Becoming Literate in Mathematics and Science

We all agree that schools must prepare young people to be math literate, science literate, and technology literate, but we are not always sure what the literate citizen should look like. From understanding net gains and losses, spreadsheets, and annual reports to the composition of matter and the chemistry of the universe, math and science literacy affects the decisions we make in our personal and community life.

Welcome to the electronic version of the ENC Focus issue on the topic Becoming Literate in Mathematics and Science This page provides access to the full text of all articles in the print version of the magazine. Some articles have been enhanced for this electronic version, and the list of theme articles has been organized by content rather than reflecting the layout of the print version. This electronic version has other benefits. Live links are provided for all web sites mentioned. Focus on the Collection links to complete catalog records of resources selected from ENC's vast collection.

Update: Around the Clearinghouse and the Nation

This section features educational news, editorials, essays, classroom stories, and columns on topics of interest to classroom innovators.

Using the Internet
Literate--and Safe--on the World Wide Web
by Kimberly S. Roempler

ENC in Action
Gender Equitable Schools: They Benefit Everyone
By Sundra Flansburg

ENC Partners
Ohio Resource Center for Mathematics, Science, and Reading
by Peggy Kasten

Student's Write
Dear Mrs. B, Please Reconsider...
by Lynn Bradley & Joanne Caniglia

Classroom Calendar - July 2001

Focus on Becoming Literate in Mathematics and Science

Statistics on the nightly news...computers in the kitchen...medical breakthroughs on the ballot: A literate citizenry has the knowledge and skills to handle the ever-changing world with confidence. The articles in this section provide ideas and resources to help teachers meet the challenge.

Editorial--Some Things We All Want to Hear
by Carolyn Hamilton

Mathematics and Science Literacy for All Americans
by Frank X. Sutman

A Nobel Laureate Talks to ENC

Innumerate and Proud of It
by Mark Holtman

It's About Relevancy
by Carol Damian

The Proving Ground for History
by David O'Connell

Talking Their Way to the Middle of All Numbers
by Kristine Reed Woleck

Graphing Savvy: Giving Students a Sense of Mathematical Power
by Sue McMillen

Improving Literacy Through Innovative Professional Development for Teachers
by Mary Hindelang

Ecosystem Succession
by John Rosemurgy

The Life and Times of a Bean Plant
by Tom Sprague

A Vote for Fidel Castro Is Not Truly a Vote Against Alison Peebles
by Alison Peebles

Media Literacy: Yes, It Fits in Math and Science Classrooms
by Frank Baker

Math & Science Illiteracy in the News
by Carolyn Hamilton

Cloning and the Media: A Snapshot of Scientific Literacy
by Lynda Titterington & Suzanne Drummer

Math on the Map
by Wendy Cheely

Putting Textbooks to the Test
by Jo Ellen Roseman, Gerald Kulm, & Susan Shuttleworth

Focus On The Collection

ENC content experts have chosen materials from the ENC Collection related to this topic.

Developing Literate Citizens
by Terese Herrera and Carol Damian, ENC Instructional Resources
ENC's mathematics and science content specialists explain their process for choosing materials for this section.

Materials are featured in the following categories:

• Defining Math and Science Literacy
• Making Sense of Numbers
• Organizing and Analyzing Data: Graphing
• Organizing and Analyzing Data: Statistics
• Organizing and Analyzing Data: Probability
• Applying Mathematics
• Applying Science
• Understanding Science News and Issues
• Creating Scientific Awareness of the Environment
• Placing Science Learning in Context
• Background Reading