Applying integrated tasks in biology lessons to enhance students' mathematical literacy

Biology and mathematics are the sciences that study living beings and spatial forms along with quantitative relationships. It seems that they are completely different and unrelated to each other, but it is not the case.

In biology lessons, we often encounter situations where a grasp of mathematical concepts is essential for a thorough understanding of biological processes and phenomena and for solving various biological tasks. Mathematical literacy, which is a component of what we call functional literacy, is crucial in this regard.

It has become common practice in schools to conduct integrated lessons that undoubtedly allow learners to explore the outworld in its diversity and unity, help in the development of their potential, encourage active engagement with their surroundings, reasoning, causal relationships, and the enhancement of logical thinking. However, it must be acknowledged that integrated lessons in schools are not consistently implemented, posing a certain challenge.

Örken East Kazakhstan Regional Scientific and Methodological Center for Informatization and Education Development of Education Administration of East Kazakhstan region, in collaboration with Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Chemistry and Biology of Ust-Kamenogorsk city, held a workshop titled “Applying integrated tasks in biology lessons to enhance students' mathematical literacy”, presented by a teacher of biology Tatyana V. Jezherya.

This workshop provides an opportunity for participants to learn about the teacher's practices in enhancing learners' mathematical literacy in biology lessons through the use of integrated tasks. This workshop will be useful for teachers as well as a resource for preparing senior students for their final assessments.