"BUILDING MATH: Integrating Algebra and Engineering in the Classroom"
Tufts School of Engineering and Tufts Department of Education
funded by the GE Math Excellence Program

Project Overview
The nation is faced with the challenge to increase the workforce in quantitative fields (e.g., engineering, science, technology, and math). Schools and teachers play the pivotal role in this challenge. Currently, many students (mostly from underrepresented groups) are not graduating from high school with the necessary math skills to continue studies in college in these quantitative fields. Industries and colleges such as Tufts and GE realize that more active participation in the Prek-12 system is needed and have put together this innovative program to work with teachers to build both math and engineering into the classrooms.

Algebra and engineering are critical fields that are worth combining – algebra is perhaps one of the most important mathematical skills needed to be acquired during middle school, and engineering as a discipline and career is another important gateway to keep future career options open.

Building Math is a three-year project funded through the GE Fund. The goals of the project are to provide professional development for middle school teachers in math and engineering and to explore and provide alternative teaching methods aimed at improving 8th grade students' achievement in algebra and technology (as measured by MCAS [Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System] scores in Mathematics and Science and Technology/Engineering areas). This project combines engineering and algebra into units that highlight math concepts and incorporate the state technology/engineering standards by providing meaningful and relevant contexts for studying algebra and engineering.

The project is seeking students interested in doing internships, independent studies, or field experiences. For additional information on the project, please visit the project's Web site at www.buildingmath.org, or contact Lori Weiss via email at lweiss@mos.org or by phone at 617-462-4609.

Participants
Bárbara Brizuela, Co-Principal Investigator
Department of Education
Phone: (617) 627-4721

Peter Y. Wong, Co-Principal Investigator
Department of Engineering
Phone: (617) 627-5162

Lori Weiss, Project Coordinator
Museum of Science, Boston
Phone: 617-462-4609