1. STEM Précis By: Laura Rose O’Hey

2. Introduction to STEM STEM Real world problem solving approach to learning Interdisciplinary – Science – Technology – Engineering – Math Connects these four subjects to real world applications Allow students to be innovators

3. Action Research Idea Have students design a boat out of materials either provided by the teacher or provided by the students – Group A Receive full instructions and constraints – Group B Receive no instructions or constraints Question to be answered – To what extent do students in a structured classroom versus the students in an unstructured classroom use evidence to support their designs?

4. Research What is STEM? – A cross curriculum model that does not allow the teacher to teach one subject at a time but allows them to teach all four subjects at once – This will allow students to see the real world connection between each subject.

5. STEM Timeline October 4, 1957-Soviet Union launches first artificial satellite. – Soon curriculum developers established that technology and science would follow under the same category with a high status 1980’s-James Rutherford: Project 2061 – Science for All Americans Consisted of a group of scientists and educators that distinguished what was essential for “all citizens to live in a scientifically literate society”.

6. STEM Timeline 1990s National Science Foundation – Married science, technology, engineering, and math together for the acronym STEM 1996 National Science Education Standards – Places high value on student center learning with the emphases on inquiry-based learning 2009 President Obama renewed charge for STEM education in the classroom.

7. Why push for STEM? There is a need for innovators The nation needs people in the work force that are problem-solvers STEM education allows students to be divergent and convergent thinkers

8. Plan for Action Research Objective – Students will have to design and create a boat using materials that will hold the most amount of passengers (Classroom A) materials provided by the teacher (Classroom B) materials provided by themselves Essential Question – To what extent do you use evidence to support your design? – How do variables effect your design?

9. Plan for Action Research Students will have to create a boat that floats and holds the most amount of gram pieces. – Students will have to Conduct fair tests Collect data Create blueprints for their designs Students will be in two data groups – Classroom A Structured Group – Given Materials – Given Constraints – Given Instruction – Classroom B Unstructured Group – Provide their own materials – Given no instruction – Given no constraints

10. Classroom A Data Students did not like that they could not choose the materials they wanted to use Students had to think outside the box with the material that the teacher provided Once students were able to manipulate the materials and gather accurate data they seemed to enjoy the project more Most boats were designed based on the data that they collected

11. Classroom B Students were very enthusiastic about designing their own boats Students were focused on the task and tried different materials Students did not use data to support a new design but they did use trial and error approaches

12. Taking Action Parents and Students STEM Night – May 29, 2014 Faust Elementary Parents and students will come to Faust from 6-7pm Parents will sit though a small presentation about STEM and the benefits of having a STEM program within the district from Curriculum Leader: Kelly Navin- McGonagle – Board Members, administrations, and JFTK members will be invited as well Students and parents will be given a STEM project to work together on – They will have to create a strong paper bridge that will hold the most amount of penny passenger Parents and students will have the opportunity to walk around the school to look at students work where they used STEM to solve problems like an egg drop, a burglar alarm, building a car, and creating a boat.

13. Future Projects To create programs that encourage girls in the fields of STEM To help create a curriculum for students as young as Kindergarten to become engineers