Welcome to STEM: It’s Not Just for Science Class Welcome to STEM: It’s Not Just for Science Class Sandra Dounce Presenter

Presenter Background Technology Curriculum Integration Specialist Computer Teacher – 21 years Technology curriculum design (Methacton & Philadelphia Archdiocese) Workshop presenter ( Methacton, PETE&C, MEC (AZ) Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and Montgomery County Intermediate Unit) Author/co-author of various journal articles Author of Database Magic: Using Databases to Teach Curriculum in Grades 4-12 (ISTE, 2008) Teacher certification in PA ( Elem. & Instructional Technology ), BA in French, MA ( Student Personnel Work) Additional course work in math & computer programming

S T E M The S T E M cience echnology ngineering athematics Initiative

The STEM initiative... The STEM initiative... - was started by NASA to reverse the downward spiral in science & math education - is a coalition of organizations (1,000+) that work to support STEM programs for teachers & students at the U. S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, & other agencies that offer STEM related programs

Why do we need STEM? “Teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions.” ( Anonymous)  Future careers require STEM skills  STEM skills are being outsourced.  According to the 2006 Programme for International Student Assessment of 30 industrialized countries (PISA), American students were 17 th in science and 24 th in math.

Science Uses math, technology, engineering to observe, experiment, solve problems Technology Uses math, scientific method, problem solving, engineering to solve technology problems Engineering applied science, math, problem solving, uses and creates technology Mathematics The language of science, engineering & Technology S T E M Ability to read & follow directions carefully Critical thinking and Problem Solving skills Oral and written communication skills Cooperative learning skills Ability to be creative, observant, and patient

Science Uses math, technology, engineering to observe, experiment, solve problems Technology Uses math, scientific method, problem solving, engineering to solve technology problems Engineering applied science, math, problem solving, uses and creates technology Mathematics The language of science, engineering & Technology The language of engineering The language of technology The language of science Observations, scientific method Tech tools to observe & experiment Scientific methods to create goods Used for math calculations Create tool for or because of science Gather data for math use Creates technology Gives mathematicians new problems Uses current technology for new projects

The Scientific Method 1.Ask a Question 2.Do Background Research 3.Construct a Hypothesis 4.Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment 5.Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion 6.Communicate Your Results

Planning for Successful STEM Technology Integration  Define content goals  Know students’ skills  Know students’ skills (technology, reading, etc.)  Get Organized  Get Organized (seating, saving data, student self- sufficiency)  Focus on the task at hand  Focus on the task at hand (avoid non-project related tasks) Know material  Know material (introduce new material to students ahead of time)

Computer Applications Used for STEM Activities Word processor Spreadsheet Database Internet LOGO programming PowerPoint TimeLiner Inspiration Kid Pix Drawing programs Career Exploration