A Program About Global Issues Based on Mathematics & Science

Mathematical Reasoning, which is the capacity to formulate, employ and interpret mathematics to solve problems in real-world contexts, is the core of the PISA framework. Central among these contexts are issues that are facing humanity today, such as global warming, the growth of population, the scarcity of food, water and energy, and many more. The understanding and the solution for these huge problems will require innovative science and high-end technology that are based on advanced mathematics and algorithms.

Such topics are included in the Israeli science curriculum for middle schools, however in practice they are marginalized. They are treated as optional, as enrichments, and rarely will be introduced in a way that involves mathematics or technology. Teachers would present these issues as dilemmas or controversies and encourage students to express personal opinions and moral arguments. Creating a database, analyzing the evidence, or reasoning with mathematical models, are not typically part of this classroom discussion.

Ron Blonder, of the Weizmann Institute’s Department of Science Teaching, is proposing to use the opportunity of integrating mathematics into science classes in a deeper manner. She is planning to design eight learning modules for 9^th grade students, which will apply high-level mathematical and computational thinking skills. These modules, both in Hebrew and in Arabic, will be based on a dataset that students will use, in order to articulate the problem in a mathematical model, test different solutions by analyzing the data, and use algorithms and simulations to support their solution.

The development of the program will rely on a joint team of science and mathematics teachers and academic experts. The teachers will try out the modules in their classrooms and following their feedback, 15 additional mathematics and science teachers will start piloting the modules in their classrooms. These pioneering teachers will guide a cadre of at least 75 teachers who would implement the modules during the next two and a half years. The plan is that each module will be taught for a month and a half to 9^th grade students in excellence classes as part of two weekly supplementary hours.

The success of the program will be measured with diagnostic assignments, which would determine student performance of mathematical reasoning, aligned with the 5-6 levels of PISA in mathematics. The content of the program will be prepared in collaboration with similar efforts in Europe and with the UN Sustainable Development project for 2030. As part of this interaction, two conferences for Israeli teachers will be convened, and guests from similar programs abroad will be invited.

* The text above shows the grant as approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors / Grant 361