Math and Science

What It Is

From basic addition to calculus, and from Earth science to physics, students study math and science throughout their education. These concepts tend to build on each other as students progress through their schooling—you can’t do algebra if you don’t understand multiplication, for example—so it’s important for educators to teach these subjects well and for students to grasp the necessary concepts.

Why It Matters

Twenty years ago, the Internet didn’t exist as we know it today. Fifteen years ago, cell phones were rare. Ten years ago, no one had heard of an iPod. With technology expanding at an astounding rate, it’s becoming more and more important for students to learn—and understand—math and science. In addition, math and science knowledge will help students with such tasks as budgeting, gardening, and cooking in their everyday lives as adults.

What We Do

SEDL works with educators to improve their instruction and assessment, providing research-based professional development and technical assistance. Our Professional Teaching and Learning Cycle, for example, is a powerful, standards-based professional development approach to improve classroom achievement in reading and mathematics. Our work in mathematics and science fosters teaching practices that help students develop the strong critical-thinking, problem-solving, and calculation skills crucial to lifelong success.