For Vedat Erden, meaningful STEM learning can begin with a question as simple as this: Where should an NBA player take the next shot?

During a summer research fellowship at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies in Los Angeles, the Harmony Science Academy-Euless mathematics teacher explored how real-world problems can help students see mathematics differently.

One activity he developed asks students to analyze NBA shot selection using mathematical modeling and expected value. Rather than simply solving an equation, students must analyze information, make decisions and use mathematics to support their reasoning.

“Meaningful STEM learning often begins with a good problem rather than a formula,” Erden said. “When students are given a realistic challenge and have a reason to use mathematics, they become more engaged in the learning process.”

Erden, who has taught mathematics at Harmony Public Schools for nine years, spent approximately three weeks this summer as an AEOP Teacher Research Fellow at USC's Institute for Creative Technologies. His work focused on developing mathematics activities rooted in real-world decision-making, including projects involving concert ticket revenue, bathroom tile design and food bank budgeting.

The 2026 fellowship marked Erden's second summer research experience through the Army Educational Outreach Program. He previously participated in an AEOP fellowship in Champaign, Illinois, in 2025.

Together, the experiences are shaping how he approaches mathematics instruction.

“I want students to understand that mathematics is not simply about finding the correct answer,” Erden said. “It is also about analyzing information, comparing options, making decisions, communicating reasoning and improving a solution.”

Erden plans to bring more project-based learning, mathematical modeling and real-world problem-solving into his classroom, along with responsible uses of artificial intelligence to support student thinking.

His work will also take him to a national audience this fall. Erden has been selected to represent AEOP at the 2026 NSTA National Conference on Science and STEM Education, Nov. 4-7 in Indianapolis.

During the conference, he will share his experience as a Teacher Research Fellow and the educational activities developed through the program while connecting with educators from across the country.

For Erden, the experience reflects the value of educators continuing to learn alongside the students they serve.

“When teachers continue to learn, explore new technologies, collaborate with researchers and challenge themselves professionally, that growth eventually reaches their students,” he said.