Enriching Elementary School Mathematical Learning with the Steepest Descent Algorithm

The steepest descent (or ascent) algorithm is one of the most widely used algorithms in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). However, this powerful mathematical tool neither taught nor even mentioned K12 education. We study whether it feasible for elementary school students to learn algorithm, while also aligning with standard curriculum. look at can be create enriching activities connected children’s real-life experiences, thus enhancing integration STEM fostering Computational Thinking. To address these questions, we conducted an empirical two phases. In first phase, tested feasibility teachers. a face-to-face professional development workshop 457 mathematics teachers actively participating using online platform, found that after 10-min introduction they could successfully apply use couple models. They were able complete complex novel tasks: selecting models adjusting parameters model uses algorithm. second 90 fourth graders from 3 low Socioeconomic Status (SES) schools. Using same posing understand tasks on platform. Additionally, close 75% completed modeling performed similarly