Federally Funded Math and Science Materials (Correspondence, 10/12/2000,
GAO/GAO-01-81R).

The federal government is an important sponsor of math and science
education for elementary and secondary school students. GAO identified
at least 61 federally funded projects that are designed to improve
students' skills in these key areas. The materials in these projects are
taught over the course of a partial school year, single school year, or
multiple school years. Algebra, calculus, and basic math are a few of
the subjects being taught students through grade 12. In the science
programs, students are exposed to biology, astronomy, and natural
science. Federal agencies generally support programs that are relevant
to their own agency missions. For example, the Environmental Protection
Agency funds programs that teach students about water quality and
conservation, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
funds the Astronomy Village, a multimedia program that teaches students
about stars and stellar evolution.

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  GAO-01-81R
     TITLE:  Federally Funded Math and Science Materials
      DATE:  10/12/2000
   SUBJECT:  Mathematics
	     Physical sciences
	     Aid for education
	     Educational standards
	     Education program evaluation

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GAO-01-81R

Federally Funded Math and Science Materials

United States General Accounting Office Washington, DC 20548

October 12, 2000 The Honorable F. James Sensenbrenner Chairman The Honorable
Vernon Ehlers Vice- Chairman The Honorable Ralph M. Hall Ranking Minority
Member Committee on Science House of Representatives

The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson Ranking Minority Member Subcommittee on
Basic Research Committee on Science House of Representatives

Subject: Federally Funded Math and Science Materials As a follow- up to our
July report Math and Science Education: Comprehensive Information About
Federally Funded Materials Not Available (GAO/ HEHS- 00- 110, July 12,
2000), you asked us to provide additional information on each of the 61
materials identified in our report. 1 Specifically, you asked us to describe
(1) the topic and/ or scope of these materials, and (2) the materials'
designed duration of instruction- that is, whether the materials are
designed to be used over the course of a partial academic school year, a
single academic school year, or multiple academic school years.

The enclosure to this letter provides information about each of the
materials including the topics covered and a summary of their instructional
goals. Table 1 summarizes the duration of the instruction for which the
materials were designed.

1 Materials refer to comprehensive materials sets that contain all of the
components a teacher would need to teach and a student would need to learn
one or more mathematics and/ or science concepts.

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 2

Table 1: Federally Funded Math and Science Materials Designed duration of
instruction a Number of materials Partial academic school year b 40 Single
academic school year 7 Multiple academic school years 11 Other instructional
duration c 2 Information not available 1 Total number of materials 61

a Teachers may also use the materials for shorter or longer periods of
instruction. b The design of these materials allows them to be used for
instructional periods varying from a single 50- minute session up to at
least half of the academic year. c Materials that fall within this category
may be used as partial, single, or multiple academic school year materials.

Source: GAO review of federally funded math and science materials. To obtain
the information for this correspondence, we synthesized responses to a
survey of the eight agencies that supported the development of these
materials and conducted a search of Internet sites that disseminate
information about math and science materials for kindergarten through 12th
grade. We provided officials at each of the eight agencies an opportunity to
review and comment on our description of their materials. Some program
officials provided technical comments on the information, which we
incorporated as appropriate. We performed our work between May 2000 and
September 2000 in accordance with generally accepted government auditing
standards.

If you have any questions about this correspondence, please call me at (202)
512- 7215, or Joan Mahagan at (617) 565- 7532. Arthur T. Merriam Jr., Joseph
G. Evans, and William H. Ewell were also major contributors.

Marnie S. Shaul Director Education, Workforce, and

Income Security Issues

Enclosure

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 3

ENCLOSURE ENCLOSURE

Math and Science Materials Resulting from Federally Funded Projects That
Became Available During Fiscal Year 1999, by Agency

Material name

Topic( s) covered

Targeted grade level

Duration (in academic years) a

Description Department of Education

Algebra Algebra 5- 8 Partial b This material is designed as an 8- week
course to teach urban middle school educators better techniques for teaching
algebra. The material also provides resources for use by classroom teachers.
Calculus Enhancement

Calculus 11- 12 Partial The goal of this material is to teach high school
students calculus and advanced- placement calculus using distance learning
technologies. The material includes a CD- ROM, digitized video, and an
interactive website.

