Preparing for the Next Generation Science Standards—Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

This is the fifth in a series of seven web seminars that focus on the science and engineering practices found within the Next Generation Science Standards. Presenters Robert Mayes, from Georgia Southern University, and Bryan Shader, from the University of Wyoming, discuss the practice of using mathematics and computational thinking. First, Mr. Mayes explores the links between science and math models. Then he and Mr. Shader provide examples of classroom activities that connect math and science at grades 2, 5, 8, and 12, including practical suggestions for making life science, in particular the box models, more quantitative. Mr. Shader offers an in-depth explanation of scientific computing and shares an example of a simple computational model. Mr. Mayes concludes the presentation by describing quantitative reasoning.