CUR118- Outdoor STEAM Activities and Project Based Learning - HandoutWelcome to CUR118

Welcome to CUR118: Outdoor STEAM Activities and Project Based Learning

This course explores ways that teachers can enhance outdoor learning experiences through the integration of STEAM(science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) activities and project based learning. The course provides a widevariety of project ideas that are sure to engage and fascinate young learners.

Course Objectives:

By taking notes on the handout and successfully answering assessment questions, participants will meet the followingobjectives as a result of taking this course:

Identify the areas included in the acronym STEAM.Define project based learning and describe its structural components.Recognize best practices when using projects to enhance outdoor learning.Identify ways to involve families in project based learning experiences.

At several points in this course, participants are expected to reflect and write about topics related to their own learningand teaching experiences in relation to course content.

References:

Buck Institute for Education (2010) Project based learning: Explained. Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8 (Accessed: 2 November 2016).

Buck Institute for Education (2016) What is Project Based Learning (PBL)? Available at:http://www.bie.org/about/what_pbl (Accessed: 2 August 2016).

CDC (2015) Childhood obesity facts. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm (Accessed: 19September 2016).

EDTP506 (2012) Sarah Thornsberry: Project based learning and early childhood. Available at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU0ph9GVaIE (Accessed: 2 November 2016).

Friedman, L.F. and Loria, K. (2014) 11 scientifically proven reasons you should go outside. Available at:http://www.businessinsider.com/11-reasons-you-should-go-outside-2014-4 (Accessed: 19 August 2016).

Helm, J.H. and Katz, L.G. (2010) Young investigators: The project approach in the early years. 2nd edn. New York:Teachers’ College Press.

Katz, L.G., Chard, S.C. and Kogan, Y. (2014) Engaging children’s minds: The project approach. 3rd edn. Cincinnati, OH,United States: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Larmer, J. and Mergendoller, J.R. (2016) Educational leadership: Giving students meaningful work: Seven essentials forproject-based learning.

Available at: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/sept10/vol68/num01/

Seven_Essentials_for_Project-Based_Learning.aspx (Accessed: 5 June 2016).

National Recreation and Park Association (2014) NRPA’s Park and Recreation Month OUT is IN Survey National Findings.Available at: https://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/nrpaorg/Tools_and_Resources/Park_and_Recreation_Month/

Park%20and%20Recreation%20Month%20Omnibus%20Survey%20Fact%20Sheet%20FINAL.pdf (Accessed: 19August 2016).

Project approach study guide (2014) Available at: http://projectapproach.org/wp-content/uploads/

2014/10/Project-Approach-Study-Guide.pdf (Accessed: 2 October 2016).

Sick Science! (2009) Cool science experiment - original Mentos diet coke geyser.

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwyMcV9emmc (Accessed: 2 November 2016).

Sneideman, J.M. (2013) Engaging children in STEM education EARLY! Available at:http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/

engaging-children-stem-education-early (Accessed: 5 June 2016).

Tools, H.T. (2015) Science project for kids. Available at: http://www.hometrainingtools.com/

a/build-a-solar-oven-project (Accessed: 5 June 2016).

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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014) STEM 101: Intro to tomorrow’s jobs. Available at:http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/

2014/spring/art01.pdf (Accessed: 19 September 2016).

e Xtension (2016) Basic tips child care providers can use to guide children’s behavior. Available at:http://articles.extension.org/pages

/25703/basic-tips-child-care-providers-can-use-to-guide-childrens-behavior (Accessed: 22 October 2016).

Introduction to STEAM

A Closer look at STEAM 

Area ofStudy Description Career Areas

Science The study of life, forces of nature and theenvironment, including outer space.

Biologist, paleontologist, botanist, chemist,astronomer, ecologist, zoologist, physicist, etc.

Technology The use of innovation to communicate, solveproblems, and create new products.

Computer programming, software developing, Webdesign, information technology and security, etc.

Engineering Designing and building roads, machines,bridges, electrical grids, mining operations, etc.

Aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical,nuclear, architectural, solar, or structural engineer

Art Creating works of art or performances thatmove or inspire others.

Painter, dancer, performer, author, poet,photographer, fashion designer, illustrator, etc.

Math Working with numbers and data to innovateand solve problems.

Financial analyst, banking, business administration,accounting, teaching, retail manager, statistics, etc.

21st Century Skills

  

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Reflecting on Your Program

Does the daily schedule allow children uninterrupted periods of time (45-60 minutes) to become engrossed inself-chosen activities?

Do children seem joyfully engaged in activities?

Which areas of my classroom do the children seem to enjoy?

What is it about these areas that is so captivating? (materials, social interactions, opportunity to self-direct, ability tobe creative, etc.)

 How often are children allowed to create something original and entirely their own?

 What would I need to change to add more time/opportunity for original work?

What opportunities do children have to observe, question, and test theories?

What kind of materials or activities could I add that would promote these practices?

Do I have any objections or concerns about promoting originality, creativity, questioning, exploration in myenvironment?

What small changes I could make to start this process, or build on what I currently offer?

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Project Based Learning

Building a Project

3 Stages of a project:

1.

2.

3.

5 Features of a Project:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Benefits of Incorporating Project Based Learning

Making the Most of Projects

 

 

 

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Planning Outdoor Projects

Ms. Dee’s Class Garden

Starting the Gardening Project

Developing the Gardening Project

Concluding the Gardening Project

Reviewing Ms. Dee’s Gardening Project

 

 

 

Project Ideas for Outdoor Learning

Project Topics that Relate to Science

Project Topics that Relate to Technology

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Project Topics that Relate to Engineering

Project Topics that Relate to Art

Project Topics that Relate to Math

Involving Families in Project Based Learning

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© 2016 ChildCare Education Institute

Project Outline

Use this form as a guide when brainstorming project ideas. Project Topic: _________________________________________________________

Starting a Project

Discussion

Fieldwork

Representation

Investigation

Documentation

Developing a Project

Discussion

Fieldwork

Representation

Investigation

Documentation

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© 2016 ChildCare Education Institute

Concluding a Project

Discussion

Fieldwork

Representation

Investigation

Documentation

Materials Needed: Learning Standards to Incorporate: Additional Thoughts:

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