College of Central Wyomingï¿½ Mountain Plains Distance Learning Partnership

General studies

K- 12 and adult

Partial, single, or multiple

This material is designed as a virtual campus and covers large rural areas
in parts of Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Montana. The material is designed
to use live, interactive, full motion, and two- way audio and visual
capabilities and includes a variety of modules and complete courses on a
range of topics including math and science education. Community for Learning

General studies

K- 12 Partial The goal of this material is to improve the capacity of
schools to achieve the educational success of increasingly diverse student
populations. This material is designed as a researchbased comprehensive
school reform model that employs adaptive learning environments, cooperative
learning, and school- to- family strategies along with intensive classroom
management training.

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 4 Connections

Curriculum Units

General studies

5- 12 Partial The goal of this material is to (1) demonstrate the use of
technology in teaching and learning, and (2) enhance teacher professional
development and student learning through the use of technology. The
materials include components of math, science, social studies, language
arts, foreign language, and other school subject areas. Teacher units are
currently available via the World Wide Web. Envirotackle Box

Environmenta l science

6- 8 Partial The goal of this material is to teach middle school students
and teachers about the environment. The material includes five 20- minute
tele- lessons, teachers' guides, and information available on a Web site.
GeogWeb Curriculum Units

General studies K- 12 Informatio

n not available

The goal of this material is to develop a World Wide Web site for learning
about communities. The material is designed to be used by students,
teachers, and the community at large.

Head Start on Science

Natural science

K- 2 Multiple The goal of this material is to provide a program of
professional development and technical assistance for preschool educators
that explores the scientific approach to learning. The material is designed
to strengthen children's communication skills and to foster an early
interest in science literacy. The material also provides resources for use
by classroom teachers. Journeys to Alaska

Science, national parks

6- 8 Partial The goal of this material is to teach middle school students a
range of science topics, including geology and weather, through the use of
electronic field trips to national parks in Alaska. Trips are available live
via satellite downlinks, on videotape, and through a Web site. K- 12
Curriculum Database with Correlated Resources

General math, science, and language studies

K- 12 Single The goal for the use of these materials is to provide
instructional tools and technology training for teachers, students, and
parents. The tools include an instructional Web site, a core curriculum
database, and lesson plans in math, science, and language arts.

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 5 KID SCIENCE
Oceanograph

y, electricity, environmenta l and physical science

5- 6 Single This material is designed to be a live, interactive program for
the delivery of learning materials to elementary schools. The goal of the
material is to teach science concepts and methodologies relating to
oceanography, electricity, environmental issues, and physical science
through a variety of hands- on activities, on- line resources, and projects
integrated with the televised programs. Math Wings General math

and problem solving

K- 5 Multiple The goal of this comprehensive math curriculum is to teach
students the conceptual development and practical application of math skills
including problem solving, calculator use, alternative assessments, writing,
and connections to literature and other disciplines. Nature Scene Natural

science 5- 8 Partial This material is designed to teach science using 80
Nature Scene shows. The shows are based on key scientific terms and concepts
that are identified along four major science education themes. The material
includes lesson guides with teaching suggestions for elementary, middle,
secondary, and parent audiences. Pacific Algebra Network

Algebra 8- 10 Single The goal of this material is to support the
professional development of algebra teachers. The material includes
distance- learning technologies to enhance professional development
opportunities using the standardsbased algebra curriculum developed by the
Curriculum Research and Development Group. The material includes videotaped
classroom instruction combined with online communication for continued year-
long discussion and follow- up support for algebra teachers. The material
also provides resources for classroom use.

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 6 Parent Flash

Cards Physical

science K, 4- 10 Partial This material is part of a larger project

developed at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago called the Parent
Network. The goal of Parent Flash Cards (or IDEA CARDS) is to help students
from inner- city neighborhoods learn scientific and technological themes
including water, light, color, force, motion, air, and balance. On each
flash card is an activity for parents to do with the student, the supplies
needed, an extension activity, and recommended books on the theme. Practical
Math/ Pre- GED (General Educational Development)

Quantitative analysis and reasoning, and communicati on

High school equivalenc y program

Partial The goal of this material is to help students develop problem-
solving skills in real- life situations. Designed around the findings and
recommendations of the 1991 report of the Secretary of Labor's Commission on
Achieving Necessary Skills, the course targets skills that employers want
with an emphasis on work place and everyday uses of math. Project Focus on
Achieving Standards in Teaching Mathematics

Basic concepts in mathematics

7- 9 Multiple This material is designed to teach basic concepts in
mathematics to students with limited English proficiency.

