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 Project
Overview
The title of this project is MAIS K-6 Science and Mathematics
Activities for Region Teachers or Project MAIS SMART. The project is
adopting, modifying, and developing combined, integrative science
and mathematics activities for Mediterranean Association of
International Schools (MAIS) school teachers of Kindergarten through
Grade 6.
Science and mathematics activities are interwoven, mirroring how science and
math are connected in the real world. To those activities have been
added (1.) related children’s literature components (children’s
books) to reinforce language arts with special sensitivity to the
needs of children for whom English is a second language (ESL) or
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and (2.) Family
Activities in Science and Technology (FAST) Packets including
materials for conducting simple science/math/technology activities
with a related children’s book—all designed to encourage home-school
communication. All SMART activities have been coordinated with local
MAIS school science and math curricula and keyed to appropriate
standards of Project AERO, the National Science Education Standards
(NSES), and the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (PSSM).
Selected MAIS teachers are being prepared to utilize Project SMART
resources at two consecutive MAIS Conferences, Grades K to 3
teachers in Portugal in November of 2004 and Grades 4 to 6 teachers
at the November 2005 MAIS Conference in Paris. This
cadre of SMART teacher leaders are implementing integrated science
and mathematics lessons in their own classrooms, building and
utilizing FAST Pacs with their students and students’ families, and
providing leadership for disseminating SMART activities among other
teachers in their schools. The 29 MAIS schools are located in 10
countries in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East: Spain,
Portugal, France, Italy, Cyprus, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi
Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Project SMART has important implications for MAIS schools. At the
conclusion of this project in March 2006, most of the 29 MAIS
schools will have been involved including approximately 50 K-6 teachers
prepared for science/math integration and school leadership, 350
teachers participating in school site staff development programs,
and approximately 4,000 elementary children benefiting from
connected science and math lessons fortified by children’s
literature—an approach to education that involves students in high
interest, concrete activities, improved knowledge and skills in
science and mathematics, and real world applications to school,
careers, and life.
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