MSU researchers receive NSF grant to study mathematical sensemaking in science

true07/20/2023MSU researchers receive NSF grant to study mathematical sensemaking in science MSU science education researchers Kevin Haudek, Melanie Cooper, and Rachel Henderson have received a $700,000 National Science Foundation grant to study the role of Mathematical Sensemaking in Science (MaSS) in undergraduate STEM courses. This collaborative project will develop new assessments to elicit mathematical thinking from biology, chemistry, and physics students. Research results will deepen our understanding of the role of mathematics in undergraduate science education.

Mathematical Sensemaking in Science (MaSS) is the ability of students to blend discipline-specific STEM knowledge with broader mathematical concepts such as patterns and proportions.

Science education researchers at MSU will design innovative assessments for undergraduate courses that encourage students to consider mathematical relationships in scientific processes.

Research results will help reveal the role of MaSS in student problem-solving and improve the use of mathematics in undergraduate science curriculums.

An MSU undergraduate answers a question in a campus lecture hall. Science education researchers will investigate the role of mathematics in undergraduate biology, chemistry, and physics courses, and how science curriculums might better incorporate mathematic knowledge. Credit: Harley Seeley.

Cooper Research GroupHaudekHenderson