Supporting Young Children's Readiness for School Mathematics through
PreKindergarten

Classroom and Family Math Curriculum

Enumeration and number sense, arithmetic reasoning, spatial sense and
geometric reasoning, measurement, and computer math

Pre- K, K Partial The goal of this material is to enhance young children's
readiness to learn mathematics. The material includes eight topical units,
each with a range of informal math activities and concrete materials.
Teachers are instructed in the classroom- based component of the material
through workshops and a functioning model classroom. Parents are taught the
home- based component of the material by attending family mathematics
classes with their children. After class, it is hoped that parents will take
home and use math kits containing sets of hands- on math activities with
their children.

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 7 Teams

Distance Learning Program

General studies

1- 8 Partial The goal of the material is to deliver, via satellite and the
Internet, instructional activities that cover the areas of math, science,
reading, language arts, history, social sciences, and technology. The
material consists of month- long interactive instructional modules, each
containing eight student programs, preceded by a 1- hour professional
development program. Each student program includes lesson guides, classroom
kits, and an orientation and staff development program. Transition to
Advanced Math

High school standards based math

9 Partial The goal of this material is to teach high school standards- based
mathematics to students who enter the ninth grade significantly below grade
level, with poor prior preparation and weak motivation. The material is
designed to provide students with intensive support through monthly
workshops and weekly in- class coaching for at least 2 years. WebQuest Units
General

studies K- 12 Multiple The goal of this material is to provide teachers with
templates and instruction in developing, implementing, and assessing
curriculum units. The units are designed as inquiry- oriented activities
that each typically take 3- 6 weeks to complete. The material also provides
resources for use by classroom teachers. World Lab Science and

social studies K- 5 Multiple This material is a thematic science and

social studies program that integrates reading, writing, math, and the fine
arts. The goal of Worldlab is to teach students about the world by having
them investigate real- world problems and topics, including economic,
political, biological, and physical systems. This material incorporates
field studies, community resources, computer technology, and
telecommunications as means to obtain information about the world. In
addition, this material utilizes simulation, group investigation, and

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 8 cooperative
learning to accomplish its

learning objectives. Young Astronauts I and II

Astronomy, flight, and rocketry

4- 6 Single These materials are designed to encourage students to develop
knowledge, skills, and a positive attitude toward science, technology, and
math. The materials use a learn- bydoing approach to integrate facts with
scientific processes, and enhance higher- order thinking skills and
competence in problem solving. The Young Astronauts I and II course
materials may be used separately or together, as they are complementary but
independent.

Department of Energy

Lesson Plans Describing Fossil Energy and Technology

Fossil fuel energy

7- 12 Single This material is designed to describe the formation and uses of
fossil fuels. Its goal is a discussion of energy as one of the basic
necessities.

Environmental Protection Agency

National Drinking Water Week Kit

Water quality K- 12 Partial This material is designed to complement an
existing school drinking water curriculum. The material's goal is to raise
students' awareness of environmental drinking water issues. The Water Drop
Patch Project: Making a Difference

Watershed protection

1- 12 Single The goal of this material is to educate students in the need to
protect water resources. This material consists of 20 different activities
and is designed to encourage students to become watershed and wetlands
stewards.

Federal Aviation Administration

Lesson Plans That Fly- Aviation in a Bag

Aviation science

3- 6 Partial This material consists of an aviation science kit and lesson
plan designed to teach science with aviation as a motivator. The lesson
plans explore the principles of flight including Bernoulli's principle,
creating lift, gravity, thrust, control surfaces, and aircraft design. Take-
Off Series Kit

Aviation science, and history

7- 8 Partial This material is designed to allow students to investigate the
concepts of aeronautics and aviation science as part of cooperative learning
groups. The material contains a five part video series called “Take-
Off!” based on live

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 9 interactive
broadcasts of the same

name; a Web supplement that provides access to collections of online
aviation resources; and a teacher's guide to support teachers who use the
series in the classroom.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Astronomy Village

Astronomy 9- 12 Partial The goal of this material is to provide schools with
a multimedia curriculum resource. Astronomy Village is a CDROM- based
multimedia program designed to provide opportunities for students to engage
in scientific inquiry, learn about stars and stellar evolution, and make use
of NASA resources and data. Bioblast Biology 9- 11 Partial This material is
designed as a

multimedia curriculum supplement for high school biology classes. Its goal
is to encourage students to conduct scientific research based on the actual
research now being conducted by NASA's Advanced Life Support Research
program. CERES Astronomy K- 12 Partial The goal of this material is to teach

students about astronomy using online NASA resources, data, and images. In
addition to classroom- ready materials, CERES has developed several online
NASA data search engines and two graduate- level distance learning courses
that are available over the Internet to K- 12 teachers. The material is
accessed through NASA's Web site. NASA Connect Math,

science, and technology

4- 8 Partial The goal of this material is to teach students math, science
and technology. The material consists of five 30- minute television programs
available via public and cable access stations, and an accompanying Web-
based component with online projects.

