Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics
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| illustration by Sam Patterson |
What I like most about the STEM education movement is the co-mingling of disciplines and the emphasis on real world project based learning. At its best STEM education engages students in a process of design, implementation and revision. There are many schools and education programs that are adopting the label STEM to show their commitment to teaching students math and science skills, as well as a commitment to project based learning.
One of my favorite things about teaching robotics is that you get to teach problem solving and logic along the way. The best in STEM education allows students to create interesting things and teaches them skills along the way. The school I work in has a Tech class and in many ways we are trying to make this one of the footholds of a STEM learning experience. When they were learning about molecules and their structure in 7th grade science, the tech class used SketchUp3D to create models of molecules. When the 1st grade was learning about clouds, tech class used sonic pics to record some information about clouds.
As the tech teacher I view the interest in STEM is an invitation into science and math class. Now when the science class experiments with roller coasters, we use the iPad as a high speed camera and take measurements from the images.
If you read a survey of blogs about STEM education you will read about everything from boat design to making ice cream. This isn't about introducing math worksheets after the science vocab review. This is about putting kids in the position of designer of engineer. They are attacking real work problems and they won't always solve them, but they will learn so much in the process. From testable skills like content area mastery to livable skills like resilience and problem solving, they will master these skills because of their engagement. When we empower students they learn more. One of our current invitations to empower students is called STEM education, I hope to do awesome things while following the STEM banner.
At my school site the interest in STEM is accute. People assume that since we are 2.5 miles from Google HQ that we are on the leading edge of technology instruction. The reality is that in all schools there is ongoing tension about which subjects get time in the schedule. When the context is a private religious school the conversation can get more complex as we work to balance our dual curriculum. The external expectation of tech instruction and the internal commitment to STEM is really empowering for me. In the planning discussions I am always looking for the bridge into classes for tech. In reading have they encountered a problem they can explore? How are they going to apply the research they are doing to learn research skills.
Some STEM goals at my site this year:
1. Develop and implement a programming curriculum K-8
2. Improve current projects which ask students to design solutions to real problems
3. Find more opportunities to use tech to bridge subject areas in meaningful inquiry
Some STEM Links
A very few of the awesome STEM teachers in my PLN
@ClintJohns -edtech innovator + advocate of education reform movements: STEM, CSed, Career Technical Education, Maker Movement, 3D printing, Robotics ; serial optimist
@DoriFriedman -Collaborative Teacher and Tech Integration Specialist, Lifelong Learner, Robotics Enthusiast and Teacher, Active Maker & Tinkerer, Gadget Guru, STEM-minded..
@TanyaPSnook -Dual credit Comp Sci and Govt with focus on PBL - work at STEM/ECHS I believe in kids and in high school redesign/reform.
Waxahachie, TX
@Pronovost ISTE Emerging Leader, CUE Outstanding Emerging Teacher, 30 Under 30 Innovative Educator... a teacher trying to stay connected with the rest of the world
You can also check out #STEMCHAT a great community of STEM teachers on twitter
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