Video 3 The sequence of courses in the US science curriculum was locked in in 1892, before the connection between physics, chemistry, and biology was known. Bob Goodman discusses a successful strategy for the Science and Math sequence.
"Physics connects Science and Mathematics, and by doing that it gives meaning to Mathematics because the kids see what Mathematics is good for, and it makes it possible to learn more advanced sciences using the Physics that the sciences are based on."
Building Onramps to STEM Careers
Bob Goodman, 2006 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (NJCTL), and a graduate of MIT, has developed groundbreaking strategies for teaching math and science to high needs students.
He has also pioneered new approaches to providing professional development for veteran teachers preparing them to teach physics and chemistry. NJCTL is now the number 1 producer of physics teachers in the United States. NJCTL programs are used in six of the top 12 NJ schools for AP physics participation. NJCTL schools are more than 60% Black/Hispanic and free/reduced lunch; non-NJCTL schools are less than 8%.
The New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is an independent not-for-profit foundation, created by the New Jersey Education Association. Its mission is to empower teachers to lead school improvement so that all children have access to a high quality education.
For more information about the NJCTL, visit njctl.org.
Paper: Building Onramps to STEM Careers by Robert Goodman, Ed.D.
