Applying mathematical concepts with hands-on, food-based science curriculum.
This article addresses the current state of the mathematics education system in the United States and provides a possible solution to the contributing issues. As a result of lower performance in primary mathematics, American students are not acquiring the necessary quantitative literacy skills to become successful adults. This study analyzed the impact of the FoodMASTER Intermediate curriculum on fourth-grade student's mathematics knowledge. The curriculum is a part of the FoodMASTER Initiative, which is a compilation of programs utilizing food, a familiar and necessary part of everyday life, as a tool to teach mathematics and science. Students exposed to the curriculum completed a 20-item researcher-developed mathematics knowledge exam (Intervention n=288; Control n=194). Overall, the results showed a significant increase in mathematics knowledge from pre- to post-test. These findings suggest that students engaged in food-based science activities provided them with the context in which to apply mathematical concepts to an everyday experience. Therefore, the FoodMASTER approach was successful at improving students' mathematics knowledge while building a foundation for becoming quantitatively literate adults.
Nutrition Science and Adult Education Graduate Student, East Carolina University, 261 Rivers Building, Greenville, NC 27834, 252-328-1681 office, 252-328-4276 fax, rosenoa07@students.ecu.edu.
Ashley T
AT
Roseno
College of Human Ecology, East Carolina University, 266 Rivers Building, Greenville, NC 27858, 252-737-2473 office, carrawaystagev@ecu.edu.
Virginia G
VG
Carraway-Stage
Department of Nutrition Science, East Carolina University, 156 Rivers Building, Greenville, NC 27858, hoerdemannc10@students.ecu.edu.
Callan
C
Hoerdeman
Diaz Consulting LLC, 203 West Main Street, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525-7113, 304-698-6780 cell, Sebastian.Diaz@frontiernet.net.
Sebastián R
SR
Díaz
Ohio University, Early Childhood, Grover Center E154, Athens, OH, USA 45701, 740-593-2882 office, geist@ohio.edu.
Geist
G
Eugene
Director of Special Projects, STEM Education Center, East Carolina University, 272 Rivers Bldg., Greenville, NC 27858, 252-328-5698 office, 252-328-4276 fax, duffrinm@ecu.edu.
Melani W
MW
Duffrin