Middle School Students' Views on Mathematical Modeling Applications in the BİSTEK: Intelligence Cube Project

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the views of middle school students on mathematical modeling applications in the “BISTEK: Intelligence Cube 2” project. Many different disciplines (such as astronomy, mathematics, physics, design, painting, music, theater and engineering) are involved in this project, which is realized with disadvantaged middle school students living in rural areas. Mathematics lessons in this project included mathematical modeling problems in which the relationship between mathematics and daily life was emphasized.  To achieve the purpose of the study, interviews were held with 12 middle school students after the mathematical modeling applications in the BİSTEK: Intelligence Cube Project 2 was carried out within the scope of TÜBİTAK 4004 Nature Education and Science Schools Support Program. The analysis of the data has been conducted by content analysis. As a result of the study, it was seen that the students had positive approaches towards the mathematical modeling applications in this project and they wanted to include modeling activities in math lessons.  In this study, middle school students living in rural areas had the opportunity to realize the importance of mathematics in daily life. Mathematical modeling applications should be included more in the projects in order to enable students to meet with modeling problems.