Enhancing STEM Education at NJ Middle Schools
Assimilating Computational and Mathematical Thinking into Earth and Environmental Science (ACMES) is an exploratory project funded by the National Science Foundation STEM+Computing grant (DRL: 1742125) which aims to nurture the next generation of innovators by advancing student learning in STEM areas through a seamless integration of earth and environmental science, mathematics and computer science in Grades 5-7.
About
ACMES project employs a design-based research methodology focusing on continuous cycles of design, enactment, analysis, and redesign around Earth and Environmental themes interleaved with learning objectives in mathematics and computational thinking at a pace that is grade-level appropriate.
To facilitate the development and use of our instructional modules and professional development for teachers, we have developed a web-based cloud tool that:
- Advances student problem solving skills
- Engages student learning via interactive simulations
- Cultivates students’ inventiveness and entrepreneurial spirit
- Encourages them to pursue STEM Education
Goals
- Design and implement instructional modules that integrate computational and mathematical thinking into earth and environmental science education in Grades 5, 6 and 7;
- Monitor the effects of the modules on student learning of these concepts;
- Conduct teacher professional development that supports the integration of computational and mathematical thinking into earth and environmental science education.
Our Team
Dr. Michelle Zhu
Associate Professor
- Department of Computer Science
- Montclair State University
- zhumi@montclair.edu
Dr. Nicole Panorkou
Associate Professor
- Department of Mathematical Sciences
- Montclair State University
- panorkoun@montclair.edu
Dr. Bharath Samanthula
Assistant Professor
- Department of Computer Science
- Montclair State University
- samanthulab@montclair.edu
Dr. Pankaj Lal
Professor
- Department of Earth and Enviromental Studies
- Montclair State University
- lalp@montclair.edu