Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Conceptua Math is focused on providing tools and resources to support a successful STEM curriculum. Our math product focuses on foundational skills and professional development approach supports empowering teachers make informed instructional decisions for their students.

What is S.T.E.M.?

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, better known as S.T.E.M. has, in one form or another, been a concern since the fading of the Sputnik era. Driven by the scores on any number of assessments, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS), and the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA:2006), there is a growing concern that U.S. students are falling behind those of other nations in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. STEM is a encompassing “plan to win the future” by providing emphasis, funding, and resources to develop interest and programs that bolster interest in STEM.

How Conceptua Math Supports a STEM Curriculum

We've taken the goals of STEM to heart. The Conceptua Math implementation approach is centered on helping teachers gain content knowledge and strategies so that they are better able to help their students be successful and excited about math. We want to help students conceptualize each topic so these concepts form a foundation for their success in the more advanced topics of mathematics.

Conceptua Math is comprised of tools, curriculum and resources that foster professional growth while providing a challenging, engaging environment for students. Each of the Math Tools is supported by instructional videos that demonstrate how to use the tools for teaching fractions topics. Our curriculum materials are all supported by sample lesson plans, model student-teacher discussions, and detailed examples of student misconceptions and key understandings that should be achieved. In addition to delineating key concepts and essential understandings, our instructional design includes a formative assessment that spurs teachers to have conversations with their students to address misconceptions and diagnose needs. Teachers can then choose support lessons to address student needs and provide the necessary level of intervention, including assigning practice with critical pre-skills. All of this support is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and a number of textbooks.

In addition to math curriculum and technology, we provide a variety of services to support the professional growth of teachers. The free videos give short snippets of ideas for addressing the teaching of fraction concepts. Our SOS implementation framework, used during our professional development sessions, provides an organizational plan that helps teachers grow professionally and provide students with a supportive environment.