STEM for new teachers

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STEM

Science. Technology. Engineering. Math.

Science

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Technology

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Engineering

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Math

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How to infuse Science in STEM

Problem-Solving through the Scientific Method

Hands-on Experiments

Science is best learned by doing. Allow students to experiment and explore.

Teach students the scientific method as a way of solving real-world problems.

Real-World Applications

Cross-curricular Integration

Show students how science applies to the real world by using challenges. Students can engage in designing solutions for everyday problems, where they must apply scientific concepts.

Infude science into other subjects to show how it connects across disciplines. Collaborate with math and technology teachers to create interdisciplinary projects.

The importance of infusing science.

Science in STEM encourages questioning

• Let students ask "why" and "how" questions. Engage them in discussions that require critical thinking about scientific phenomena.

Student-led Investigations encourages ownership of thier learning

• Allow students to choose a scientific problem or question they are interested in and guide them through researching and presenting their findings.

Many students will persue careers in STEM based on school exposure.

• Highlight diverse figures from history or the present who have made significant contributions to science, showing that STEM is for everyone.

How to infuse technology in STEM.

Hands-On Technology Projects

Gamification and Interactive Learning Tool

Using game-based elements to enhance learning can help make technology engaging and fun!

Students must have opportunities to do technology rather than just learn about it.

Best Practices for Teaching Technology

SIncorporate Inquiry-Based Learning

Teachers can utilize technology to support inquiry-based learning, which encourages students to explore, question, and investigate real-world problems.

Consider the best practices for Tech inegration in your classroom

CAUTION

The importance of infusing technology

It Prepares Students for Future Careers: Technology-driven jobs are rapidly growing across all industries. Integrating tech into STEM education equips students with essential skills like coding, data analysis, and problem-solving, which are critical for many 21st-century careers (Johnson et al., 2014). It Enhances Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Technology tools allow students to experiment, iterate, and solve real-world problems in interactive ways. For example, simulations and coding platforms help them develop logical thinking and innovative solutions to complex challenges (Kelley & Knowles, 2016). It Supports Differentiation and Personalized Learning: Technology can cater to various learning styles and paces, enabling teachers to provide individualized instruction. Adaptive learning software and digital tools help students master STEM concepts at their own pace, enhancing learning outcomes (Trust & Pektas, 2018).

How to infuse engineering in STEM.

The Engineering Design Process:

Hands-on Building and Design Projects

Engineering is best learned through design challenges where students can build, test, and improve their creations.

STeach students to solve problems through the Engineering Design Process

Incorporate Real-World Challenges

Collaborative Learning

Engineering projects often involve teamwork. Encourage students to work in groups to share ideas and build solutions together.

Teachers can utilize technology to support inquiry-based learning.

The importance of infusing engineering in STEM

It encourages Brainstorming and Creativity: Engineering encourages creative thinking. Let students brainstorm many ideas before settling on a solution. Designing Prototypes: Teaches students that it’s okay if their first design doesn’t work perfectly. Encourage them to test and improve their prototypes. It faciliates Innovation in Everyday Life: Show students examples of innovations that engineers have created, such as smartphones or electric cars. This helps students see how their engineering projects can lead to new ideas that improve people’s lives (Nadelson & Seifert, 2013).

How to infuse math in STEM.

Cross-disciplinary Projects

Hands-on Projects and Real-World Problem

Integrate math with science, technology, and engineering projects. This helps students see how math is a tool for solving problems in various fields.

Math becomes more engaging when students can see how it’s used to solve real-world problems

Mathematical Modeling in Real Life

Teach students to think like mathematicians

TThere is power in mathematical thinking!

Show students how math is used to model real-world scenarios.

The importance of math in STEM

It encourages critical thinking in math problem solving: Encourage students to solve complex problems by breaking them down into smaller steps. Math teaches students to analyze situations and find solutions logically. It teaches multiple approaches to problem solving: Let students know there can be more than one way to solve a problem. This encourages creative thinking and helps students become more flexible in their problem-solving approaches. It exposes kids to real world math: Relate math problems to everyday situations, like budgeting money or measuring ingredients in a recipe. This helps students see why math matters.

Example: Have students design and build bridges using only paper and tape. They can test how much weight the bridge holds and improve their designs. Technology Integration: Use digital tools like design software to let students create 3D models before building their projects.

Engage students by introducing real-world engineering problems that they can solve, like designing energy-efficient homes or creating devices for people with disabilities (Moore et al., 2014). Example: Have students design a solar oven to cook food, teaching them about renewable energy and heat transfer.

Examples

• Example: Challenge students to solve local environmental issues, like testing water quality or reducing school waste, using the scientific method.
• Cross-disciplinary Projects: Integrate engineering and technology by having students design solutions, such as water filtration systems.

