The History of Science and Mathematics Education

Neptune as a Planet

Sep 18, 1846

Due to the mathematical calculations predicting it would be there, Neptune was first seen as a planet in 1846.

Booker T. Washington

Jan 21, 1880

Booker T. Washington becomes the first principal of a newly opened normal-school in Alabama; it is now Tuskegee University.

John Dewey and Progressive Education

Mar 14, 1920

John Dewey's view of education emphasized the need for students to "learn by doing". This greatly influenced the views of learning in subjects such as science and mathematics.

National Council of Teacher's and Mathematics (NCTM)

Mar 14, 1920

Founded in 1920, NCTM is the world's largest mathematics education organization; it supports teachers to ensure high quality mathematical learning for students through providing leadership, vision, professional development and research.

Math Curriculum and the Progressive movement

Mar 14, 1920

Incidental learning was advocated; this relflected the belief that "children would learn as much arithmentic as they needed and would learn it better if it was not systematically taught" (Reys, 2015, pg. 3).

the Committee of Seven (late 1920's).

Mar 14, 1920

A committee of superintendents and principals recommended teaching mathematics topics to students according to mental age. This committee had a strong impact on curricuulm and its sequencing for years after ward (Reys, 2015).

Scopes Monkey Trial

Mar 14, 1925

A debate between science versus religion sparked when a man by the name of John Thomas Scopes, a substiture high school teacher, illegaly taught evolution to students. A trial began and he was found guilty and fined (ithe verdict was later overturned).

The Influence of "Field Theory" (mid-1930's)

Mar 14, 1930

Mathematics research contributed to an increased focus on learning as a process. This process led to meaning and understanding and drill no longer was the major means of providing math instruction. The benefits of teaching students the understanding of relationships, structures, patterns, interpretations, and principles became a major part (Reys, 2015).

the National Science Foundation (NSF) is established

Mar 10, 1950

The NSF is founded; it focused on developing curriculum projects to teach science through modernizing science course content.

Piaget

Mar 14, 1952

Educators have used Piaget's child development theories and stages to create strategies for teaching mathematics.

College-Level Science Sources Introduced

Mar 10, 1956

The College Board introduces college-level science courses for advanced high school students.

Sputnik I- Encouraged Math and Science Curriculum Change

Oct 4, 1957

With the event of Sputnik, the first satelliete, being launched, the "new math" was the result in the US. Millions of dollars was put into math and science education to try and strenghten school programs

National Defense Education Act

Sep 2, 1958

Congress passed this act which provided funds to boost science education. It also doubled funding for the NSF continue research, curriculum development and teacher training.

Curriculum Development Projects

Mar 10, 1964

The NSF sponsors 20 plus science projects such as the Physical Science Study Committee, ChemStudy, Biological Sciences Curriculum Study and the Earth Science Curriculum Study. These projects aimed to expose students to a more authentic science.

Invention of the "portable" Calculator

Apr 17, 1967

Fun fact! The portable calculator, just over 6 inches tall, was invented.

Apollo II

Jul 20, 1969

Apollo II lands on the moon, inspiring many to pursue careers in science.

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Exam

Mar 10, 1970

The NAEP exam tests American students nationwide to see what they know about science (and other subjects).

Math Standards Developed

Mar 14, 1980

The NCTM led the way in developing math standards for schools. The standards were developed for curriculum for teaching, assessment and evaluations. These standards were later updated in 2000 and eventually influenced the development of hte Common Core State Standards in 2009.

a Nation at Risk

Mar 14, 1983

This was an imperative for education reform; the report, of American President Ronald Reagan, contributed to the assertion that American schools were failing. This started a wave of local, state, and federal reform efforts.

Frameworks of curriculum development

Mar 10, 1993

Frameworks of currculum development continue to expand; benchmarks for science literacy. An example is the American Association for hte Advancement of Science.

National Science Education Standards

Mar 10, 1996

The National Science Education Standards are produced by the National Research Council; these are set goals for teaching, student knowledge and assessment.

No Child Left Behind Act

Mar 10, 2001

While teachers work hard to boost scores on math and reading tests, the No Child Left Behind Act takes the focus off science education.

Nationwide science testing

Mar 10, 2007

Science testing becomes required nationwide.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM)

Mar 14, 2009

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics defines the knowledge and skills students should obtain in math from kindergarten through high school.

Next Generation Science Standards

Apr 9, 2013

The Next Generation Science Standards are released. The National Research Council, the National Science Teachers Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, work together to rewrite science standards and curriculum in the United States.