STEM

There are six fundamental elements of a cohesive and meaningful STEM program that when applied in the right way, can build a strong STEM foundation among students. The 6 guiding elements below is my framework for developing STEM Education while at Elkins Park.

1. Focus on the process over the end result of a project or unit of study (Design Thinking). Throughout the process students learn important 21st Century Learning Skills that transfer to all aspects of school.

2. Inquiry-Based: Solving real-world problems and creating a collaborative environment. Problems should be complex and as a team the goal is achieved.

• Choice and Inquiry-Based Learning- A.J. Julianni

• 4 Phases of Inquiry-Based Learning- Teach Thought

3. Open-ended Projects: Instead of one set way to solve problems or solve a problem students need to be encouraged to establish various solutions. Teachers need to keep the understanding that the end result of a project isn’t necessarily important. The process, the improvement and the critical thinking should guide these open-ended projects.

• Assessing the Learning Process; Not the Product- Will Richardson

4. Interdisciplinary Lessons: Incorporate knowledge from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines in order to solve the problem at hand.

5. Learning Outcomes and Assessments: Formative Assessments are essential! Learning outcomes should be emphasized throughout and the methods of assessment need to be focused on the process of learning as opposed to a desired outcome.

• 9 Benefits of Formative Assessments- Powerschool

6. Workspace and Resources: Technology is a must for sufficient research and potential prototyping (Blueprints, 3D Printing, Collecting data). The classroom layout needs to be flexible and inspire students to think, question, innovate, research and prototype.