Integrating Computational Thinking in Mathematics and Science High School Teacher Professional Development Project

Computing is central to nearly every aspect of our daily lives and is transforming fields as diverse as biology, economics, and medicine. It is surprising then that courses that introduce computational thinking (CT) into mathematics and science courses are largely absent from high schools. CT is a way to introduce students to computing concepts and ways of thinking, and to motivate student interest in computer science.

The aim of this National Science Foundation (NSF) supported project is to develop a comprehensive online professional development program for high school science and mathematics teachers intended to help them integrate CT into their science and mathematics classes. The goal of the research arm, which we helped to co-lead with Dr. Suzanne Wilson, is to understand: how and under what conditions integrated science, mathematics, and computational approaches will effectively develop teachers' understanding of CT; improve teachers' instructional practice; and will transfer CT concepts to their math and science students.

Partner / Institution affiliation

The Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science at Rutgers University

Funding source

National Science Foundation