Baltimore, Maryland, is home to a diverse array of museums, libraries, and educational centers that offer valuable resources and exhibits related to mathematics and STEM. These venues provide interactive and engaging ways for people of all ages to explore and learn about the fascinating world of math and its applications in various fields. From hands-on science centers to historic museums showcasing the city's industrial past, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the integral role that mathematics plays in our world. Whether you're a student, teacher, or simply a curious mind, these locations in Baltimore are sure to ignite a passion for learning and exploration.
The museum showcases the industrial history of Baltimore, with exhibits that often touch on STEM-related topics and demonstrate the mathematics involved in various industries.
Located just outside Baltimore, this museum showcases the history of electronics and often features exhibits that highlight the math and science behind electronic devices.
This museum offers interactive exhibits and programs that engage children in STEM learning through play and exploration.
As one of the oldest free public library systems in the United States, Enoch Pratt offers numerous resources including books, online resources, and programs related to math and STEM education.
This interactive science center features a range of exhibits that cover various STEM topics, including mathematics, physics, astronomy, and more. It aims to inspire and educate visitors of all ages.
The Maryland Department of Education maintains "College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics." According to the state's DOE, the proficiency standards should increase with every additional year of math instruction.
By third grade, students should be able to understand and solve multiplication and division problems and arithmetic problems that involve four operations. Sixth-grade students should understand ratios, multiplication and division of fractions, and the basics of algebraic expressions.
High school students in Maryland must take algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, and at least one other math class to graduate. In Algebra 1, students should learn about rational and irrational numbers, units, and algebraic expressions. Algebra 2 covers exponents, complex numbers, and algebraic reasoning. Geometry students learn about planar transformations of various shapes and practice proving geometric theorems.
In Baltimore County high schools, some of the additional math classes offered are trigonometry, statistics, and pre-calculus. Some Baltimore City high schools offer Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate classes.
Statistics show that many Baltimore students score poorly on standardized tests. According to The Baltimore Sun, only 7 percent of elementary school students in Baltimore City and 18 percent in Baltimore County were proficient in math in the fall of 2021. Numbers for middle students are similar: 8 percent of Baltimore City students and 17 percent of Baltimore County students scored high enough to be considered proficient.
Students in Baltimore City Schools take the iReady assessment, which is designed to assess at which grade level a student is performing. In 2021, results showed that only 17 percent of high school students were proficient in algebra and geometry, two classes required for graduation. Additionally, the assessment shows that 79 percent of high school students who took the exam were performing at elementary school levels in math.
College Board provides state-level statistics on the results of its college entrance exam, the SAT. In 2021, data shows that only 47 percent of high school students in that year's graduating class had taken the SAT at some point in high school. Of those test-takers, 51 percent met the college-readiness benchmark in the math section.
Baltimore, MD, hosts various local math competitions, math fairs, and STEM events, providing ample opportunities for students and educators alike to immerse themselves in the world of mathematics and science. One notable event is the University of Maryland High School Math Competition, which in 2024 will celebrate its 46th iteration. It invites interested students from Maryland and the District of Columbia to participate.
The Maryland STEM Festival is a month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, hosting numerous events focused on interactive science learning opportunities. Another notable event is the Ingenuity Project - STEM Research & Innovation Symposium, at Morgan State University Student Center. It fosters dialogue and innovation by bringing together students, educators, and enthusiasts to delve into STEM-related topics and showcase their research and projects
The Maryland State Department of Education initiated the Maryland Tutoring Corps program in response to declining math test scores in the region. This program, backed by federal COVID-relief funding, aims to provide high-quality tutoring to middle school students, algebra students of any grade level, and historically underserved populations. Schools can apply for grants up to $10 million to create a permanent tutoring program to tackle math proficiency issues.
Furthermore, the University System of Maryland's First in the World Maryland Mathematics Reform Initiative (FITW MMRI) aimed to address math "pipeline" issues for postsecondary students. With a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, they created a new statistics pathway to accelerate students' transition into credit-bearing courses, aiming to reduce the time and costs associated with developmental math courses and improve degree completion rates.
