Engaging Minds in Science and Math Classrooms: The Surprising Power of Joy

Eric Brunsell & Michelle A. Fleming
(Michael F. Opitz and Michael P. Ford, eds.)

Table of Contents

About the Authors  |  Comments

About This Book

"We decide, every day, whether we are going to turn students on or off to science and mathematics in our classrooms."

Daily decisions about how to incorporate creativity, choice, and autonomy—integral components of engagement—can build students' self-efficacy, keep them motivated, and strengthen their identities as scientists and mathematicians. 

In this book, Eric Brunsell and Michelle A. Fleming show you how to apply the joyful learning framework introduced in Engaging Minds in the Classroom to instruction in science and mathematics.

Acknowledging that many students—particularly girls and students of color—do not see themselves as mathematicians and scientists, the authors provide a series of suggested activities that are aligned with standards and high expectations to engage and motivate all learners. 

Given the current focus on encouraging students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies, this book is a welcome addition to every teacher’s reference collection.

See the book's table of contents and read excerpts.

Get this title at a discount when you buy it as part of a four-book set that includes Engaging Minds in the Classroom, Engaging Minds in English Language Arts Classrooms, and Engaging Minds in Social Studies Classrooms.

Buy the set. 

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About the Authors

ERIC BRUNSELL is associate professor of science education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and coordinator of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He is a former high school science teacher and has been on the leadership team of several state and federal grant projects related to science and literacy, elementary science and mathematics, and science education leadership. Brunsell has provided professional development sessions and presentations throughout the United States and in Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates.

MICHELLE A. FLEMING is assistant professor of science and mathematics education in the Department of Teacher Education at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. Fleming is a former elementary and middle school teacher and enjoys collaborating with teachers and educational researchers across the country. She provides consulting and external program evaluation services and actively presents at local, state, national, and international conferences. Fleming is particularly interested in the equity and access issues around science and mathematics education, as well as students and teachers attitudes and perceptions of the nature of these disciplines.