TCU welcomed FWISD students for math and science competition

FWISD students measure the Addison and Randolph Clark statue at one of the 10 stations.

Fort Worth, TX

5/3/2007

TCU hosted 120 fourth and fifth graders for the 2007 Fort Worth ISD Math and Science Trail on Wednesday, April 25. Sponsored by the TCU's Institute of Math, Science, and Technology Education and Chesapeake Energy, the Trail engaged students in exploratory learning at a series of ten stations around campus where they competed for points against other school teams.

According to Kathy Smith, assistant education professor and faculty coordinator for the event, "The FWISD students were excited and had fun learning about mathematics and science, two content areas that students usually dislike."

Developed, organized and conducted by TCU education students and faculty, the Math and Science Trail was aligned with the state's Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) test. Stations integrated geometric patterns, symmetry, plant systems, properties of water, life cycles and other math and science applications discovered on the Trail. The winning team received an ice cream party for all of the fourth and fifth graders at their campus.

“This event not only enabled TCU students to become more aware of the expectations of elementary students, it allowed them to understand the process of creating a math/science trail,” said Smith. “It is hoped that they will carry out similar events when they become a classroom teacher. If the excitement of the TCU pre-service teachers following the event is any indication, math and science trails will be occurring in approximately 70 classrooms very soon.”

Jace Thompson, TCU Student Body President and business major, enrolled in EDEC 30203 (Elementary Mathematics) this semester, organized this event. For his classroom project, “Integrating Mathematics and Business,” Thompson assisted FWISD in writing a business proposal seeking funds from Chesapeake Energy Corporation and TCU’s Institute of Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education for this project. Other students enrolled in EDEC 30203 created and field-tested the TEKS-based questions for the trail as part of their course work. All 68 pre-service teachers enrolled in this course staffed the event.

Teachers and TCU undergraduates majoring in math and science will also benefit from the program. Teachers accompanying the students on the Trail will discuss math and science trails and how to implement them on their own campuses. TCU math and science majors will practice leadership and coaching skills on the Trail by making hands-on presentations. In addition, pre-service teachers will become familiar with the TEKS by developing curriculum and will have the opportunity to apply teaching skills on the Trail.

TCU student organizations, Chi Omega and the Golden Key Honour Society, also participated this year by leading lunchtime activities including science experiments and math games. “As this program expands, we look forward to having more people on campus involved,” said Smith.

For more information on the Institute of Math, Science, and Technology Education, visit www.mst.tcu.edu.