STEM Education Integration

Study Notes

An interdisciplinary approach to learning that combines rigorous academic concepts with real-world lessons
Students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in context to make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise
Enables the development of STEM literacy and the ability to compete in the new economy

Science: no definition provided
Technology: the application of science to solve problems
Engineering: the engineering design process involves defining the problem, identifying constraints, brainstorming solutions, prototyping, testing, and iterating to improve the solution
Mathematics: no definition provided

The combining of disciplines is based on connections between the subjects and real-world problems

Conducting research and applying knowledge and skills to develop a viable solution to a defined problem
Involves students in authentic, open-ended, real-world problems to increase the meaningfulness of the content to be learned
Goal is for students to develop problem-solving skills by going through a realistic self-directed problem-solving process

A teaching method where students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge
Interdisciplinary approach because real-world challenges are rarely solved using information or skills from a single subject area
Requires students to engage in inquiry, solution building, and product construction to help address the issue or challenge presented

Key factor in STEM education
Combines knowledge of the subject matter with an understanding of effective approaches for teaching it to students with diverse learning styles
Includes teacher's STEM content knowledge, educator self-efficacy, and pedagogical content knowledge

Integrated STEM assessment designs
Prepare teachers with pedagogical practices that encourage collaboration, dealing with failure, and perseverance
STEM teacher education courses and workshops to address the integration piece directly
Providing resources, materials, and equipment to create learning environments conducive for science inquiry
Communication among all departments to facilitate cross-curricular initiatives