What is the role of engineering in STEM?

In the classroom, engineering teaches students how to design, build, and solve problems using scientific knowledge and creativity.

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How to infuse

Importance

Create projects that require students to apply math concepts. Example: Have students calculate the area and perimeter of the classroom to figure out how much paint would be needed to repaint the walls. STEM Connection: In this example, students use math to solve a practical problem, similar to what architects or engineers do in real life.

Example: Assign each group member a different role, such as designer, builder, and tester, so they learn to collaborate and solve problems as a team.

Examples

• Experiment: Have students grow plants in different conditions to learn about how plants need sunlight and water (National Research Council, 2012).
• Use Technology: Teach students to use technology like apps or data trackers to measure the growth of plants over time.

Teach students to think like mathematicians by encouraging them to approach problems step by step, make predictions, and check their work. Example: Give students a puzzle, like designing a paper airplane. They will need to measure angles, lengths, and test how their design affects flight, all while using math to calculate the distance and flight time.

This could involve solving environmental challenges, such as calculating how much water is needed for crops, or designing safer buildings using geometry and algebra. Example: Have students model how diseases spread using math to show how variables like population and infection rates affect outcomes.

What is the role of math in STEM?

Math helps students develop problem-solving skills and logical thinking. Whether students are calculating measurements in a science experiment or designing a structure in an engineering project, math is the tool they use to solve problems (English, 2016).

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How to infuse

Importance

Use caution and actively monitor students on technology!

As technology becomes more integrated into education, it’s essential to teach students digital literacy and online safety. Teachers should cover topics such as responsible internet use, understanding digital footprints, evaluating credible sources, and protecting personal information online. These skills are crucial for students’ future academic and professional success. Condsider guiding students through a research project on credible versus non-credible sources, using web-based research tools. Students can analyze how different types of websites present information and practice identifying biases or misinformation.

What is the role of tecnology in STEM?

Teaching technology in the classroom, particularly in STEM, requires both a strategic approach and hands-on methods that cater to various learning styles. When done effectively, technology not only enriches learning but also fosters a culture of innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration among students

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How to infuse

Importance

What is the Role of Science in STEM?

Science is curiosity in thoughtful action about the world and how it behaves (NASA, 2024)Science encourages curiosity. Students ask questions, perform experiments, and test their ideas. This process, known as inquiry-based learning, helps them learn how the world works.

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How to infuse

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Example: In a science experiment, students can measure the speed of a moving object, then use math to calculate the object’s acceleration. Technology Integration: Use graphing software or coding platforms to help students create visual representations of data.

Scaffold Learning: Introduce technology gradually, starting with basic tools and progressing to more complex platforms as students become more comfortable. Encourage Experimentation: Create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable experimenting with technology, making mistakes, and learning from them. This fosters a growth mindset and innovation. Integrate Across Subjects: Don’t confine technology use to STEM subjects alone. Show how technology can enhance learning in other areas, such as humanities or arts, to create interdisciplinary connections

Platforms like Kahoot!, Quizlet, or Minecraft: Education Edition allow students to interact with STEM topics through challenges and games, promoting active learning. Example: Teachers can use Minecraft: Education Edition to teach subjects like geometry, physics, or environmental science, where students solve problems by creating structures or ecosystems in a virtual world.

Engaging students with hands-on projects using tools like robotics kits, coding platforms, or digital design software helps them apply their knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts. Example: A teacher could assign a project where students design and code their own apps or create digital models using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. These kinds of tasks develop both technical skills and critical thinking, as students move from conceptualization to execution.

Engineering Design Process: define the problem, brainstorm solutions, build a prototype, test it, and improve it. This helps students think like engineers. Example: Challenge students to design a water filtration system to solve a clean water issue. They will need to create prototypes, test them, and refine their designs. Cross-curricular Connections:

For example, students might use online research databases, data analysis software, or coding platforms to find solutions to scientific or engineering challenges. This approach places students at the center of their learning journey, using technology as a tool for discovery and problem-solving. Example: Teachers can create projects where students use real-world data (e.g., from NASA or environmental databases) to analyze climate change or other STEM-related topics. Technology such as spreadsheets or online graphing tools allows them to interpret and present their findings.

Examples

• Example: In a math lesson, explore the physics of motion by studying velocity, acceleration, and force.
• Collaborative Projects: Collaborate with the art teacher to create visual representations of scientific concepts, like creating models of the solar system or the water cycle.

Examples

• Example: Have students design a simple machine using principles of physics to solve a community problem, such as designing a device to move heavy objects using pulleys or levers.