Three Math Skills Used in Science?

Answer 1

Thinking that you can get away from math? Think again, math is all around us. In fact, math is also used in science class. There are three math concepts that are important to learn to ensure that you are successful in any science class, especially at the secondary level. These three math concepts include the following:

1.

Scientific Notation:

Scientific notation shows up around middle school math and subsequently in science. This means that students will get to get an extra opportunity to practice this skill to better understand how to understand their data that may be collected in science labs. Even then, it is important for students to make sure that they are making that connection between what is being learned in both math and science class.

2.

Measurement:

While students will be exposed to a variety of measurement units in math, they will only work with a specific measurement system for science topics. For example, students will work with the SI system to work with distance and time. This is another opportunity to help students master math skills to ensure that they are fully prepared to work on concepts in science. Depending on the science topic, students may experience learning about measurement systems briefly in science and are expected to learn more about it in math class. Both the science and math teachers could collaborate and integrate lessons to reinforce the skills to help in both subjects.

3.

Patterns:

As part of the scientific method, students are expected to observe and analyze data. In light of this, they will be expected to look for patterns. Depending on the type of data that is being observed or analyzed, it will depend on the type of patterns that students will need to be able to understand. However, in math, students are expected to look for patterns as part of their problem solving strategy. Patterns in math are plentiful and can come in handy when looking at specific sets of data regarding science experiments.

Each of these math skills is very important in both classes, as well, as outside of the classroom. It is very important for teachers to help foster students in thinking more critically about how they are working with these topics.