1. Building Educator Expertise in Integrating STEM
Louis S. Nadelson, PhD
Boise State University
Anne L. Seifert
Idaho National Lab

2. Teacher Preparation Focus
Integrated STEM
Authentic
STEM Learning
Cross Curricular Application
Career and Workforce Development
Concept Based Learning
Placed-Based Learning
Assessment of Student Learning
Leadership
Research-based Practices

3. Mix of Top Down and Bottom Up Mixture of Order Thinking
Defining STEM
Shorthand S-T-E-M
Foundational
Knowledge Level
Direct Instruction
Content Level
Top Down
Highly Structured
Lower Order Thinking
Literacy
Mixed S-T-E-M
Applications
Problem Level
Guided or Modeled
Mix of Top Down and Bottom Up
Some Structured
Mixture of Order Thinking
Competency
Integrated STEM
Synthesis
Project Level
Discovery Based
Bottom Up
Open End
Ill Structured
Higher Order Thinking
Proficiency
STEM Spectrum

4. Technology Application
Methods
of Science
Technology Application
Engineering
Design
Mathematical
Modeling
INNOVATE
THINKING

5. Modeling Innovative Thinking

6. Research Measures Comfort with teaching STEM*
Efficacy for teaching STEM
Knowledge of Engineering Design
Inquiry Implementation*
Similarities and Differences between SI and EDP*
Pedagogical Discontentment with STEM*
Place based STEM education*
Leadership in STEM
Engagement in STEM Education*
Trust in science and scientists
Demographics *
Teaching STEM and 21st century skills

7. Free Standing Tower Using existing knowledge Optimization Criteria
Marshmallows as fasteners
Materials
Modeling
Trial and error Practical application
Forces, gravity, vectors
Bending
Resistance
Materials –
Solid
Polymers
Chemistry /composition
Mass
Equilibrium
Free Standing Tower
Using existing knowledge
Optimization
Criteria
Constraints
Vectors
Shapes
Angles/trig
Area
Volume
Equilibrium
Ratios/proportions
Height
Measurement
Mass

9. Engagement in Teaching STEM
Research Results
Comfort
Design Knowledge
STEM Implementation
Engagement in Teaching STEM
.35**
.66**
.41**
.32**
.21**
.58**

10. Engagement in Teaching STEM
Research Results
Pre-Test Mean (SD)
Post Test Mean (SD)
t -Stat
prob
Effect Size
Comfort
6.06 (2.60)
7.59 (1.76)
9.05
.00
.71
Design Knowledge
10.55 (3.27)
14.03 (2.85)
14.37
1.12
STEM Implementation
3.16 (.60)
3.64 (.53)
13.43
1.07
Engagement in Teaching STEM
2.93 (.52)
3.12 (.46)
6.73
.52

11. Research Results STEM CONTENT KNOWLEDGE Mean Pretest % correct = 44.5
Mean Posttest % correct = 87.4
T-Stat = 21.43
p < .01
Effect Size = 1.63

13. Gaps and Directions for Research
Teacher perceptions of integrated STEM
The alignment of K-12 STEM curriculum with STEM workforce needs
How to assess an integrated STEM approach to learning
Teacher preparation programs’ focus on integrated STEM
Relationship between CCSSM/NGSS and integrated STEM
School system priorities and integrated STEM curriculum