3M Awards Grant to Mathworks Curriculum Project

April 16, 2010 - PRLog -- San Marcos, TX

The 3M Foundation has awarded a $5,950 grant to the Mathworks program at Texas State University – San Marcos.  The funding will support the creation of video podcast lessons by Austin middle school students who are piloting the Mathworks curriculum.  In the podcasts, students will explain fundamental math concepts, creating an online network of peer-to-peer learning.

“We are delighted to be partnering with 3M in a new program that will engage students in making podcasts to share ideas about mathematics problems with other students online. Students who make a podcast will learn the ideas better themselves, while giving others the opportunity to build on those ideas,” said Dr. Max Warshauer, Director of Mathworks and Regents Professor of Mathematics.

“Intertwining new technology with the math curriculum will make learning more relevant and even more intriguing for students. Learning from a peer will help certain students embrace math concepts more readily,” noted Russell Bridges, Government and Community Affairs Manager at 3M’s Austin Center.

The Mathworks textbooks are currently being piloted in eight different schools across four school districts, impacting over 1,300 middle school students.  The curriculum extends the Mathworks Junior Summer Math Camp curriculum to a full school year, weaving in algebraic concepts for young students.  Data has shown the curriculum to be effective in “closing the gaps,” preparing all students for Algebra and beyond.

About Mathworks
Mathworks is a math education center at Texas State University – San Marcos with core programs of Summer Math Camps, Teacher Training and Curriculum Development. The Mathworks Junior Summer Math Camp and Honors Summer Math Camp are nationally recognized as one of the premier programs in the country.  For more information about the camps, and other Mathworks programs, see http://www.txstate.edu/mathworks.

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Mathworks' mission is to develop model programs and self-sustaining learning communities that engage K-12 students in doing mathematics at a high level. Our programs include Summer Math Camps, Teacher Training, and Curriculum Development.