Mathematics as a Magnet to STEM

Scores of Iowa students compared to students nationwide

America’s Strategy for STEM Education maps out the Federal Government’s five-year plan for STEM education to help position the United States as a global leader in STEM literacy, innovation and employment. Mathematics as a magnet, where students are drawn in to STEM study and careers as a result of a strong and meaningful mathematics foundation, is a key component of the success of this strategy.

As noted in the national STEM plan, “Students who learn mathematics and statistics in context, with emphasis on logic, reasoning, and critical thinking, are more adept mathematical thinkers, and more able to apply mathematics to solve problems during their everyday lives.”

The STEM Council’s special mathematics Scale-Up Program menu is being offered to help increase understanding, reasoning and interest in mathematics among students in Iowa. Support was provided for the mathematics menu through an additional investment made during the Iowa legislative session.

Educators can apply for programs on the Scale-Up Program mathematics menu through October 1. The mathematics menu includes Bootstrap: Data ScienceDesmos Middle School Math and Differentiated Math Centers.

Awards will be announced on October 31, 2019, for implementation in classrooms and other educational settings during the 2019-2020 academic year.

For more information about the STEM Scale-Up Program and the mathematics menu, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov/Scale-Up.

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