Helping STEM Take

Root

currently known as

“Square Watermelons & Walk-

Through Whales”

Introduction

• Focus of STEM• Science, Technology,

Engineering, Math• Holistic learning: not bits &

pieces• Rigor + Relevance + Application=

Ability to Compete

Guiding Force

“The National Science Foundation estimates that 80% of

the jobs created in the next decade will require some form of

math and science skills.” Engaging and rigorous undergraduate STEM education provides the foundation

for the STEM workforce, for advanced study, for well-prepared K-12 teachers, and for educated

21st century citizens.

Amending the Soil

• Inquiry & Problem Based Learning• Digital curriculum integrated with

digital teaching technologies• Formative & summative

assessments with both task and non-task specific rubrics

• Integrate with Common Core K-2• Change of Attitude and Approach!

What Will Your Garden Grow?

• Problem-solvers• Innovators & Inventors• Curiosity• Student self-reliance• Technologically literate workers• Life-long learners• Global competitors• College readiness skills• Work force Ready Employees

Fertilizers

• American Competitiveness Initiative• America COMPETES Act of 2007• Rising Above the Gathering Storm:

Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Future

• Race to the Top• Obama’s national recognition of STEM• Looming reauthorization of NCLB• STEM Education Coalition

Bugs

• Securing resources• Community support• Limited number of qualified

secondary teachers • Resistance to change: Just a Fad…• NCLB accountability on Reading and

Math• No national STEM standards

Bugs

Planting the Seed

• EiE (Engineering is Elementary)• CAL Tech for Teachers: STEM

Resources• TN Electronic Learning Center• Pink Palace Suitcase Exhibits• STEM Tradebooks• Watermelon STEM Unit

TAPping TIGER

StudentsActive Engagement in Meaningful Learning.

T.eacher A.dvancement P.rogramT.eacher I.nstructional G.rowth for E.ffectiveness & R.esults

STEM supports the TAP & TIGER Model of Evaluation in each of its four domains: Planning and preparation, Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Professional Responsibilities.

…plan a wide range of effective teaching strategies…

Building connections across Disciplines

…engage students in high-level cognitive

activity

…highly suitable to diverse learners…

…student participation in selecting or adapting

materials…

…uses formative assessment…

…students’ demonstrate their value for learning

through active participation, curiosity, and

initiative

…students are productively engaged at all times…

…small group work is well organized…

…students assume responsibility for

productivity…

…adapt activities and projects to enhance their understanding…

…cognitively engaged in activities and exploration of content…

Students initiate the choice,

adaptation, or creation of materials to enhance learning.

Teachers seek out opportunities for professional development.

•LEAD Conference•TETC Conference•Battelle for Kids STEM Sessions•National Council for Teachers of Mathematics•On-line Webinars such as Siemens Academy•TN Curriculum Center

National Academy of Math Teachers

Career Education

• Career education is one of the big five areas of the Guidance Umbrella.

• Every career we might have includes the engineering process of Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve.

• Career education standards require students to acquire the skills to investigate the world of work in relation to knowledge of self and to make informed career decisions.

• Kuder Career Assessment Program

Engineering Process

•Ask•Imagine•Plan•Create•Improve

Community STEM Garden

• STEM Family Nights• Faculty Scope of Work Presentations• Embedded in School Day 2011-2012

– 45 Minutes each day– Lexington Middle 6-8 Learn 21 Classes– Caywood Elementary K-5 Enrichment– School-Wide Events “Wild About Watermelons!”– After School Caywood Achieves – FOSS Full Options Science System

“Float Your Boat”

Channel I Exhibit

iPads from Freed-Hardeman

“Designed to Fly”

“Dancing Raisins”

“Wind Energy Dragsters”

“A Whale of a Time”

“Wild about Watermelons”

“Wild about Watermelons” 2

Research

• Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Future

• www.DistrictAdministration.com• www.currtechintegrations.com/pdf/STEME

ducationArticle.pdf Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education What Form? What Function? Hays Blaine Lantz, Jr., Ed.D., 2009