Baltimore is home to The Johns Hopkins University, one of the premier institutions for STEM education and research in the U.S., founded in 1876.
The American mathematician and logician, Christine Ladd-Franklin, who made several contributions to the fields of mathematics and psychology, completed her graduate work at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in the late 19th century.
Baltimore's historic architecture has geometric elements, like the distinct octagonal Patterson Park Pagoda.
Known as "Poly," the "Baltimore Polytechnic Institute" has a strong emphasis on engineering and offers a rigorous math and science curriculum, preparing students for careers in STEM fields
The Phoenix Shot Tower in Baltimore stands at 234.25 feet tall, and it was once the tallest structure in the United States. The tower's historical use involved dropping molten lead from the top to form spherical shot for firearms, showcasing an early application of physics and geometry in manufacturing.
When you're looking for an online tutor, one option is to search the internet and spend time reading and comparing profiles and rates of as many tutors as you can find. However, this can be time-consuming and tedious.
With Learner, all you have to do is tell our Academic Advisor about your child's background, tutoring needs, and academic goals. Then, we'll use our tried-and-true matching system to pair your child with the perfect tutor: a math expert with a compatible teaching style and personality.
With Learner, you can feel confident that your child is getting the best education in a safe, encouraging, and supportive environment. Our online classroom features a virtual whiteboard so your child can work through problems step-by-step with their tutor. Plus, your child will get detailed feedback after each session.
Answer questions about your child's background and unique needs.
Schedule a call with our Academic Advisor to identify learning goals and objectives.
We will custom match the right tutor for your child. Your initial session is commitment-free.
Before hiring an online math tutor for your child, ensure you have all the facts. Get answers to the top questions about math tutoring in Baltimore.
Students who fall behind in math often feel frustrated and ashamed, especially if they are singled out or bullied by other students. With Learner, your child gets encouragement from their tutor, so they can feel free to ask questions. This positive, patient approach helps students regain their confidence.
Many Baltimore classrooms are crowded and loud, which makes learning challenging for students who need to ask questions or get clarification on a concept or formula. With Learner, your child will meet with their tutor in our quiet virtual classroom, which is optimized for online learning.
Having strong math skills isn't just important for your child's GPA. Algebra, geometry, and trigonometry are crucial for college entrance exams and university courses. Our tutors teach students to master key math concepts and hone strong problem-solving skills. This holistic approach prepares students for college and beyond.
Chelsea from Learner helped me to get a full ride to Duke University.
“Chelsea from Learner was the perfect match for me. She customized the training so that it would push me hard - but not too hard where I would get frustrated. I worked with Chelsea for years because she took a genuine interest in me and my future.”
"Stephanie taught me how to be more organized. I was getting Bs and Cs before I started working with her. I used to get overwhelmed before studying for a test. Stephanie taught me how to create “study guides” so I’d have all the big ideas in one place. I am now getting As and Bs and my parents are much happier."
"When I first started working with Alan, I told him I would never be good at math. I barely passed my first two years of high school math and I needed one more hard math class to graduate. Alan believed in me and worked with me on the basics. Little by little, he built up my confidence to the point where I realized I am good at math and I did well in the class."
Middle school and high school math classes can be challenging for many Baltimore students, even those who found elementary math easy. An expert math tutor can help students master new concepts and ensure they're ready for college. Here are some of the top math subjects Learner tutors teach.
Scholarship Award: $1,000
The Women in STEM Scholarship is a recurring scholarship that’s open to women who are STEM majors. The next deadline to apply is November 20th, and winners will be announced on December 20th.
Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play crucial roles in today’s rapidly evolving technological advancements. However, the STEM industry hasn’t always advocated for equal representation, leaving women disadvantaged. With this considered, Learner’s Annual Women in STEM Scholarship strives to encourage and support women pursuing a STEM career, recognizing the boundless potential they bring to global innovation.
