Perspectives on Science and Math is a course in the UTeach curriculum sequence taught by faculty in the history or philosophy of science or mathematics. This course helps future STEM educators understand that science is a dynamic human endeavor that has been shaped by practical needs, social conflicts, and individual personalities. In this course, students prepare lesson plans that incorporate historical science and mathematics content.
This website was designed to support UTeach students at the University of Texas at Austin in preparing their lesson plans for Perspectives. However, it may be useful for anyone interested in the intersection of STEM education and the history and philosophy of science and math.
Why Perspectives? Why consider using history to teach math and science? Applying historical perspectives enriches STEM teaching by:
- Providing compelling narratives. Science and math are not just bodies of fact; they are an unfolding story that isn’t finished yet.
- Demonstrating the methods and nature of science and math through real-life examples of discovery in practice.
- Building cross-curricular connections within the STEM disciplines and beyond in the arts and humanities.
- Humanizing scientists and mathematicians and addressing issues of diversity in STEM
- Exploring the ethics, values, and social context of science and math.
Explore the resources below to learn more about the education research and standards that support a role for HPS in STEM education. Explore the rest of this site to start researching and creating your own lesson plans.
Pedagogy: Resources on HPS in STEM education
Current education research makes a strong case for STEM teaching that is informed by the history and philosophy of science and math. Read More >
National and state standards for science and math teaching already include substantial requirements for teaching the history and nature of science and math. Read More >