There is a growing movement in the U. S. to teach the integrative subjects of Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

STEM is gathering Steam!!!

What is STEM Education?

STEM is the integration of Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Mathematics into a new

trans-disciplinary subject in schools

STEM: Integrated or Separated?

Integrated STEM: The principles of science and the analysis of mathematics are combined with the design process of technology and engineering in the classroom.

Separated S.T.E.M.: Each subject is taught separately with the hope that the synthesis of disciplinary knowledge will be applied. This may be referred to as STEM being taught as “Silos”

National Content Standards

No integrated standards Individual Standards

ScienceBenchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS. 1989)National Science Education Standards (NRC, 1996) New Generation of Science Standard

MathematicsPrinciples and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000)

Individual Standards (Continued)

Engineering (None)Technology

Standards for Technological Literacy (STE)(ITEA ,2000,2002,2007)Technology and Engineering

State Standards - Varies by state

Common Core Standards

6Source:

Next Generation Science Standards

Conceptual Framework for Science EducationThe Conceptual Framework draft contains three dimensions:

Dimension I – Disciplinary Core IdeasDimension II – Cross Cutting ConceptsDimension III – Scientific and Engineering Practices

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8Source:

Integration of the Three Dimensions

Core IdeasPractices

Crosscutting Concepts

The practices are the processes of building and using the core ideas to make sense of the natural and designed world, and the cross cutting concepts hold the discipline together.

1. Scientific and 1. Scientific and Engineering PracticesEngineering Practices

• Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

• Developing and using models

• Planning and carrying out investigations

• Analyzing and interpreting data

• Using mathematics and computational thinking

• Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)

• Engaging in argument from evidence

• Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information 9

2. Crosscutting Concepts2. Crosscutting Concepts

1. Patterns

2. Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation Scale, proportion, and quantity

3. Systems and system models

4. Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation

5. Structure and function

6. Stability and change

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3. Core Disciplinary Ideas3. Core Disciplinary Ideas

Physical SciencesPS1: Matter and its interactions

PS2: Motion and stability: Forces and interactions

PS3: Energy

PS4: Waves and their applications in technologies for information transfer

Life SciencesLS1: From molecules to organisms: Structures and processes

LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, energy, and dynamics

LS3: Heredity: Inheritance and variation of traits

LS4: Biological evolution: Unity and diversity

Earth and Space SciencesESS1: Earth’s place in the universe

ESS2: Earth’s systems

ESS3: Earth and human activity

Engineering, Technology, and Applications of ScienceETS1: Engineering design

ETS2: Links among engineering, technology, science, and society

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S2TEM Centers SC is a public/private/fee-for-service funded, not-for-profit, statewide support infrastructure for economic development through STEM education.

Things we might do for the State…

Support STEM schools

Assist with Math and Science Standards work

Support schools in need as identified by ESEA criteria.

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The STEM Center of Excellence at The Citadel

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Models?

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Laing Middle School

Moultrie Middle School

Elementary Program in Portsmouth, Virginia

6th Grade - AEROBASE AtlantisExploring aeronautical concepts, elementary physics and computer applications     5th Grade - ENVIROBASE AquariusInvestigating weather/climate, local water- sheds, and human impact on the environment     4th Grade - SPACEBASE AtlasDeveloping spatial skills studying geography, and cartography of the region