EDU431 METHODS OF TEACHING

MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE IN THE

PRIMARY/JUNIOR GRADES

Required reading B: Analysis and Reflection.

Title: The Mathematics and Science Integration Argument: A Strand for Teacher Education
CITATION: Furner, J. M., Humar, D. D. (2007). The Mathematics and Science Integration Argument: A
Stand for Teacher Education. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 3, 185189.

ABSTRACT:

ANALYSIS/REFLECTION:

This paper explores the question, should we

integrate mathematics and science in reforming
science education? As science, especially physical
science involves mathematics, and both subjects
involve process skills, integrating science and
mathematics methods courses might be a way to
improve science education. Considerations and
recommendations for mathematics and science
integration are addressed

Though the integration of math and science does

not sound like an easy task, through reading this
article it is easy to understand its importance in
education. Being such highly ranked subjects and
taught so often in schools, by integrating the two
the teacher can deliver much more effective
lessons all while covering more ground. My only
problem with the integration is if it is not used
properly. If the teacher is integrating the two just
for the sake of getting through both then he or
she is only doing a disservice to the students. The
classroom teachers needs to integrate the two in
so that both consist of important topics in each
subjects. For example, I can remember an
example from high school where in science class
we used units of measuring which is a math unit
and combined it with the science of chemical
reactions. The ability to measure and calculate
elements properly to receive the proper reaction.
Therefore units of measure were considered
along with mathematical equations, elements
and combustion. Thus proper integration of math
and science which not only covered both subjects
but made it fun and interesting to myself in the
classroom. With this sort of idea teachers and
students can excel in their classrooms but it
needs to be done in the right way, which I believe
needs to be taught before performed. Teachers
need to learn how before attempting in order to
get the most out of what they are trying to
accomplish.