Tampa, Florida, offers a diverse array of venues and organizations that provide valuable math-related and STEM-related resources and exhibits. From interactive museums designed to ignite a love of learning in children, to educational programs at local colleges and universities, there are plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors alike to explore the fascinating world of math and science. Whether you're a student, educator, or just someone with a curious mind, these locations in Tampa are sure to provide you with new insights and inspiration.
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library offers a variety of resources and programs related to math and STEM, including educational workshops, science kits, and more.
IDEA Lab Kids Tampa offers a variety of STEM-related classes and workshops for children, including robotics, coding, and more, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications.
MOSI offers a variety of STEM-related exhibits and programs, including hands-on science experiments, interactive displays, and educational workshops that are designed to inspire a love for learning and discovery.
This interactive museum offers a variety of exhibits and programs that encourage children to explore math, science, and technology in a fun and engaging way.
The Florida Aquarium provides educational programs and exhibits that showcase the importance of math and science in understanding and preserving aquatic ecosystems.
Policy changes aren’t necessarily bad, and sometimes policy changes can be good. But either way, policy changes could mean inconsistency in what Tampa math teachers teach children or how Tampa teachers teach children. For example, The Florida BEST standards were passed into law which moved the state to progress monitoring and away from standardized tests.
According to Senate bill 1048, Florida will implement progress monitoring that better equips teachers to help improve individual student academic weak spots. According to political leaders, this change in math standards means that students receive better feedback and individualized academic help. This progress monitoring will also give teachers, parents, and math tutors a better idea of where students are struggling and how to help them improve.
Progress monitoring may also relieve student stress at the end of the year. Students will no longer have to spend weeks preparing for one big exam that teachers typically give at the end of the school year.
Tampa math test scores, similar to Florida policy changes, have also changed over the years. Statistics show that just above half of Florida third-graders scored a passing grade in reading on state exams, while math scores improved from the previous year. Because of fluctuations and inconsistencies in test scores, as well as the negative impact of the pandemic, Florida schools are excited to move to a progress monitoring assessment model instead.
Ultimately, Florida officials hope that a reduction in exams and testing and a greater focus on progress monitoring will help students develop their academic skills more thoroughly. Florida schools hope that the decrease in testing will help open up more time for direct instruction in math class, individualized instruction and feedback, and a better understanding of student learning gaps. With fluctuations in test scores and changing state policies, it is more important than ever for students to find the right online tutor to help them succeed academically.
One notable event is the Hillsborough Regional STEM Fair. The fair consists of two divisions: the Elementary STEM Fair for grades K-5 and the Secondary STEM Fair for grades 6-12. This fair follows a hybrid model, allowing participation in both virtual and in-person formats. It encourages students to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) projects, serving as a platform for students to advance to state and international STEM fairs, fostering a competitive spirit and promoting STEM education in the region.
MAA MathFest is another significant event organized by the Mathematical Association of America. It's regarded as the largest annual summertime gathering of mathematicians and presents the latest in mathematical research and education to a diverse audience. This event not only provides a platform for learning and networking but also showcases the importance of mathematics in higher education and the broader community.
In Tampa, the University of South Florida (USF) has been involved in grassroots initiatives aimed at enhancing math education. One such initiative funded the development of a new teacher education program for STEM middle school teachers. This program aimed to prepare educators adequately in STEM fields, thus directly impacting math education in the region1.
On a larger scale, the Florida Student Success Center has been driving statewide mathematics reform to create distinct statewide mathematics pathways. This grassroots approach, driven by experts in the K-12, college, and university sectors, seeks to overcome the barriers in math education and promote student success across the state, which would also impact institutions and students in Tampa.
Tampa Bay STEM Network is a collaboration of organizations and individuals that work together to promote STEM education in the Tampa Bay area, offering a variety of resources and programs to foster a love for math and science.
The Children's Board Family Resource Centers offer educational workshops and activities that incorporate math and science concepts, providing valuable resources for families and promoting child development.
The architecture of the Tampa Museum of Art features modernist lines and geometric shapes that showcase the use of mathematical principles in design.
The old federal courthouse in downtown Tampa is an example of the Neoclassical architectural style that incorporates symmetry and geometric proportions.
The John F. Germany Public Library features a modern architectural design with geometric shapes and symmetry.
In 2021, Florida's average SAT score was 993, with a mean score of 513 in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) section and 480 in the Math section. The percentage of graduating seniors taking the SAT was 81%, which is relatively high. When compared to the national average scores, which were 533 in ERW and 528 in Math, Florida's average scores were lower. The high participation rate could be a contributing factor to the lower mean scores, as it's often observed that states with higher participation rates tend to have lower mean scores due to a broader range of academic preparedness among test-takers.
In 2021, the average composite ACT score in Florida was 20.4, slightly higher than the national average of 20.3. The percentage of graduates taking the ACT was 34%, which is lower compared to the SAT participation rate of 81%, and also lower than the 2017 participation rate of 73%.
When you find the right online tutor, amongst the many benefits, your child has a better chance of achieving academic success. Learner only works with highly-trained tutors to help each child reach their individual academic goals.
Learner makes it easy for you to find the right tutor for your child. You will answer questions about your child’s unique academic needs by completing a questionnaire.
Then you will need to speak with Learner’s Academic Advisor to discuss your child’s learning goals.
Lastly, Learner will match you with a tutor.
Find The Tutor That Works Best For Your Student!
There are many tutoring options out there, but none quite like Learner. Learner has a rigorous hiring process for qualified math tutors, and tutors must have a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience to apply. Learner offers one-on-one math lessons that math tutors record so students can review old sessions when studying their math skills. Learner tutors can also offer consistency in your child’s education in the midst of policy changes in Tampa.
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.
Finding the right tutor for you and your child can be tough, and you may have questions about the process of finding the best tutor for your child. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about Tampa math tutors.
Students who get the help of a math tutor have a better understanding of complex academic concepts. Learner offers students one-on-one learning sessions so they can ask any questions, improve their confidence in their skills, and get better grades. Students can apply to universities in Tampa, like the University of South Florida or The University of Tampa, with better grades.
Learner math tutors do not just give students facts to memorize. Learner math tutors want to help students in Tampa understand the processes they need to understand complex principles in math. Students who work with tutors have a better understanding of how to solve math concepts, which helps students have a lasting understanding of mathematical foundations that they will use throughout their academic careers.
With a sturdy mathematical foundation, Tampa students can continue building their mathematical knowledge confidently. Students should have a firm grasp on foundational aspects of math before moving on to more complex subjects. Tutoring can help students build confidence in their mathematical foundation so students can tackle advanced mathematical subjects in the future. Tutors also record tutoring math sessions so students can review sessions while working on their math homework or studying for math class.
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."
There are so many different types of math subjects that students learn throughout their education, including algebra, calculus, geometry, and more. These subjects contain complex formulas, equations, and symbols. If you want your child to succeed, you need to find an expert with knowledge specific to your child’s education.
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.