Thinking Outside the Box: Integrating Dynamic Mathematics to Advance Computational Thinking for Diverse Student Populations

该项目的重点是在中学课程中整合计算机科学和数学概念。该项目的目标是解释学生学习数学和计算机科学的四个概念：变量、表达式、循环和抽象。该项目将设计一门中学计算机科学课程，将数学概念融入其中。它将探索基于技术的动态表示，这些表示是交互式计算机系统的一部分。鉴于计算机科学课程在全国范围内的扩展以及目前的国家数学和科学标准，研究结果和产品开发对数学、科学和计算机科学的教学和学习具有潜在的变革意义。该项目具有强大的影响潜力，因为它侧重于数学和计算思维的标志性概念，这些概念既是重叠的领域，也是跨年级和课程的基础概念。STEM+计算伙伴关系（STEM+C）计划旨在通过跨一个或多个领域的应用研究和开发，推进STEM教学中计算的多学科整合；STEM与计算机科学的整合；扩大对计算机科学的参与。在教学法、职前和在职教师专业发展等关键领域进行了投资。ECR计划为该项目提供资金，强调基础STEM教育研究，产生该领域的基础知识。对ECR的投资是在至关重要、广泛和持久的关键领域：STEM学习和STEM学习环境，扩大STEM参与，以及STEM劳动力发展。动态地考虑这些概念是对当前数学和计算机科学实践的重大和潜在的变革。研究问题考察了学生的学习成果，以及在不同课堂中参与计算思维的行动理论。该项目将首先对学生的概念理解进行评估。然后，它将采用基于设计的研究性学习，为学生创造技术平台和活动。最后，提炼实施本课程的行动理论。数据收集和分析包括学生学习的案例研究，以支持研究结果和完善课程材料。教师和学区领导参与了教材的设计和实施。教师将接受采访，了解他们对课程的实施情况，以及被确定为更深入的案例分析的学生。

The focus of the project is the integration of computer science and mathematics concepts in a middle school course. The project's goal is to explain students' learning of four concepts that are part of both mathematics and computer science: variables, expressions, loops and abstraction. The project will design a middle school computer science course to incorporate the mathematics concepts. It will explore technology-based dynamic representations that are part of an interactive computer-based system. The research results and product development are potentially transformative to mathematics, science, and computer science teaching and learning in light of the expansion of computer science courses nationwide and current national mathematics and science standards. The project has strong potential for impact because it focuses on signature concepts from mathematics and computational thinking that are both areas of overlap and foundational concepts across a range of grade levels and courses. The STEM+Computing Partnership (STEM+C) program seeks to advance multidisciplinary integration of computing in STEM teaching and learning through applied research and development across one or more domains; integration of STEM in computer science; and broadening participation in computer science. Investments are made in critical areas of pedagogy, pre-service and in-service teacher professional development. The ECR program contribution to the funding of this project, emphasizes fundamental STEM education research that generates foundational knowledge in the field. Investments in ECR are made in critical areas that are essential, broad and enduring: STEM learning and STEM learning environments, broadening participation in STEM, and STEM workforce development.Considering the concepts dynamically is a significant and potentially transformative departure from current practice in mathematics and computer science. The research questions examine learning outcomes for students and a theory of action for engaging computational thinking in diverse classrooms. The project will begin by creating assessments of students' conceptual understanding. Then, it will employ a design-based research study for creating technology platforms and activities for students. Finally, it will refine the theory of action for implementing the course. The data collection and analysis includes case studies of students' learning to support the research results and to refine the curriculum materials. Teachers and school district leaders are involved with the design and implementation of the materials. Teachers will be interviewed about their implementation of the course and about students that have been identified for deeper case study analysis.