What is STEM?

An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math STEM can be… An acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Interdisciplinary – formal, physical, life, social, & applied science Curriculum driven by problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning, active learning to find solutions “a meta-discipline” transforming subject matter by incorporating technology & engineering

Ellen Richards Founded Family & Consumer Sciences Ellen Swallow Richards FCS Pioneer 1842-1911 Ellen lived 1842-1911 when filth, disease & suffering was common. Only half of the children lived to adulthood. Ellen became a scientist, philosopher and change agent at MIT. She felt science and research would have a stronger impact if it applied to improve living environments.

Our first STEM connection… She was dedicated to this new field of connecting scientific knowledge to practical applications. She addressed food safety, water quality and safe home environments.

Overall STEM Education… Integrates science, technology, engineering, & math into one learning experience Uses project-based learning Reinforces real world application Prepares students for integrated careers Develops “soft” & technical skills

STEM Skills Analytical skills to research a topic, develop a project and timeline, and draw conclusions from research results. Science skills to break down a complex scientific system into smaller parts, recognize cause and effect relationships, and defend opinions using facts. Mathematic skills for calculations and measurements. Attention to detail by following technical directions, recording data accurately, formative and summative assessment.

STEM Skills Technical skills, troubleshooting, repairing, and utilizing software and modern equipment. Communication and cooperation skills to listen to customer needs or interact with project partners. Teamwork skills for successful project completion. Creativity to solve problems and develop new ideas. Leadership skills to lead projects or help customers. Organization skills to keep track of lots of different information. Time management skills to function efficiently.

21st Century Skills Core subjects and 21st Century themes Global awareness Financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy Civic literacy Health literacy Environmental literacy Learning and innovation skills Creativity and innovation Critical thinking and problem solving Communication and collaboration Information, media, and technology skills Life and career skills

Soft Skills “personal qualities, habits, attitudes & social behaviors that make an individual a good employee” Verbal/written communication skills Leadership skills Organization skills Curiosity & imagination Technology experience Teamwork skills Time management Following directions Desire to learn Creative problem-solving skills

Curricular Attributes STEM Challenging Curriculum Inquiry-Based Learning Defined Outcomes Sustained Commitment/Community Involvement FCS Challenging Curriculum Inquiry-Based Learning Defined Outcomes Sustained Commitment/Community Involvement

STEM is FCS Teamwork, Leadership, & Time Management Career, Community & Family Connections 1.1 Analyze strategies to manage multiple roles and responsibilities (individual, family, career, community, and global) Creative Problem Solving Consumer & Family Resources 2.1 Demonstrate management of individual and family resources such as food, clothing, shelter, health care, recreation, transportation, time, and human capital

STEM is FCS Curiosity & Imagination Math Skills Education & Early Childhood 4.3 Demonstrate integration of curriculum and instruction to meet children’s developmental needs and interests Math Skills Food Production & Services 8.6.10 Apply principles of inventory management, labor cost and control, and facilities management to front and back of the house operations

STEM is FCS Following Detailed Directions Verbal Communication Housing & Interior Design 11.6 Evaluate client’s needs, goals, and resources in creating design plans for housing and residential and commercial interiors Verbal Communication Interpersonal Relationships 13.3 Demonstrate communication skills that contribute to positive relationships

STEM is FCS Science Skills Experience with Technology Foods & Nutrition 14.3 Demonstrate ability to acquire, handle, and use foods to meet nutrition and wellness needs of individuals and families across the life span Experience with Technology Textiles, Apparel, & Fashion 16.3.4 Demonstrate design concepts with fabric or technology/computer using draping and/or flat pattern making technique

“STEM-ifying” FCS Problems (Scientific Method) Report your Results Analyze your Data and Draw a Conclusion Test your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment Construct a Hypothesis Do Background Research Ask a Question

“STEM-ifying” FCS Problems (Engineering Approach) Share Solution Build, Redesign, Test, and Evaluate Design Brainstorm Identify Problem

CONTENT KNOWLEDGE All FCS Careers are based in… All FCS Careers are Family & Consumer Sciences Biology Design Business Nutrition Economics (financial literacy) Sociology Architecture (housing styles) Microbiology Food Safety Chemistry (cooking/baking) Psychology (consumer decision making) Engineering (fashion/textiles) Ecology Communications & Media Physics Anthropology (family studies) (family studies)

Technology Strong relationships ECOLOGY

STEM Career Connections

Integrated Content: • Kitchen Math • Food Chemistry • Reality Learning vs. Abstract Math Problems • Financial Literacy • Problem Solving and Synthesis • Interdisciplinary Content …and more!

Identifying STEM in Textiles & Apparel Biology: Animal fibers Botany: Plant fibers Physics: Functional clothing Physiology & Anatomy: Thermal regulation, garment motion studies, fitting Chemistry: Synthetic fibers, textile treatment, laundry

Manufacturing technology: knitting, cutting, sewing, pressing Garment engineering: product design, fit, patterning Industrial Engineering: sequence of operations, ergonomics Geometry: drafting, grading, scale

Students Say…

Students Say… “When I think about FACS, I feel that I am going to learn something that will help me for the rest of my life.” “The most important thing that I learned in FACS class, that I feel I will take with me and will help me the most, is learning about different careers, colleges, and degrees.” “The hands-on project work in FACS helped me to have confidence in my actions.”

FCS is STEM Education