Implementing Spreadsheets in Science and Math

AP Physics C

Honors Physics

College Prep PhysicsMichael McConnell

The NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards have been revised in 2009 and have placed an emphasis on “21st Century Skills”.

We must prepare our students for challenging jobs that do not currently exist that incorporate all of the above.

2009 Standards Revision ProjectScience; Educational Technology; Technology Education, Engineering and Design; and Mathematics (STEM) Education

STEM at a Glance

Integrates Science, Engineering, and Math Emphasis on use of technology’s role in

shaping education Goal is to create students that incorporate

technology into all aspects of the math and science curriculum for the rapidly changing technological world.

+ + =Y=mX+b

Why Spreadsheets?

The spreadsheet is the most logical area in which to educate for the future due to their:

Versatility Ubiquity Ease of Use Widespread Use Relevance in learning more complex programs

Familiarity gained in high school will prevent future learning hurdles in college and at the workplace.

The spreadsheet provides the best medium for student activities focused on STEM.

How I Started with Spreadsheets

Motivating Factors

Things that can be done in math and science on a spreadsheet…

Simulation Activities Model phenomena with

continually changing variables.

Quantitative analysis of complex problems

Air resistance, changing temperature, changing mass, force,

acceleration, speed

Calculation Activities Eliminates repetition of

steps of systematic calculations

Allows for students to focus on “the big picture”

Introduces spreadsheet problem solving functions.

Spreadsheet Simulations

The immense calculating power can allow you to mathematically model the physical phenomena taught in class.

How? By taking a continuously changing situation, difficult or impossible to investigate previously and breaking it up into little pieces to avoid complex math out of the reach of high school students.

Staying Current

Proficiency with spreadsheets is a necessary 21st century skill that needs to be taught.

The need for use in college and beyond is well documented

These types of activities produce the intended student achievement in course content and spreadsheet proficiency which is why I have developed this approach.

Student Data: 2008-2009

Students were surveyed as to the extent that they agreed with some statements by circling any of numbers 1 through 5 for each. 1 – Disagree 2 – Somewhat agree 3 – Agree 4 – Strongly agree 5 – Yes, exactly

The survey was anonymous and taken by all students in 1st year (Honors and CP levels) and 2nd year (AP Physics C) Physics courses at Cinnaminson.

Student Survey Results

Always Improving

By collecting and analyzing data I have improved these activities as follows: Improve understanding of formulas by adding

questions to assess formula writing. Adjust reading level to be class specific for the

level of the course. Create advanced, intermediate and beginner

level activities to assure that students of all levels can learn these essential skills.

This has also followed the model for professional learning communities adopted by the state for this upcoming year.

Preparing for the Future

Through designing this program over 5 years I have followed the principle that students proficient in spreadsheets will be at an advantage in the future.

The NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards have established that STEM content must be implemented as of this year…we are already underway and where we need to be with spreadsheets.