2 Additionally Math Related Web Sites that are great for students

www.AAAmath.com

AAAmath.com is a great option for students in kindergarten to 8th grade.  As part of this, the site includes lessons that are grade and math concept specific.  Overall, the lessons are "student centered" and explicitly teach the methods necessary to complete problems on the concepts. Additionally, the site can be used by both struggling students, and those expanding their skills in the lower grades.

In reality, the lessons accessible at AAAmath.com are comprehensive and interactive in nature.  The site contains thousands of pages of lessons and an unlimited amount of problems which can assist students in the mastery of the subject matter.  As is expected, the site provides immediate feedback to the student as they complete problems.

Unlike most sites which contain games and other graphics that can distract students, AAAmath.com is simply designed and content specific.  At the same time, the site does not include worksheets or quizzes which can be threatening in nature.  Instead, students can work independently at home and gain the confidence necessary to improve their math skills on a "student centered" math web site.  As a teacher, I would find it easy to use this site as a resource for struggling students.

illuminations.nctm.org/

The website http://illuminations.nctm.org/ was designed, by the NCTM, to provide standard based resources and materials.  These standard based resources help improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for students ranging from Pre K to 12^th grade.   As part of this, the website is intended for teachers and students and the lessons, activities and games are tied to the Principles and Standards of the NCTM.  The activities and lessons cover the common foundation of mathematics to be learned by all students including Number & Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis & Probability. 

The site contains a variety of resources including 107 activities that can be used in the classroom by teachers, or by students at home, to help bring math to life.  As part of this, the activities are grade specific and include full instructions on how to complete them.  Additionally, there is an exploration section in the activity that requires students to explore a real world example, tied to the activity, and answer questions related to their work. 

Finally, the site includes a section that includes 724 math web links that are standard specific.  As expected, the sites include resources for math concepts and topics that are aligned with the NCTM Principles and Standards.  As part of this, the resources include links to lessons and activities that can assist students and teachers in the learning process. 

Overall, the site is incredibly user friendly and easy to navigate.  As part of this, the page is neatly laid out, which makes navigating from section to section very simple.  The spacing of the lettering and graphics on the page is good and visually appealing. Finally, the page is very interactive in nature adding to the ease of use.  As a teacher, I would confident providing students with exercises from this site.  It is a great resource, easy to use, and connected to the Common Core Standards.

In what ways does STEM curriculum develop higher level literacy?

Recent test results have shown that the literacy levels of American students, in 4th grade, is among the highest in the world.  However, by 8th grade, the same levels decrease drastically and our students are below average.  Unfortunately, by 10th grade, it gets even worse and the literacy levels of American students are among the worst in the world.  Given this data, it is easy to understand why recent ACT test results have shown that approximately 50% of high school graduates are not college ready when considering literacy.

Interestingly enough, the same ACT results showed that of the high school graduates that were college ready 65% of them were also math proficient.  Additionally, 31% of the same college ready students were proficient in science.  While these numbers are not "earth shattering" they are a drastic difference from those that were not college ready.  Of those that did not test college ready, only 14% were proficient in math.  Further, only 1% of the students were proficient in science.

In reality, educators at the K-3 level have been successful in teaching students to "learn to read."  However, as the test results have recently shown, students must progress beyond the "learn to read" level.  Overall, for students to excel at the middle school and high school levels they must be able to "read to learn."  Realistically, a large part of being able to "read to learn" is based on a student's ability to gain meaning from context and work through challenging vocabulary.  This is yet another example of why STEM literacy is a better option.  The content that is part of STEM classes builds vocabulary, which is essential to increase literacy, and requires higher level thinking.  A quick review of any state's curriculum guide for math and science reflects the building nature of the content areas.

As the test results have shown, literacy needs to be treated as a journey not a destination.  Interesting enough, math and science are the only subjects that can be described as a journey academically.  Additionally, to improve literacy, students must be taught at an early age that reading to learn is essential.

In conclusion, as our world becomes more technologically advanced, literacy requirements continue to increase.  This comes at a time when math and science skills are more needed in the workplace.  In retrospect, ACT scores have shown that most students proficient in math and science are ready to meet college level literacy demands.  Given this correlation between literacy and STEM proficiency, it makes more sense to increase the emphasis on STEM literacy at the elementary school level.

References:
http://resourcelibrary.compasslearning.com/ContentCenter/ViewAsset/a1e7dcb0-2515-423e-9b36-a2c7979f1b2c

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2011/10/literacy_stem_ed_see_strong_em.html

Additional Math Related Web Sites that are great for students

www.math.com

Math.com is a great option for struggling students in subjects ranging from Basic Math to Calculus, and beyond.  As part of this, the site offers a revolutionary approach to the subject matter.  Overall, the site offers students 24/7 access to a tutor that can assist them immediately.  Additionally, the site offers assessments that are easy to use, on-demand courses that target key concepts, and expert answers to specific questions.

Like most math websites, designed for students, math.com offers games and other interactive learning tools that present the subject matter in a "friendly, fun" way.  However, one of the wonderful features of the website is the calculator option.  The feature gives students access to calculators that are helpful with any level of math.  Overall, given the fact that most students do not have access to math calculators at home, this option is beneficial to students and teachers alike.  For instance, the use of this site, will allow teachers to assign homework problems that require graphing and other higher level calculations.

In reality, this website can be used by teachers in a couple ways.  First, as mentioned above, the calculator option allows teachers to assign homework that requires a graphing calculator.  At the same time, it allows students to practice their skills at home.  At present, most students only have access to a calculator at school.

Additionally, the site is quite useful for struggling students.  Given the fact that students have access to a tutor 24/7, teachers can use the site as a resource when assigning homework.  Further, struggling students can be directed to the site to work through the on-demand courses.  Since many math problems can be solved in a variety of ways, it is always beneficial to allow students to see another way of doing things.

www.mathpower.com

Mathpower.com is an award winning website that offers a variety of services to students struggling in Basic Math and Algebra.  In reality, the site is very different from most math web pages for several reasons.  First, the site offers students with study skills and ways to overcome math anxiety during assessments.  Further, it offers students a way to find their own learning style, along with the teaching style of the instructor.  Overall, this is done in a humorous way and the ideas presented are beneficial to students and teachers.

While the site is very different from most math websites, it is important to mention that the site does offer instructional options for struggling students.  As part of this, the site is full of tutorials, assignments, and math videos that can be accessed 24/7.  In addition, the websites offers a forum for discussing questions with a professor on a variety of math topics.

Overall, this site has a specific use that would be great for students and teachers.  For teachers, this site could be used as a means to reveal the ways students learn.  For instance, early in the year, the teacher could require the students to complete an assessment on their learning style and turn it in as homework.  As part of this, the teacher could find their teaching style on the site.  Knowing this information would be beneficial since a teacher could make adjustments to their teaching style to accommodate specific students.  Hopefully, in the long run this will increase student achievement.

Further, the site could be used as a resource for any teacher when dealing with struggling students.  For students experiencing math anxiety, the teacher could present ideas from the website to alleviate this problem. At the same time, the teacher can use ideas from the site to improve study skills.  Ultimately, this site can be used to increase confidence in all students.

STEM Literacy Group Focus Areas

My inquiry group is focusing on STEM Literacy.  Group members will be working on the topics below. 

Jason Goetz - In what ways does STEM curriculum develop higher level literacy?
Michelle Gray - Girls and STEM Literacy
Ashley DiCriscio - The teachers role in STEM Literacy.