PowerPoint Presentation

What is STEM?

A philosophy.... Not an acronym

Welcome the group and thank them for their interest in STEM. Before beginning the presentation, have participants complete the STEBI_B Survey.

Then talk about STEM not being an acronym but a methodology for teaching. STEM education is grounded in constructivism and findings of decades of cognitive science (Sanders, 2008).

Ask participants what they remember about constructivism-The idea of constructionism is learning-by-making. Constructivist learning involves students drawing their own conclusions through creative experimentation and the making of artifacts that are created through the social interactions of a group. Students take ownership of their learning and are allowed time to explore problems and uncover solutions. The constructionist teacher is more of a facilitator assisting students to help one another understand problems in a hands-on way.

Inquiry-based learning is not a new techniquein fact, it goes back to education philosopher John Deweybut it does stand in contrast to the more structured, curriculum-centered framework of today's schools.

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STEM PLC Overview

7 Scheduled STEM PLC meetings this year (2nd Wednesday afternoon each month)

Share your learning with rest of staff in May

Topics of each session will be based on group needs and information from the STEM and PBL Academies

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What is STEM?

https://youtu.be/AlPJ48simtE

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STEM: Beyond the Acronym

Read the article and complete a one-pager summary like the one shown below.A visual image, symbol, representation of an idea/concept that is especially important to you from the reading.At least 2 direct quotes from the text, selected for whatever purpose you like.At least one question. Determine what question must be answered for an understanding of the reading materials main idea or what questions you still have regarding the reading.At least 2 statements from you. These can paraphrase ideas from the reading, or they can connect/link parts of the reading to other sources.

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How is STEM Education different from the way weve taught Science and Math in the past?

The STEM movement integrates science, technology, engineering and math and puts them at the forefront of education.Integration!

Pose the question. Have participants respond. Then click and Integration will come up. The final state sets the purpose of this training---showing the teachers how to integrate STEM into their classrooms.5

What does a STEM learning environment look like?

Now that we have learned why we need STEM, it is time for us to begin to formulate an understanding of what a STEM learning environment looks like. Based on what they participants know so far, ask them to brainstorm on sticky notes what they think the environment should look like.6

STEM Learning EnvironmentSEE Students EngagedMovementManipulatives & Manipulation of MaterialsCollaboration & STEM TeamsTechnology & Technical ToolsStructure & OrganizationSmiles, Excitement, and Frustration

Students role while engaged in STEM learning experiences.

Movement-students are not idle; they are moving about the classroom with purpose.Manipulatives & Manipulation of Materials-students use a variety of manipulatives to solve problems; they manipulate materials to build, create, design solutions to problems.Technology & Technical Tools-students use technology to display information, research, etc.; they use a variety of programs for programming and problem solving. Finally, they use a variety of technical tools including Smartboards, IPADs, probes, laptops, document cameras, digital cameras and more.Collaboration and STEM Teams-students work in small groups completing tasks and solving problems. They work best when roles are defined.Structure and Organization-projects and tasks are created so as to maximize time and to minimize distractions; students follow defined expectations for completion of task and behavior during work; materials are organized so that students have access.Smiles, Excitement, and Frustration-students are smiling and are happy completing tasks; they eagerly complete tasks; they do become frustrated when problems are not solved, but the frustration leads to learning.

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STEM Learning Environment

What you should hear students saying

Questions/Explanations-students should be discussing outcomes, solutions, and plans for revision; they should be able to articulate what skills they are working on and why; they should be able to describe the problem; conversations should be limited to the task at hand.Talk about Global Issues-students should have discussions about the problems facing our world; they should be able to discuss with confidence and share possible solutions; they should be able to discuss careers and their impact on our worldConversations-a STEM environment is not quiet; students are talking with one another, sharing ideas, solutions, etc.; there should also be conversations between the teacher and students-teacher should be providing feedback, suggestions, clarification, etc.8

STEM Learning Experiences

When planning STEM learning experience, make sure to start with content. The content should include the following

Solve Real World Problem or Design Challenges-includes performance tasks with building/engineering componentsAsk Questions-helps to generate solutions to problems; have students list when working on a problemInvestigate Global Issues-use the newspaper, Internet, etc. to bring up problems in our world; discuss solutions; keep in mind the Grand Engineering ChallengesDemonstrate STEM Practices-remind participants of the skills we discussed earlier9

STEM Learning Experiences

Teachers role in STEM education:

All of these are representative of the expectations of standards-based learning; teachers are the facilitator of learning-they should establish the context for the task, providing students with guidelines/constraints/expectations; teachers should integrate standards when planning content; teachers should monitor and assess students in a variety of ways.10

STEM Learning ExperiencesTake some time to explore the resources available at www.STEMCobb.com,

particularly the sample lessons at www.stemcobb.com/k-5-stem-lessons.html

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