The journey to gender equality in STEM fields, although progressing, still has a long way to go. Beyond fairness, the industry as a whole needs bright, young minds to continue its advancement, and we believe women are the key to filling the gap. By offering support to dedicated women pursuing a STEM education, we hope to encourage the next generation of STEM leaders, minimizing financial strain and inequality.
We at Learner recognize the importance of promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Our scholarship is a testament to our dedication to equal opportunities in STEM, aimed at reducing barriers that impede the academic journey of young women in these fields. By doing so, we hope to inspire more women to pursue and thrive in STEM careers, contributing to a richer, more diverse professional realm.
We believe more diverse representation in STEM will fuel innovation, drive growth, and lead to more comprehensive solutions for global challenges. We also envision this scholarship serving as a catalyst to motivate other institutions and organizations to promote gender equality in STEM education and careers.Through Learner’s Annual Women in STEM scholarship, we aim to foster a community of women empowered by knowledge, driven by curiosity, and ready to contribute to the STEM field.
Amount: $1,000
Application deadline: November 20
Winner announcement: December 20
Recurring: Annually
You can apply for this scholarship on the Bold.org scholarship platform. Follow the directions and submit your application for the Women in STEM Scholarship, along with a short essay answering the following prompts:
The application will be open through November 20.
The scholarship award is $1,000.
Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. Recipients will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
The prize check will be sent to the scholarship winner’s college institution in their name and in the name of their institution (depending on the school’s requirements).
Yes, the Women in STEM Scholarship is an annual scholarship.
Learner manages this scholarship with the support of the Bold.org scholarship platform. Bold.org takes student confidentiality and privacy incredibly seriously. Please refer to the application page on Bold.org for full details.
More Americans than ever are earning diplomas, which boosts earnings and decreases their risk of unemployment.
Learner analyzed data from the Census Bureau via the University of Minnesota IPUMS to see what the most common college majors are for American workers in Baltimore, based on a national analysis. Numbers are rounded to the nearest hundred.
In 2022, 37.5% of adults 25 and older had earned a bachelor's degree or higher, up from around 28% in 2009. The rise may be due in part to a shift in job requirements: Roles that once required just a high school education now call for a college degree. Americans holding bachelor's degrees had an unemployment rate of just 2.2% last year, compared to 3.9% for those with only high school degrees, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
New York Federal Reserve research published in 2019 found that college graduates had a substantial premium over workers with only high school degrees, earning about $30,000 a year more on average. They estimate that for students who complete their degrees, the return on investment for a college degree is around 14%.
Nationally, business is by far the most common undergraduate major. As of 2022, around 8.5 million adults working full-time had a bachelor's degree in a business-related field, while 2.9 million of them also earned some kind of postgraduate degree in the field, such as a master's degree in business or accounting.
Common jobs for business majors include accountants, who make a median income of $80,000 yearly; financial analysts, who make around $100,000; and market researchers, who take home about $75,000, per BLS data. Engineering and education were the next most common fields for full-time workers, with around 4.5 million graduates each.
College is becoming increasingly expensive. However, for some, especially those with an academic aptitude, earning a degree can still make financial sense.
Read on to see what the most common college degrees are in Baltimore.
#5. Engineering
- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 4,000
-- Median annual income: $91,400
- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 3,100
-- Median annual income: $95,600
#4. Fine arts
- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 4,100
-- Median annual income: $53,600
- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 2,700
-- Median annual income: $70,100
#3. Medical and health sciences and services
- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 4,400
-- Median annual income: $63,300
- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 4,200
-- Median annual income: $75,800
#2. Social sciences
- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 5,000
-- Median annual income: $68,500
- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 6,000
-- Median annual income: $98,300
#1. Business
- Workers with only a bachelor's degree in 2022: 10,800
-- Median annual income: $74,300
- Workers with this bachelor's degree, plus a postgraduate degree in 2022: 5,400
-- Median annual income: $87,100
This story features data reporting and writing by Wade Zhou and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 35 cities.
This story originally appeared on Learner and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.