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

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 FACS Challenging Curriculum Inquiry-Based Learning Defined Outcomes Sustained Commitment/Community Involvement

“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!

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