Practical uses of math and science from NASA

 Practical uses of math and science from NASA  http://pumas.jpl.nasa.gov/

Author:Ralph Kahn
PUMAS Editor and Founder

  Intended Purpose:

PUMAS (poo' · mas) -- is a collection of one-page examples of how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes can be used in interesting settings, including everyday life. The examples are written primarily by scientists and engineers, and are available to teachers, students, and other interested parties via the PUMAS Web Site. Our goal is to capture, for the benefit of pre-college education, the flavor of the vast experience that working scientists have with interesting and practical uses of math and science...

Intended Audience: Grade levels K-12

Abstract: 

Justification: Looking at real world applications of math and science knowledge and skills is one step closer to authenticity.... These activities offer many open ended paths for integrating technology and are standards referenced.

Does the resource tie directly to best practices for student learning, for technology integration, and/or for leadership and change? Yes. There are 60 examples of projects that involve students in a variety of investigations that use math and science to explore real-world applications. Engaging students in authentic projects that apply math and science skills and concepts is surely a best practice.

Can the resource be tied to Tech GE's, standards for curriculum framework? Yes. Though not all the examples specifically suggest using technology, most are well suited to using technology (such as spreadsheets for calculations, data collection probes, presentation tools, etc.). The examples tie directly to several math and science standards.

Value & quality for intended purpose… (accessible, applicable, relevant, practical, reliable, transferable) I found the examples to be well written and highly relevant and applicable to the topics they addressed. The site itself offers several ways to sort the list of examples (e.g., by grade level, curriculum benchmark, and keyword), so it is fairly easy to find a topic one is searching for. At this point there are only 60 entries, but the site is soliciting more. Quality of submissions is assured by a review process that includes both a classroom teacher and a scientist.