LSC-Kingwood is revamping a math course to integrate fire science, tailoring the content for emergency responders.
The MATH 1332 (Mathematics for Liberal Arts) class will incorporate specific math topics related to fire science to meet the unique needs of those in the fire science program.
Mathematics Professor Dr. Stephanie Andrews and Fire Science Chief David Teverbaugh worked together to create a pilot program to provide a proactive and intentional course that focuses on math first responders use in their field.
“My Dad has been a volunteer fireman for 52 years and is still active in the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, which makes it especially disheartening and personal when I have fire science students who do not pass or complete my Math 1332 classes,” Dr. Andrews shared.
In spring of 2025, the MATH 1332 course will incorporate weekly virtual meetings with the fire science students to build community, discuss course content, and work on difficult concepts. In Fall 2025, content will be built in from various fire science textbooks.
“Firefighters use math to calculate the amount of water that is required to extinguish a certain structure,” explained Chief Teverbaugh. “They also need math to calculate volume, square footage, and height. In addition, math is used to calculate drug dosage and drip rates in paramedicine. The key is to show the student the need for understanding mathematical principles to do their job correctly. Once they realize the need, the course becomes more palatable and interesting.”
Dr. Andrews says she is just trying to meet a need for the students. “We are trying to be intentional to make a positive and successful impact on our students completing their fire science program as well as support our community by providing well-trained and prepared first responders.”
The MATH 1332 course also won the inaugural Lone Star College Poster Walk Competition, where faculty members submit their ideas to their peers and then vote on the project they feel has the biggest impact.
Dr. Anthony Carreras, Ph.D., Dean of Instruction, praised Dr. Andrews for her innovation.
“Dr. Andrews’ dedication to aligning math instruction with real-world needs is a testament to her commitment to student success. Her innovative approach to tailoring MATH 1332 for emergency responders ensures that students not only understand the math they need but also see its direct relevance to their careers.”
LSC-Kingwood President Dr. Melissa Gonzalez also congratulated Dr. Andrews on the accomplishment.
“We are proud to have Dr. Andrews as part of our faculty, and this recognition is a well-deserved testament to her creativity, expertise, and impact on both her students and our college.”
For more information on the Fire Science program, please visit our website at https://www.lonestar.edu/fire-science-dept-kingwood.htm.
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D. serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit Lonestar.edu.
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