Chapter 11- Technology in Mathematics and Science Integration

There are many ways to integrate the use of technology into math and science lessons. One technology that teachers frequently integrate into their math lessons without even thinking about it is a graphing calculator. What many teachers do not do however is use the graphing calculator to its full capabilities. Graphing calculators can do much more than just graph a formula. The user can actually write and run basic programs on their calculator.

Another technology integration strategy the book offers for mathematics is the use of spreadsheets to carry out “what if” problems. It is very easy to type formulas into the cells of a spreadsheet and then use that same spreadsheet formula to solve problems over and over again. This is a great way for students to recognize relationships and patterns that come from a formula.

One science integration strategy I found interesting is the use of a GPS. Tracking geo caches is an interesting way to use this technology and to really help students understand coordinates.

Digital imaging tools and simulations are great for science. Slowing down a video of an everyday event would really help students see the scientific forces that are really in play during an action. For example in a Physics class it might be very interesting for the students to video tape each other swinging a baseball bat and hitting a baseball. They could then dramatically slow down the video footage and see what happens when the ball hits the bat. This could be done in younger grades for students to watch how plants grow and in numerous other situations and experiments.