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Stepping Up To Science

Integrated Curriculum: An Effective Approach to Teaching Math and Science

The first Stepping Up to Science (STEPS) program at Del Mar High School would not have been a success if teachers like Brian Ellis and Anne Hefflinger didn’t give their time and talent. Brian Ellis, physics teacher at Prospect High School, and Anne Hefflinger, math department co-chair at Del Mar High School, enthusiastically accepted teaching positions in the integrated class.

It was the first time either teacher had taught an integrated course. Both felt that it was a very effective method to teach the subjects. As Ms. Hefflinger said, “Ideally, if you can have math and science paired together, whatever level of math they [the students] are at, [combining the curriculum] is very useful. It’s also nice to have an extra teacher in the classroom, and it’s nice for both teachers to see the integration as the students get two different perspectives.”

Typically, math and science classes aren’t integrated at the departmental level in most schools. After teaching the STEPS curriculum, both educators agreed that it is a more effective approach to teaching the subjects.

Mr. Ellis and Ms. Hefflinger enjoyed the STEPS teaching experience so much that they hope to participate in the program again next summer. “I learned a lot. It was a battle, but once we got them [the students] on board, it was impressive to see how far they progressed with the integration,” Mr. Ellis said. Both Ms. Hefflinger and Mr. Ellis thanked Silicon Valley Education Foundation for providing the lab supplies and essential tools that facilitated the program.

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STEPS | Del Mar High School | Luis | Alexia | Patience | Mr. Ellis and Ms. Hefflinger