Bridging the Gap Between Secondary Education and College Level S.T.E.M. Education

This research ventures to adjust the Algebra 2 Core Standards set by the Arizona Department of Education so that computer science concepts may be taught in parallel with the mathematical concepts in Algebra 2 in order to facilitate a better understanding of both subjects. The close relation to computer science and mathematics make this course possible. Students will be more prepared for university level education when they understand how technology works rather than simply how to use it. The solution is to create an online set of modules that can be taught alongside the high school mathematics course, Algebra 2. The solution contains a set of five modules that parallel with the Arizona core standards of the class. There are several obstacles that needed to be overcome in order to create online modules that would fit the needs of schools, students and teachers. This solution will reach students quickly as the hope is that it will become a requirement according to the Arizona Department of Education core standards. The course will be easily accessible to students as it is online and the course will fit into the existing education system, which would not require state laws to be passed in order to require the teaching of computer science. The goal is to bridge the gap between secondary education and college level S.T.E.M. education specifically in reference to computer science so that students start college with a strong understanding of how technology works in order to help them become more successful in the future.