Connect for Kids / Child Advocacy 360 / Youth Policy Action Center - Math & Science

Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:02:32 -0500

In his 2006 State of the Union address, President Bush pledged to "give our nation's children a firm grounding in math and science," through a new American Competitiveness Initiative, which will fund training for science teachers, and ensure school math and science courses are rigorous and engaging. Many of his recommendations echoed those in this 2005 report from the National Academy of Sciences.

2005 Trial Urban District Assessment

Tue, 13 Dec 2005 14:22:22 -0600

The Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA), a special project of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, began assessing performance at the district level in 10 urban districts in 2002 with reading and writing assessments of fourth- and eighth-grade reading and mathematics. During the last two years, seven of the 10 districts posted larger gains than their peers nationwide in fourth-grade reading; eight districts posted larger gains than their peers nationwide in fourth-grade math; and, in eighth-grade, the percentage of students with basic math skills has increased in seven districts more than it has across the nation. In many of the systems, minority students are outperforming their peers elsewhere.

The Math/Science Network

Tue, 24 May 2005 12:48:48 -0500

The Math/Science Network, a non-profit organization composed of educators, scientists, mathematicians, parents, students, community leaders, and government and corporate representatives, pursues as its mission the promotion of the continuing development in mathematics and science of all people, with particular emphasis on the needs of women and girls. Our primary goal is to increase the participation, retention, and advancement of girls and women in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology.

Teaching Science

Thu, 19 Jan 2006 09:41:39 -0600

Transcript of live chat (3/16/2005)

Experts will take your questions on teaching science to today's kids. What does a good science curriculum look like for different age groups? How should controversial subjects, like evolution, be covered in class? What are some challenges that science educators face -- and how can they overcome them?

Hip-Hop Power

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:11:57 -0500

Rap-inspired math, spelling and science lessons are fast becoming music to the ears of kids in both urban and suburban settings. Superheroes like Grammar Man and CDs like De-U Records' "Multiplication Hip-Hop" aim to be the Schoolhouse Rock for a new generation. Join Rob Capriccioso as he takes a look behind the music.

Science News for Kids

Sun, 12 Dec 2004 13:34:04 -0600

Science News for Kids is devoted children ages 9 to 13. The site offers timely items of interest to kids, accompanied by suggestions for hands-on activities, books, articles, Web resources, and other useful materials.

Trying Science

Mon, 02 May 2005 10:55:44 -0500

Children need a great science education and parents can do a lot to help make that happen. Here you'll find a world of information, activities, and ideas that offer "something scientific" for the whole family.

Girls Go Tech

Sun, 12 Dec 2004 13:49:21 -0600

Women represent 46 percent of the total workforce, but only 25 percent of the IT workforce, and just 10 percent of the nation's top technology jobs. Girl Scouts is working to educate the public and policymakers on what it takes to keep the doors open to science and technology careers for girls, who typically lose interest in science and math by age 12.

Biology of "Excellence"

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:00:53 -0500

For the first time ever this year, talented U.S. high school students had a chance to participate in a nationwide "Biology Olympiad,"then go on to represent the U.S. in an international competition. Rob Capriccioso reports on how much the contest and the Center that supports it mean to an often-overlooked group of students: gifted young science lovers.

Lessons From a River

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:55:36 -0500

Ten baby bass, looking for a good home. That's the starting point for a hands-on science program centered on the Du Page River in Illinois. Victor M. Cassidy reports that the lessons learned are far-reaching.

Ask Dr. Math

Sun, 28 Nov 2004 13:22:36 -0600

The Math Forum at Drexel University provides this question and answer service for math students and their teachers.

Math Challenges for Families

Sun, 28 Nov 2004 13:23:52 -0600

"Figure This!" provides interesting math challenges that middle-school students can do at home with their families.

Engineer Girl

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:53:17 -0500

This site, developed by the National Academy of Engineering and an advisory board of girls from across the United States and Canada, highlights opportunities in engineering—especially for women and girls.

Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:51:13 -0500

Mathematics instruction in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade has been inconsistent and marked by an emphasis on routine arithmetic—with a heavy dose of memorization and repetition, says a National Academies report.

Classroom Practices Important to Teacher Quality

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:49:54 -0500

According to Educational Testing Service, students whose science or math teachers conducted hands-on learning activities or emphasized higher-order thinking skills—like developing strategies to solve different types of math problems—outperformed their peers by up to 70 percent of a grade level in math, and 40 percent of a grade level in science.