A STEAM Exploration of Tiny Homes

Abstract

The incorporation of the “M” in STEAM must extend beyond simply a tool to address science and engineering standards (Authors, 2016; NCSM/NCTM, 2018). We present a mathematics- rich STEAM inquiry in which elementary students engaged in solving the issue of homelessness for one family in need.

Moving toward shared realities through empathy in mathematical modeling: An ecological systems theory approach

“…In order to delve deeper into the empathetic aspect, the following section describes in detail two key points where empathy was used to further mathematical understanding: (a) The Calder family bio card and (b) The Calder family income and expenses. For details on the full inquiry see Edelen, Bush, and Simpson (2020). Figure 3 displays the Calder Family Bio Card that provided students with information about the microsystems, mesosystems, and exosystems of a fictitious homeless family.…”

“…In order to delve deeper into the empathetic aspect, the following section describes in detail two key points where empathy was used to further mathematical understanding: (a) The Calder family bio card and (b) The Calder family income and expenses. For details on the full inquiry see Edelen, Bush, and Simpson ().…”

Using mathematical modeling to bridge unshared realities through empathy

“…For a classroom tested example of using empathy in mathematical modeling, see Edelen, Simpson, and Bush (). In this article, one family in need is used as a context for students to make sense of minimum wage and homelessness.…”