Simplifying equations via assumptions is integral to the "engineering method." Algebraic scaling helps in teaching the engineering skill of making good assumptions. Algebraic scaling is more than a pedagogical tool. It can create a solution where one was not possible before scaling. Scaling helps in engineering proper design…

Topology is considered an advanced field in mathematics, and it might seem off-putting to people with no previous experience in mathematics. The classification theorem, which lies within the field of algebraic topology, is fascinating, but understanding it requires extensive mathematical knowledge. In this manuscript, we present a modular object…

The Klein bottle and hairy ball theorem are important concepts in advanced mathematics and they are both examples of the Poincaré-Hopf theorem. Complex theories such as these usually remain unrealized in the minds of mathematicians. In this collaborative work between a mathematician and a designer, we introduce the concept of the hairy Klein…

This study employed the design-based research (DBR) methodology to explore how to design instructional prompts integrated into a computer-based cognitive tool, GeoGebra, for gifted mathematics education. This study was divided into two iterative research phases lasting for 3 semesters, in which differentiating the instructional prompts for gifted…

The current study investigated how prior knowledge moderated the effects of three educational technologies ("From Here to There," "DragonBox 12+," and problem sets in "ASSISTments") on seventh-grade students' later algebraic knowledge. Pretest scores only moderated effects of "From Here to There," with…

Covariational reasoning and the creation and interpretation of graphs of covariational situations are important skills in math and science. Unfortunately, research shows that students often struggle to make meaningful connections between graphs and the covariational situations they represent. Educational activities designed to help students…

If chosen carefully according to teaching purposes and incorporated into the curriculum, games can enhance teaching and learning. The use of didactic games while teaching maths can support students' motivation and performance during the lesson. Therefore, educational games should be preferred in maths classes as an alternative teaching method. In…

Educational technology designs in developing countries mostly focus on making knowledge resources widely available, through MOOCs, repositories and computer-based tutoring. The use of digital media for cognitive augmentation, particularly interactive designs that help learners understand modelling topics in STEM, is underexplored. We report a…

Students explore the relationship between thrill-seeking rides and their algebra 1 curriculum in an informative, engaging, student-centered lesson that was designed using a project-based-instruction (PBI) framework.

The Forty Fifth Annual meeting of the North American chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education was held PME-NA 45 in Reno, Nevada, October 1-4, 2023. The conference theme is "Engaging All Learners." Math learning should be a joyful experience for all students. When students are engaged and inspired,…

We implemented a STEM task that highlights the engineering cycle and engages students in productive struggle. Students problem solved in productive ways and saw tangible benefits of revising their work to achieve mathematical goals.

After being introduced to the distributive law in meaningful contexts, students need to extend its scope of application to unfamiliar expressions. In this article, a process model for the development of structure sense is developed. Building on this model, this article reports on a design research project in which exercise tasks support students…

This design research study examined how professional development in the context of a research practice partnership developed Algebra 1 teachers' collective understanding of the eight Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs), part of the Common Core State Standards. Over two years, 15 teachers participated in a task analysis routine that included…

Too often our students submit incomplete homework that is disorganized, unclear, and nonlinear. Typesetting with LATEX, although time consuming for those new to the software, strengthens communication by forcing organization and proper notation required by the precise, formal language of mathematics. In this manuscript we report on a study of 42…

With the introduction of "Next Generation Science Standards" ("NGSS"), teachers have been called to find meaningful and engaging ways to teach science content while incorporating engineering practices and, to a lesser extent, computing and computational thinking. The task becomes even more complex when they also have to…