Integrating Mathematics and Life Science for Pre-Service Elementary Teachers

Adriana Attleson attleadr@niacc.edu

Craig Zoellner zoellcra@niacc.edu

Project Description:

Our project develops a learning community of pre-service teachers that integrates mathematics concepts such as statistics, probability, reasoning and proof, and measurement, with the biology concepts of evolution, ecosystems, genetics, botany, microbes and homeostasis. We hope to understand teaching and learning issues unique to our shared subject.

Background:

• NIACC is a rural community college in North Central Iowa with approximately 3000 full time students.

• 75% of the students are transfer, and 25% are career and technical.

• Elementary education is the second largest declared major at NIACC.

• We participated in the NSF and Phi Theta Kappa project “Preparing Tomorrow’s Science and Mathematics Teachers at Community Colleges” in 2004/05.

• Inquiry Into Life Science was offered first in Fall 04.

• Math for Elementary Teachers was changed from one semester to two semesters in Fall 05.