STEM

STEM subjects in elementary schools can be easily lost to priorities being placed on Reading curriculum. Particularly, Science curriculums can be lacking in schools, while Math is represented more. But STEM curriculums are critical to developing the whole student, especially in their ability to garner critical thinking and inquiry skills for students. STEM is often thought of as something separate from Reading and Writing, when they can all be taught together in a cross-disciplinary way that develops the whole student through exploration, inquiry, and critical thinking skills. 
The Beauty of Inquiry
STEM subjects are all about inquiry! Successful STEM teaching means teaching students how to engage in intellectual risk-taking and really delve into and explore their ideas and the world around them. As teachers, it is our job to make this accessible by introducing them to the process of inquiry and the scientific method. By creating problem solving opportunities with clear goals in mind, we are providing students with the ability to learn how to inquire and think critically. Students want to be innovative, they are excited to engage in STEM subjects. 
-> Scaffolding is key! <- 
Click the image to read more about 10 Under-Recognized Benefits of STEM Education
Cross-Disciplinary STEM Approaches
All subjects in school should be cross-disciplinary. As discussed on the Writing page, a great way to practice writing is through other subjects students are studying. A great way to practice Reading is reading about Science, and then creating ways to write about Science. 
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​Here are a few ways to create Reading and Writing opportunities in STEM:
  • Read articles about STEM! Articles should be differentiated based on student need and grade. Try to find some current event articles too, or articles that directly relate to your students' community or lives.
  • Write about Science: after a lesson or a reading, write 3 things that are important, 2 things you learned, and 1 question you want to explore further.
  • Write lap reports!
  • Keep a Science writing journal: one idea is to have students take notes from your lesson in 'academic' language, and then at the end of class rewrite their own synopsis of the notes in their preferred terms to show what they know.
  • Write stories about Math and Science!
  • Use Math and Science to practice grammar usage. 
Giving Students Tools to be Independent Problem Solvers
Students need to be taught techniques to solve problems, but they also need to be taught how to solve problems. For example, students need to be taught different techniques for solving a division problem, but we also need to teach them how to figure out how to solve a problem. Once they have the tools, how do they begin to dissect problems on their own and figure out which tools to make use of. Teach: what is the first thing we do when we are given a problem? What do we know? What do we need to know? How might I solve this? What tools or techniques do I have that I have learned?
Pedagogical STEM Practices
  • Connect! STEM subjects should still have a hook and connection area to how, where, and why they fit into students' lives. Don't forget to include this. (Is division used to make groups, or is it used to divide pizza between everyone at a block party?).
  • Try to remove as many language barriers as possible. What is at the root of the Math concept and how can this be taught to students who may struggle with English?
  • Make it kinesthetic and visual!
    • If you can go outside, draw Math problems with chalk on the pavement.
    • Use white boards, use crayons, use sand.
    • Draw and write about Math problems.
    • Use props: teach division with beads being separated into cups, involve cubes, involve touchable pieces in your lesson plans.
    • Do a skit about Math or Science.