Work in Progress: Teach Girls Mathematics and Technology from Humanities Classes

This paper presents collaboration between university faculty and middle school teachers to provide early intervention during a key period in a girl's life where positive learning experiences with technology and mathematics may influence later career choices. The target population is from two school districts that have high percentages of students from minority and disadvantaged families. The innovative aspect of the project is the application of mathematics in subject areas where girls feel comfortable or may have more advantage over boys. This allows girls to increase their confidence and strengthen areas that may not be as strong. This paper describes how university faculty and students can team with middle school teachers in designing curriculum units that promote girls' learning in mathematics and technology. Lessons learned from collaboration with middle schools will be discussed