The Six Through Eight Mathematics (STEM) Project is designed to develop a new curriculum for mathematics for grades 6-8, including a complete set of student materials, teachers support materials, and evaluation materials, STEM is designed to provide teachers with curricular materials which are mathematically accurate, utilize technology, and provide students with bridges to the sciences and other mathematical fields. These materials will be designed to integrate communication into mathematics by providing opportunities for students to use reading, writing, and speaking as tools for learning mathematics. STEM materials will be problem-centered, application based, and will use technology where appropriate. Many lessons will be designed to be project oriented so that students work cooperatively. In addition, new evaluation techniques will be developed for use with the materials. In designing the curriculum, staff will work cooperatively with IBM, McDougal, Littell and Company, and Texas Instruments. After the materials have been pilot tested throughout the nation, they will be published nationally for dissemination.
