STEM Education
Strategies
“STEM education
offers students one of the best opportunities to make sense of the world
holistically, rather than in bits and pieces” (Lantz, 2009). Science teachers can teach across the
curriculum with many inquiry-based activities. There is a strong need for our nation to have more students
interested in science. We need to
remind them how fun science can be, while learning. Science sparks curiosity, determination, and problem solving
(Laureate Education, 2010). Following
5 E’s format is an efficient way to plan STEM lessons.
Engage- To engage students, I often use a video clip to hook them
into the lesson. This will peak
students’ interest and play to various learning styles such as visual and
auditory students. YouTube and KQED Quest websites are great resources for
short video clips.
Explore- There are many interactive websites and animations
students can use to apply, analyze, and evaluate particular science
concepts. I like using PhET,
Teacher Domain, and Enchanted Learning websites for students to explore
independently.
Explain- As I develop my lessons, I find the Activ or smart boards a
great tool to display facts and notes.
Using the Activ board, I can further explain each lesson with detailed sentences
or diagrams.
Elaborate- In order for students to understand the
importance of science, they need to apply to real-world situations. Students need to elaborate and
challenge themselves by testing hypotheses and analyze results.
Evaluate- Teachers and students need to evaluate
material learned. I like to use an
exit pass. A simple index card can
be used to allow students to answer a question or write a fact learned from the
lesson. Teachers can use this
valuable information to alter lessons and revisit concepts.
By incorporating
the 5 E’s into science lessons, students will be curious and interested. Students need a purpose and understand
how they will use this information in their lives. We need more students to become interested and inspired
about science, math, and engineering (Traurig & Feller, 2009). Effective teachers research, plan, and
prepare to develop appealing inquiry activities. In doing so, we will prepare our students for the 21st
century workforce.
References
Lantz, H. B.,
Jr. (2009). STEM education: What form? What function? SEEN Magazine. Retrieved on June 29, 2012 from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1340244_1%26url%3D
Laureate
Education (2010). Nature of
Science Interview with the Experts: Dr. Yager. Retrieved on June 29, 2012 from
https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1340244_1%26url%3D
Traurig, A.,
& Feller, R. (2009). Preparing
students for STEM careers. National Career Development Association. Retrieved
on June 29, 2012 from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1340244_1%26url%3D
Thanks for responding to my blog. You blog site is so creative. I do like considering the 5'E's and science is so much fun. My kids can't wait to get in to the room.
ReplyDeleteWhen we are not doing an active assignment, they act like it is the end of the world, which keeps me motivated to plan, prepare and keep fun science going!
Crystal, I like the initial quote that you used. I feel like remembering that science needs to be holistic is the direction of the new common core standards, STEM education, and inquiry. All of these approaches focus on the use of science content and how scientists work. This focus is good for critical thinking and problem solving skills and puts the fun into science education.
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