March
2008
Math Raises Science Grades
A new study shows that when students take more math in high school they do better in science in college.
Study
Randolph E. Schmid, writer for the AP Science Writer, reports on July 26, 2007 on the statistical study.
- Philip M. Sadler, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
- Robert H. Tai, University of Virginia
- 8,474 U.S. students
- 63 U.S. colleges
Results
Sadler and Tai found that each year of high school math added 1.86 points to the grade in college chemistry. However, science classes taken in high school did not transfer to raise grades in college science classes. A student taking chemistry in high school did not see this help him or her in physics or biology in college.
A student taking college biology increased the grade by 1.84 points for each year of high school math. Taking high school biology increased the grade by 1.35 points but taking high school physics and chemistry did not seem to raise the college grade in college biology.
Students taking college physics can add 1.28 points to their grade for each year of high school math. High School physics boots grades 1.32. However, high school biology and chemistry had no effect on grades in college physics.
Other Variables
The study did not analyze other data pertaining to
- Student interest in a subject
- Occupations of the parents
Sadler, an author of the study, said, “I was surprised. I had a very open mind about whether this kind of early preparation would pay off. The most important thing for high school science teachers make sure there is lots of math in whatever science course they teach. Math is so important in science.” [Randolph E. Schmid, AP Science Writer, sfgate.com, July 26, 2007]
Mrs. Barb Pytel
K-8 Counselor
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