Improve Science and Mathematics Literacy

U.S. rankings in math and science achievements among high school students continue to fall. Trends in the International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS) indicate a drastic decline in the U.S. from 9th place to 27th place in science and 15th place to 28th place in math. Between 1986 and 2000, the annual growth in first university degrees in science and engineering increased by more than 75% in East Asia, and less than 19% in the U.S.

The MWM program strives to increase science and math literacy in the U.S. through its hands-on curriculum based on principles of inquiry and design.

Promote Interdisciplinary Focus

Historically, high schools have taught mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and technology as discrete subjects. This compartmentalization of knowledge, perhaps efficient from an organizational standpoint, leads students to understand these fields as sets of decontextualized techniques and facts rather than integrated disciplines that complement each other and that are frequently used as instruments to solve real problems.

The Materials World Modules (MWM) educational program employs materials science as a context in which students can study science, mathematics, technology, and society. In contrast to compartmentalized teacher-based presentations of various science and mathematics disciplines, students using MWM learn how principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics relate to each other and how they directly apply to real problems and societal issues.

Engage Collaboration Through Team Building

Employing a team approach, the modules provide students with collaborative opportunities to design projects.

Connect to Historical and Current Developments to Promote Relevance

MWM modules bring the latest research topics to the classrooms, emphasize the historical development of products and technologies through human efforts, and provide students with a broader perspective on scientific topics as they develop their research skills. Approaching science and technology with a social context helps students see how science is relevant to their lives, empowering them to make better decisions as citizens of the world.

Align to NSES

MWM modules link to the following National Science Education Standards:

• Unifying concepts and processes in science
• Science as inquiry
• Physical science
• Life science
• Earth and space science
• Science and technology
• Science in personal and social perspective

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