Eric.ed.gov – From Earth Algebra to Earth Math: An Expansion and Dissemination of the Methods of Earth Algebra [and] Proceedings, Earth Math Conference (Kennesaw, Georgia, April 19-20, 1996).

This final report and appended conference proceedings describe activities of the Earth Math project, a 3-year effort at Kennesaw State University (Georgia) to broaden and disseminate the concept of Earth Algebra to precalculus and mathematics education courses. Major outcomes of the project were the draft of a precalculus textbook now being reviewed prior to field testing, and a series of independent study modules appropriate for use in mathematics education courses or as supplementary material in algebra and trigonometry courses. Earth Math materials focus on application of mathematics to real world problems and are intended to improve students’ problem-solving and decision-making abilities. The materials are also intended to demonstrate how to implement the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards in school mathematics courses. Separate sections of the report describe the project’s purpose, background and origins, description, evaluation/results, and conclusions. The final evaluation report, which is appended, includes the evaluation instruments, guidelines for grading, and sample administrative communications. Appendix B, the separate proceedings document, includes a keynote address by Tina Straley, summaries of workshops on technology and hydrology, and a talk by Ben Fusaro. Also included are reports from test institutions and a summary of the project evaluation. Most of the proceedings document consists of several chapters of the draft textbook, which conference participants worked through in a workshop. (DB)