Westminster Brings History and Math to Life for Musser Elementary Students

History and math were brought to life for 18 Musser Elementary third-graders during a recent visit to Westminster College.

Student teacher Jennifer Wood, a senior elementary education major from East Liverpool, Ohio, took her class to visit Westminster to take part in a special project designed by junior elementary majors to integrate social studies and mathematics.  In this project the Westminster juniors dressed up as a famous person in history, gave Musser students some facts about their character, and then worked on mathematical problems using those facts.

"One of our objectives in teaching junior elementary majors is to illustrate how content areas are integrated," said Amy Camardese, instructor of education at Westminster College.  "This wax museum assignment and math journals are examples of that integration."

"My students had a wonderful time coming to the College, and they loved the one-on-one attention that they received," said Wood.  "I could hear them saying things like Did you know that President Lincoln was taller than you Miss Wood?' I can't wait to finish the rest of my problems at home.'  After my students finished the classwork, I gave them a tour of my dorm room, so they could see what college living was like."

"It's a great way for elementary students to see the College and learn more about problem solving, but it's also a great way for our future teachers to get a glimpse of what type of students to expect their classroom," continued Wood.  "I hope we can continue with this project."