Welcome to our new project website for the Longitudinal Analysis of Mathematical Brain Development and Abilities study. \u00a0This is a joint project between the Educational Neuroscience Lab<\/a><\/span>\u00a0and the MELD Lab<\/a><\/span>. \u00a0We’re currently in Year 3 of the study and are excited to have you as part of our community!<\/p>\r\n Our\u00a0projects examine a number of questions about fractions, including:<\/p>\r\n Why are fractions so hard to learn?<\/em> The Longitudinal Analysis of Mathematical Brain Development and Abilities (LAMBDA)\u00a0Learning Community is\u00a0investigating the development of fraction knowledge in children. Knowledge of fractions and mathematical competence are important determinants of life chances in modern society\u00a0and are even known to impact educational, employment, and\u00a0health outcomes<\/span>. Despite the importance of fraction knowledge, children and adults often encounter considerable difficulties understanding fractions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n To better understand how basic perceptual abilities rooted in the human brain support the learning and use of fractions, we\u00a0are<\/span> following children from 2nd to 5th, and 5th to 8th, grade in a four-year longitudinal study. Children come in to our lab 2-3 times\/year and complete a variety of tasks and standardized tests, most of which assess their reading, math, and spatial skills as well as other “higher end” cognitive functions, like memory and attention. Additionally, some kids participate in a (functional) MRI scan each year.<\/p>\r\n As part of the LAMBDA Learning Community\u00a0participants will:<\/p>\r\n
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What brain systems might support fraction learning? \u00a0<\/em>
How do these systems develop in schoolchildren?<\/em><\/p>\r\n