science program by the National Science Resource Center and Dow Chemical Company is one program that has greatly improved the quality of education in many districts. 

Parent Involvement in Education Builds Strong Foundation

As a parent, you are your child's most important teacher. Instilling a sense of curiosity about the world and helping your child learn the thrill of discovery can build a strong foundation for continued interest in math and science.

Parents can help children realize that math and science are useful and necessary for everyday living (and can be great fun!) Daily activities -- such as shopping, scheduling, checking the time and temperature and calculating allowances -- can help children appreciate the importance of math and science. You can also point out examples of math and science in the workplace.

Above all, don't worry. Even if you weren't a straight-A student in high school, you can help your children understand and enjoy math and science. Your interest and enthusiasm alone will boost your child's understanding. You can support your child's interests -- and learn some new things together. 

Parent Involvement: Schools Filled with Opportunities for It

You can help your child's school get on the right track. Parents can join traditional Parent Teacher Organizations, or write a note to the school board expressing your concerns about what is or isn't happening in the classroom. Also, praise the good things that happen so they are seen more often.

Here are some more ways to get involved: 

  1. Become more familiar with what's important for your child to know about math and science to be prepared for the future. 
  2. Volunteer in the classroom to help with hands-on activities. 
  3. Suggest a speaker to tell the class how math and science are used every day. (Is anyone at your work a possible speaker? How about you?) 
  4. Help the school with a science fair or science project. 
  5. Learn how to use computers at school and see how they are used to teach math and science. 
  6. Show the teacher that you care about what goes on in the classroom and ask how you can help. If you have a good relationship with the teacher, you are more likely to know when your child needs help. 
  7. Get involved in the planning of math/science learning activities for your school or district, including Family Math and Science Nights.


 

This article was adapted from "Math+Science+Parents=Your Child's Success," by Barry McGhan. Copies of the full-color booklet may be ordered through the Battle Creek Area Math/Science Center, 765 Upton Anenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49015-4850. Phone 616/965-9602 or 616/965-9591.