Enhancing Student Performance in Science: Focus on Strengthening Mathematical Abilities

In classrooms across the country, a growing movement is taking shape as teachers from different disciplines join forces to improve student understanding. One such example can be found at Groton Area High School, where science teacher Kristen Gonsoir is leveraging her math skills to help students grasp complex chemical reactions.

Gonsoir's approach is simple yet effective. She encourages students to work in groups and solve math problems related to chemical reactions. This method allows her to observe their problem-solving approaches closely, enabling her to identify and correct misunderstandings promptly.

This focus on mathematics is not surprising, given that math is a core component of high school chemistry and physics. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between students' high school math abilities and their performance in college science classes. However, it's important to note that Gonsoir is a science teacher, not a math teacher.

The challenge lies in finding collaboration time. Dave Celotto, director of program design and innovation at the National Math and Science Initiative, acknowledges this issue. He suggests "vertical team training" as a solution, where math and science teachers across several grade levels learn about skill progressions together.

Teachers like Gonsoir are not alone in their efforts. Lisa Kern, a Chemistry and Environmental Sciences teacher at Justus Liebig University Giessen in Germany, is also working to reinforce basic math concepts in her classes. She emphasizes the importance of teaching math vocabulary in science, as it helps students grasp concepts more easily.

Other teachers are embedding math practice into their classrooms by modelling math frequently and reteaching concepts from the beginning. For instance, they might revisit cross-multiplication or geometry concepts related to forces.

The Next Generation Science Standards, first unveiled in 2013, have also emphasized the importance of quantitative reasoning and data analysis. These standards have been adopted by 20 states and the District of Columbia.

Looking ahead, teachers like Jill Christman, a chemistry teacher at Canyon del Oro High School, are planning to work with the math department to ensure a consistent use of terms across subjects. This collaboration aims to make learning more seamless for students as they transition between classes.

Despite these efforts, some high school teachers report that many students come into science classes unprepared to handle the math demands the subject requires. This underscores the need for continued collaboration between math and science teachers to ensure students are well-equipped for the challenges ahead.

Enhancing Student Performance in Science: Focus on Strengthening Mathematical Abilities