Math and Science seem to be the easiest to integrate. Math can be used in real world situations and applied to collecting scientific data, measuring, graphing etc. The book is correct in saying that science is a natural place for students to develop a view of mathematics. Organizing and interpreting data by using graphs is something students have been doing for years in science and most don't even realize they are connected. Reading this chapter makes me realize how numbers, formulas, data charts, patterns and concepts, just to name a few, are everywhere in science. Even balance, by children experiencing balancing from an early age, a seed has been planted of mathematical thinking for childrens mental and physical actions. I was in a 2nd grade math class when the students were playing with a balance bar. They discovered qualitative thinking without knowing it. They discovered that heavier weights close in can balance lighter weights far out. They could not believe it was possible because clearly, while holding a heavier weight in one hand and a lighter weight in the other, they knew there was a difference but could not explain why one close in and one far out could create an equal balanced bar. It was so enlightening to see them so excited about this discovery.
Reading- there's more to science then just reading. Students need to interpret, comprehend, process, describe and predict the meaningful events involved in science theories and views. Writing in science is a great way for students to get into the practice of getting to the point and stating their information clearly. Writing can be informal, like in journals but should include descriptions and explanations. Connecting Science and Social Studies helps students understand the world around them. Social Studies intertwines the environment and it's relationship to humans.
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