The Data Science in Rural Utah with Mathematical Modeling (DRUMM) project is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (Proposal Number #2345194).
Our primary aim is to improve and increase opportunities for secondary students in rural and Native communities in Utah to learn data science and mathematical modeling.
DRUMM has three specific goals for working with mathematics teachers in Utah.
Goal 1: Develop 24 teacher leaders over six years (who are practicing mathematics teachers) with expertise in data science and mathematical modeling to levels requisite for strengthening modeling and data science education.
Goal 2: Develop teacher leaders with the pedagogical expertise to incorporate expert teaching in data science and mathematical modeling lessons.
Goal 3: Develop teacher leaders who will engage with their communities through research activities and mentorship of prospective and early career teachers.
Master Teaching Fellows and USU Faculty will partner to integrate data science and mathematical modeling learning opportunities into existing mathematics curricula, making use of local expertise and community resources to motivate students and ensure local relevance.
Program Highlights:
STEAM Expo and Teacher Workshop, Blanding Campus April 3-5 2025
Western Regional Noyce Network Conference February 2025
- Master Teacher Fellows Ana Thompson, Lane Tait, and Shaun Bartschi joined Brynja Kohler in San Diego for this annual conference. The WRNN aims to support the professionald development of Noyce Scholars through a sense of community and shared purpose.
- Shaun Bartschi presented on the research activity of his AP Statistics class with NASA-funded AWE (Atmospheric Gravity Waves) Science Mission team.
Mathematical Modeling and Curriculum Development Course Spring 2025
- Math 6910
In this course, we will focus on designing and implementing mathematical modeling tasks. We will explore the role of modeling in the mathematics curriculum, as outlined in policy documents, and use research-based insights on modeling education to guide our task development and implementation. Additionally, we will leverage structured frameworks to craft lesson plans, practice and reflect on our pedagogical strategies, and apply diverse methods to assess student performance on these tasks. This course offers practical experience and essential support from faculty to help you effectively integrate mathematical modeling into your own classroom.
STEAM Expo and Teacher Workshop, Uintah Basin October 2024
- Don Busenbark coordinated an action-packed STEAM Expo for 1,100 local students, showcasing opportunities, curiosities, and resources.
- Master Teacher Fellows Victoria Marsh and Tyler Haslam joined Brennan Bean in leading an introduction to Data Science for local teachers and faculty.
- Particpants enjoyed hearing from local speakers Marilyn Cuch and Maygen Simms.
- Colleagues also enjoyed meals together and an excursion to view the petroglyphs at McConkie Ranch.
Mathematical Modeling Course Fall 2024
- Math 6810
In this course, you will learn how to use mathematical modeling to solve real-world problems. Specifically, you will learn how to build and analyze mathematical models to represent real-world phenomena. This course is designed to provide you with the essential tools and insights necessary to analyze and predict the behavior of real-world phenomena. It highlights the practical application of mathematics in tackling prevalent local issues and prepares you to effectively teach mathematical modeling in educational settings.
DRUMM Orientation 2024
- All 24 of our Master Teacher Fellows participated in orientation events in Blanding, Roosevelt, and Zoom, including sessions focused on team-building, program details, mathematical modeling, realistic mathematics education, and local community connection events.
Noyce Summit 2024
- Dr. Brynja Kohler and Dr. Jessi Lajos had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Noyce Summit in Washington DC. This summit was centered around the preparation and retention of skilled & compassionate STEM teachers for high need-schools. Pictured are conference participants playing Tsìdìł, colloquially known as the Navajo Stick Game (find more resources on Diné “Navajo” culture at media.sjsd.org).
Additional Details
- Public Abstract
- September 2024 Newsletter
- December 2024 Newsletter
- USU Today Article
- March 2025 Newsletter
Questions
- Contact Brynja Kohler at Brynja.Kohler@usu.edu or 435-797-2872