National Institutes of Health

Estrogen Receptors

Hormones 9- 12 Partial This material was designed as a tutorial for teachers
to teach students about the hormone estrogen and its receptors, and to
explain the relationship of estrogen and its receptors to breast cancer and
the risks and benefits of reducing cancer risk with drugs called

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 10 antiestrogens
and selective estrogen

receptor molecules. This material is available from the Internet.

Frontiers in Physiology

Physiology 6- 12 Partial The goal of this material is to improve education
in the science of physiology in such areas as neural reactions and reflexes
and cardiovascular response to exercise. The instructional activities
include individual labs/ lessons designed to help students explore and learn
topics in physiology. Health Science Curriculum Online

Health science 7- 12 Partial This material was designed to teach

students about diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, using both
Internet technology and in- classroom experiments. Resources include a
database of public health clinics across the country and scientific
vocabulary in both Spanish and English. Mind Over Matter: The Brain's
Response to Drugs

Effect of drug use 5- 9 Partial The goal of this material is to provide

students and teachers with sciencebased information about drugs, improve
science education and literacy, and discourage drug use by students. The
material is designed to explain to students the effects of marijuana,
opiates, inhalants, anabolic steroids, stimulants, nicotine,
methamphetamine, and hallucinogens on the brain.

My Health My World

Health and nutrition

2- 4 Partial This material is designed as one in a series of individual
health learning units. The instructional activities include an adventure
storybook, a language arts supplement, an activities guide for teachers, and
a take- home mini- magazine. Mystery of the Crooked Cell

Biotechnolog y

7- 12 Partial This material is designed to teach molecular biology using one
mobile and two stationary laboratories that accommodate 24 students each.
The Mystery of the Crooked Cell is a single module used in conjunction with
the biotechnology learning laboratory at Boston University School of
Medicine. Positively Aging

Gerontology and health

6- 8 Partial The goal of this material is to teach middle school students
about geriatrics and gerontology while incorporating math and science
curricular elements. The material is

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 11

also designed to show the association of aging with specific diseases, and
to teach health promotion and disease prevention to enhance healthy habits.
The material consists of 12 thematic interdisciplinary units with 276
separate learning activities.

Understanding Cancer

Cancer 9- 12 Partial This material was designed as a tutorial for teachers
to teach students what cancer is, to explain the link between genes and
cancer, and to discuss what is known about the causes, detection, and
diagnosis of the disease. The material also provides resource support for
classroom teachers. This material is available from the Internet.

Understanding Gene Testing

Gene testing 9- 12 Partial This material was designed as a tutorial for
teachers to teach students what genes are and how mutations occur and are
identified within genes; it discusses the benefits and limitations of gene
testing for cancer and other disorders. The material also provides resource
support for classroom teachers. This material is available from the
Internet.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

A Resource Guide for Oceanography and Coastal Processes Developed for
Elementary, Middle and High School Teachers

Marine science K- 12 Multiple This material is designed to teach

oceanographic and coastal process science through a range of activities
including a 14- day in- residence teachertraining program; teachers- to- sea
experiences aboard Navy survey vessels; and an Internet site that contains
data visualization tools, interactive curricular materials, communication
resources, and related materials to support and provide classroom- based
follow- up activities for education and training programs. Beach
Explorations: Pacific Information Cards

Marine ecology and conservation

5- 9 Partial This material is designed to teach students about basic marine
ecology concepts such as habitat, tidal cycle, predator and prey,
microscopic plankton, life cycles, food relationships, adaptations, and
conservation. Biofilms and Biodiversity

Marine biology

6- 12, Under graduate, and graduate

Partial This material is designed to teach middle school, high school,
college, and graduate students aspects of aquatic microbial ecology and
biotechnology research. The primary focus is on the

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 12 levels study of
bacterial biofilms and the

aquatic organisms that colonize them. Students are given access to an
interactive Web site. Visiting school groups use research laboratories that
are designated for student use and staffed with experienced educators at the
University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute's Center of Marine
Biotechnology. Estuary Live Estuarine

ecology K- 12 and

Undergraduate level

Partial This material is a series of live, interactive Internet field trips
and support materials designed to explore the general ecology of different
estuarine areas. A general video, activities, field guides, and project
building materials such as film clips, graphics, and press releases are
available online as well. Estuary Net Water quality 9- 12 Single or

multiple The goal of this material is to assist

classroom teachers, students, and citizen volunteer water quality monitors
in understanding regional water quality issues. The curriculum is available
online and is designed to encourage communication between schools and the
National Estuarine Research Reserves about water quality. From Whaling to
Watching

