The Role of Mathematical Modelling for Developing STEM Competencies

STEM tasks have typically neglected mathematics beyond a servant role of computationComputation. Mathematical modellingMathematical modelling is a content-rich mathematical processMathematical processes that involves solving complex problems through the creation, testing and refinement of representations (models) that capture the mathematical structures and key characteristics within phenomena of interest. In this chapter, the role of mathematical modellingMathematical modelling is investigated to embed mathematically-rich contributions to the solution of complex STEM-based problems. The three chapters in this section are summarised to illustrate practical examples of mathematical modellingMathematical modelling within integrated STEM tasksIntegrated STEM tasks. Many of these tasks also emphasised design-thinkingDesign-thinking, a strategy increasingly used in STEM educationSTEM education. Implications for practice are highlighted.