Mathematics and Science-based Projects in 16 Druze Middle Schools

The heart of the PISA framework is to encourage education systems around the world to foster profound connections between what is learned in school and the real world that awaits the students. By finding solutions to real-world problems, students build relevant knowledge and develop skills that better prepare them for their future. Most of these skills are acquired in a classroom setting through lessons and assignments, however part of them can only be nurtured through collaboration around joint tasks. In recent months, the foundation began to seed a portfolio of grants that aim to encourage students to use their knowledge of mathematics, science, and technology, to jointly tackle social needs of their surrounding community.

As part of this emerging portfolio, which comprises a diversity of approaches being pilot tested on an experimental basis, we approached the Junior Achievement Young Entrepreneurs Israel (JA-YE Israel) association. JA-YE Israel is a veteran organization, founded 25 years ago, operating after school project-based programs for youth focusing on social and business entrepreneurship. JA-YE Israel has now partnered with the Druze education department at the Ministry of Education and together they are proposing a joint program. The Druze society has 19 middle schools in 12 Druze cities, towns, and villages. Currently, 2,461 students attend ninth grade, of which 270 (11%) study in nine excellence classes. In the next school year, as part of the government program, ten new excellence classes are planned to be opened.

The proposed program will operate in 16 of these excellence classes, each will receive two supplementary weekly hours in eighth grade. Students in the program will be divided into small groups and talk with residents of the local community to better understand their needs, as well as with service providers and the local authority to learn about solutions, programs, and gaps. In consultation with their mathematics, physics, and computer science teachers, the students will try to identify possible ways to address a social need in a manner that is based on science and technology.

During the year, students will learn entrepreneurial and business skills, including data analysis, market research, and product design. Mentors from high-tech companies will assist the teachers and the students in putting together a practical solution which is based on technological knowledge. At the end of the year, each group will be expected to prepare a detailed presentation, showcasing, and explaining their solution, culminating in a conference in which the finalists will present to a panel of judges. The teachers of these classes will be trained in a 30-hour course to lead this activity. In consultation with the foundation’s Grants Committee, the program will add an expert advisor, specializing in mathematics and science education, to assist with these aspects.

* The text above shows the grant as approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors / Grant 520