Marine life studies

6- 8 Partial The goal of this material is to teach middle school students
about the Northern Right Whale, its natural history, and conservation
efforts. Materials include a teacher's manual, a video, and a two- part
poster on the anatomy of the Northern Right Whale. GLOBE Teacher's Guide,
Video and Web Materials

Earth's environment

K- 12 Partial The goal of this material is to teach students about the
earth's environment using 20 scientific data- sharing protocols in the areas
of atmosphere, hydrology, land cover biology, soil, and Global Positioning
Systems. Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary

Habitats, species groups, and issues surrounding the Gulf of Farallones
National

K- 12 Multiple The goal of this material is to teach students about habitats
and species groups by studying the issues that surround the Gulf of
Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 13 Marine

Sanctuary Island Explorers Program

Marine science

4- 7 Single This material is designed as a science curriculum that contains
hands- on, real- life marine science activities. It focuses on Southern
California and Catalina Island where students participate in field trips to
local beaches and aquaria, and on a research vessel marine laboratory. Long-
term Ecosystem Observatory Internet Curriculum

Marine science

5- 12 Multiple This material is a series of five Internet based activities
that focus on real- time research currently being conducted at the Jacques
Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserves in New Jersey. The activities
focus on physical and biological data associated with the Gulf Stream
current. MARE (Marine Activities, Resources and Education) East Coast
Supplementary Modules

Marine science

K- 12 Partial The goal of this material is to incorporate current marine
science research into the classroom. The material is designed to provide
precollege educators in New Jersey access to the Institute of Marine and
Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University through such means as workshops for
educators, seminars on current research topics, Internet- based
applications, outreach activities, and resources for use by classroom
teachers. Oceans, Coastal Hazards: Hurricanes, Tsunamis, Coastal Erosion

Coastal hazards

K- 12 Multiple The goal of this material is to assist states and educate
citizens to employ the most effective means to reduce loss of life due to
coastal hazards and to mitigate the economic impacts of these hazards. The
material also provides resources for use by classroom teachers. The St.
Jones Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve Curriculum

Estuary conservation

5- 12 Partial The goal of this material is to make students aware of
environmental management issues related to the St. Jones estuary and
watershed. The material is designed to be correlated with the science, math,
social studies, and language arts standards and performance indicators for
grades 5- 12. In addition, information is given where applicable about
whether the program

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 14 contains
opportunities to use visual,

creative, or technological arts.

United States Geological Survey

Africa GISBased Project

Geography 9- 12 Partial The goal of this project is to teach high school
students African geography through the exploration of Africa's physical
environment. The project includes a Geographic Information Systems
component. County School Patterns

Geography and sociology

9- 12 Partial The goal of this material is to teach high school students
geography and sociology by examining demographic and educational statistics
within a county. Earthquakes Everyday

Seismology 3- 12 and Undergraduate

level Partial The goal of this material is to explore

earthquake activity and its patterns globally through the use of past and
current earthquake epicenter data. The material includes Geographic
Information Systems software. Echo the Bat or Imagers

Light and sound

5- 8 Partial The goal of the project is to introduce students to the topics
of remote sensing and biodiversity. Student instructional activities include
a Web- based site featuring an interactive adventure and a teacher's guide.
GLOBE: Satellite Imagery Packets

Earth's environment

K- 12 Multiple The goal of this material is to teach students about
geography and global environmental issues through the use of satellite data
from the U. S. Geological Survey EROS Data Center. Water Matters, Vol. 3

Water resource education

2- 8 Multiple This material is one part of a larger material set entitled
the Water Resource Education Initiative. This material is designed to act as
a curriculum guide for teachers on the topics of oceans, watersheds, and
hazardous waste. 74,796 Ready to- Go Map Mysteries

Topography 4- 12 and Under graduate level

Partial The goal of this material is to teach students about the world's
physical and cultural environment through the use of topographic and
thematic maps.

a Materials are designed for partial, single, or multiple academic years.
Teachers may use the materials for shorter or longer periods of instruction.
b The design of these materials allows them to be used for single
instructional periods for up to at least half of the academic school year.

GAO- 01- 81R Federally Funded Math and Science Materials 15

Source: GAO review of the material descriptions provided by each agency and
a search of Internet sites that disseminate information about math and
science materials for kindergarten through 12th grade.

(102006)
*** End of document ***