Parents Corner!

Hello Parents! I have posted a general overview of the subjects of math, science, and technology to give you a brief introduction to what they are, and the purposes they serve in the classroom!

 The Nature of Math

                           

Math is about numeracy and patterning and the capability of linking this knowledge to the real world. The memory and mind map is also an imperative component of understanding the nature of math. There is real truth in math and this can be applied in different ways using memory and mind maps. Math assumes that there are patterns that can be applied to the real world. Once we discover the truth about math, it will remain in our memory and enable us to expand our understanding of math. Math is a language used to represent the physical world and the relationships of the physical world. Mathematical structures, operations, processes, and language provide students with a framework and the appropriate tools for reasoning, justifying conclusions, and expressing ideas clearly. The education of math should be associated with experience and realistic practice so that students can understand their knowledge. We teach math so that students can find a reason to use all of these skills. There is a triangular conception of math, matter and mind. This suggests the widespread notion that math arises from the mind, the mind arises out of matter and that matter can be explained in terms of math. Working memory refers to a mental workspace, involved in controlling and regulating information to accomplish complex cognitive tasks. Working memory is required for understanding developmental and individual differences and/or difficulties in students’ mathematical skills. Math is abstract and teachers are responsible for creating meaningful and relevant lessons to maximize each student’s understanding of such an abstract subject.

The Nature of Science

Science is an overall practice in which the goal is to find understanding and meaning in our world. Curiosity and the desire to gain knowledge in human nature manifest itself through observation, investigation, exploration and understanding of nature and human designed technology. Science is a process that seeks to describe and explain the natural and physical world in which we live. This is done through the experimentation process that attempts to help understand and explain certain observable phenomena. The scientific method requires observations of nature to formulate and test hypotheses. Observation in science is more than “seeing”; it refers to skills associated with collecting data using all the senses, as well as instruments that extend beyond the reach of our senses, and it is influenced by the assumptions and theoretical knowledge of the observer. The nature of science involves constant investigation and experimentation, therefore, truths in science are not definite, but are constantly changing and being replaced! When students become educated about the nature of science, it allows them to analyze situations differently and allows them to use different decision-making processes.  Children kindergarten and up are able to learn the nature of science if given age appropriate instruction. They are capable not only with proper instruction, but the scaffolding from their teacher to guide them rather than direct them in their learning.  Allowing the students to direct their own thinking it gives them the opportunity to investigate their own findings and inquiries.

The Nature of Technology

There is no question that technology has become a common element in most children’s lives. For technology to fulfill its promise as a powerful contributor to learning, it must be used to deepen children’s engagement in meaningful and intellectually authentic curriculum. After all, technology is a tool, and as such it should be selected because it is the best tool for the job. Technology can be a particularly effective tool for English language learners and can enhance the participation of children with disabilities

                          

According to the curriculum, technology is a process of exploration and experimentation. Technology enables us to use various tools, methods, machines and techniques to solve some type of problem. Students should be able to use science and technology is the classroom to solve these problems. Technology is the way humans manage social life, a way they tend to the practices and arrangements that compose it. Through science we learn new things, new research and new technology leads to new leads.

Technology is constantly evolving. Through the cycle of need, exploration, and experimentation linked together, technology influences the impact of the environment, which leads us to research higher levels of technology. Science and technology are closely linked together, as they work in the form of cycle. It is important that students learn to connect their knowledge of science and technology to their world beyond the school. Technology begins with a human need and that forms into research, which leads into new discoveries in science. Overall, science starts with a question and technology starts with a need.