Teaching Math and Science through
Synchronized Integrated Learning
Teaching Math and Science
through Synchronized
Integrated Learning
Teaching Math and Science through
Synchronized Integrated Learning
Maryam Barakat and Nuha Hmaidy from Nur Shams Elementary Girls’ School, an UNRWA school in Tulkarm, participated in the Acting As An Innovator Program Round I. They believed that nurturing an innovative mindset is vital for any successful educational system. Motivated by their program experience, they decided to develop a project to change students’ negative views of math and science, often seen as difficult subjects. They recognized that understanding the root causes of issues is crucial for finding solutions. Through surveys and meetings, the teachers found a lack of integration between subjects, which were taught separately from their practical applications. Students faced challenges applying math concepts in science lessons and linking knowledge across different subjects.
Maryam and Nuha aimed to shift students’ negative views on science and mathematics. Drawing from their knowledge of the innovation process in AAAI, they devised a project that utilized STEM methods to enhance students’ comprehension of these subjects and their practical relevance. Their strategy involved selecting a science lesson, outlining a teaching plan for the associated math principles, and demonstrating their real-world implications through technology.
Maryam and Nuha worked together with science, math, and technology teachers to align their lessons, ensuring a smooth flow of concepts across different subjects. They implemented this strategy in the Light and the Laws of Reflection unit in their pilot project. The math class focused on angles and lines, the science class used these mathematical concepts to study reflections and refractions, and the technology class integrated both subjects, enabling students to apply their learning by developing their own animated game centered on reflection principles. A total of 26 ninth-grade students participated in the project as part of the “Sinbad Ways” team. The project helped students enhance their math skills to better comprehend science, technology lessons, and real-life applications. The positive outcome of the project led to the administration’s approval to scale up the experiment across the entire school.
The AAAI program aims to train 400 teachers from public, private, and UNRWA schools in the West Bank and Gaza over 3 years. The first round involved 24 teachers from different parts of Palestine. Forming 12 teams and supported by 8 mentors, the participants developed various creative projects under two main themes: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Integration and Application of STE(A)M Approach in Education.
Please click here for more information about Maryam and Nuha and their students’ project.
For more information about the AAAI program, please click here.