Long thought to be the domain of the high school advanced math class, algebra is turning up in some very unexpected places. Elementary school algebra is now being taught in various schools across the country. There is an on-going debate as to whether elementary school is too early to introduce the mathematical concept.

One side of the debate states that an early initiation to simple algebra problems at the first grade level can ease the way for a later introduction to the subject in middle and high schools. It is also argued that algebraic thinking is actually a normal thought process for young children and they tend to ‘take to’ the concepts easier at the elementary school level. The example is often used of children learning a foreign language easier than those who attempted to master a language later in life.
The other side of the issue argues that the increased intensification of input at such an early age runs the risk of overwhelming young minds to the point of creating stress and anxiety. That even at the rudimentary level that algebra is introduced it is possible to instill negative reactions and attitude about the subject that will become even more difficult to dispel latter in life.

Currently there are several studies being held to attempt to determine the validity of either position. At the present there are only a few elementary school district spread throughout the country where elementary algebra is being attempted. There is growing sentiment across the nation that a new approach to the education of the math and sciences needs to be instated. It is widely held that the United States is falling behind the rest of the world in the production of highly trained scientists and mathematicians. This is just one of the many attempts to shorten the perceived ‘education gap’.

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