Blog Post

Guest Author: STEM-Infusing the Elementary Classroom, Part 1

The Whys and Hows of Elementary STEM-Infusion By Miranda Reagan Teachers today face a unique challenge. The world we live in is changing so rapidly that we have no way of imagining the future we are preparing our students to live in. Gone are the days of teaching and memorizing facts. Our constantly changing lives […]Read more The post Guest Author: STEM-Infusing the Elementary Classroom, Part 1 appeared first on Tennessee STEM Innovation Network.

The Whys and Hows of Elementary STEM-Infusion
By Miranda Reagan

Teachers today face a unique challenge. The world we live in is changing so rapidly that we have no way of imagining the future we are preparing our students to live in. Gone are the days of teaching and memorizing facts. Our constantly changing lives drive a need for students to be able to synthesize, apply, and innovate with information. Teachers are charged with not only preparing our students to live in that unimaginable future society, but to empower them to help engineer it. As daunting as this task seems, STEM-infusion in the elementary classroom is an excellent way to prepare students with the necessary skills to innovate in the 21st century. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math, but to limit it to those four subjects is greatly understating its potential to transform instruction. This is why, at my school, we began talking in terms of STEM-infusion as an instructional model (as opposed to simply STEM as a subject.) STEM is not solely part of our (limited) science instruction time. It is a framework for conceptually integrating all content areas.

STEM-infusion is all about challenging the students to apply knowledge by designing a solution to a real-world problem or scenario. The students use the engineering design process:

  • Ask: Students define the question they are trying to answer during the process.
  • Imagine: Students brainstorm all possible solutions to the problem and defend each with research-based evidence or background knowledge.
  • Plan: Students select the solution with the highest potential for success and decide what steps will need to take place in order to produce it. (This often includes sketching or drawing a blueprint.)
  • Create: Students produce their solution. This step can take all different forms, as you will see in some of the examples later.
  • Test: Students test their solution and document successes and areas to strengthen.
  • Improve: Students discuss what parts of their product need to be improved and why, again demonstrating their understanding of the content. They then use this information to adjust or sometimes completely redesign their solution.
  • Communicate results: Students reflect on their learning throughout the project and defend their solutions.

In planning a STEM-infused lesson or unit, my colleagues and I have taken three different approaches:

 1. Conceptual approach- With this method, the teacher looks for a cross-cutting concept that could be used to connect the skills that week from all different disciplines. From there, he or she creates a design challenge that practices that skill.

For example, I recently co-taught with a kindergarten teacher who was teaching cause and effect as her “text skill” in the reading series that week. Her math skill was understanding that taking a number apart makes it smaller (foundation for subtraction). We decided to use cause and effect as a theme across both disciplines that week. The students read a story about ten turtles that jump off a log one by one in their basal and then we used that same idea to introduce cause and effect in math using a pan balance. Throughout the week, as students practiced their reading and math lessons, causes and effects were discussed in every lesson and context. At the end of the week, the students were challenged to design a balance out of recycled materials using cause and effect examples in their team discussions.  They had to prove the balance worked by verbalizing and modeling math sentences with their creation.

2. Standards-based approach- In this type of lesson, the teacher looks at the standards for all subject areas currently being taught and designs a project that includes all of those concepts.

For example, I had a group of third graders who were learning about area in math, insulators verses conductors in science, and persuasive writing in ELA. I challenged the students to redesign a standard birdbath in order to keep its water from freezing as quickly in the winter. (They were not allowed to use electricity or any form of fire.) The students tested various materials then applied their understanding of insulators to decide what type of material to make their birdbath from. They also discovered that by reducing the surface area of the birdbath, it could hold the same amount of water but the insulator would protect more of the water and less would be exposed to the cold air at the surface. The students posted their designs online along with a sales pitch defending their design.

 3. Thematic approach- Some teachers create a design challenge that relates to the story in their basal each week. They still teach phonics, grammar, and reading with the research-based best practices, but then enrich their lessons with a STEM block (maybe 30 minutes a day.) The kids move through the engineering design process throughout the week and present their design solution at the end of the week. They also use themes from the story that week in their approach to math instructions with regards to designing word problems and/or math tasks.

For example, my first grade team recently read a story in which a little boy and his dog get into trouble and his mother puts the dog outside. They were also working on subtraction within twenty in math that week. The students were challenged to design an outdoor living area for the dog. The teachers provided a budget sheet that offered two or three options for all of the items the dog might need along with twenty unifix cubes. The students used their cubes to budget for the items they wanted to put in the dogs living space. After creating their budget, the students consulted with their financial advisor (the teacher) to defend the upgrades and sacrifices they made with their budget to make sure all of the dog’s needs were met. After making any necessary modifications, the students used drawing software to create an image of the space they designed.

When we began to use STEM-integration in our classrooms, we had no idea how well it would enhance students’ understanding of all content areas. (In fact, every one of our STEM-infused classrooms showed more than a year’s growth on reading assessments this year.) But even beyond that, we have seen exponential growth in the 21st century skills of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

 


Guest Author: Miranda Reagan


 

It's not binary.
By Becky Ashe 29 Jan, 2024
It’s not binary.
By Jack Anderson Elementary School 22 Jan, 2024
Thank you to our guest blog writers, Jack Anderson Elementary School.
By Brandi Stroecker 18 Jan, 2024
In 2023, our partners helped us transform K-12 STEM education in collaboration with communities across the state! Here are a few highlights in our wrap-up video, plus these stand-out stats: 🌐 ­ 70,000+ visits to our website 👩‍🏫 370+ hours of free professional development for educators 🏫 30 hours of student-facing programs 📖 Free Computer Science Integration guides for K-12 educators
By Misty Brown 21 Dec, 2023
We are pleased to announce the winners of the first Excellence in Computer Science Award. As we continue to expand computer science education in Tennessee, we want to celebrate the teachers, leaders, and advocates who are supporting and championing the movement. This is a competitive award, like the STEM Excellence Awards awarded in the spring at the Innovation Summit, and people can nominate others or themselves for the award. Nominations were open to the public in the fall of this year. We presented these awards on December 6, 2023, at the second annual Computer Science Momentum Expedition - an innovation tradeshow that bridges the gap between educators and industry. “This year’s award winners are models in advancing computer science education for all through creative instruction, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for teaching. They demonstrate the innovative ways computer science can be integrated into all grade levels,” remarks Brandi Stroecker, TSIN Network Director. “We are privileged to recognize the efforts of these amazing individuals and the contributions they have made in their communities. “ Excellence in Computer Science Award The Excellence in Computer Science Award recognizes an educator, leader, or advocate who exemplifies integrated, computer science-infused teaching strategies and innovation that leads to positive student learning outcomes. This year’s awardees of the Excellence in Computer Science Awards are: Shelby Woods Computer Science Teacher, Sevier County Junior High, Sevier County Schools Shelby Woods teaches 7th and 8th grade Computer Science at the new Sevier County Junior High in Sevier County Schools, where she is passionate about providing students authentic opportunities to explore challenges, design solutions, and engage in scientific approaches to real-world problems that are relevant and practical. Outside her classroom duties, Ms. Woods co-sponsors the Junior High level of the Technology Student Association. Shelby provides problem-based and STEM-based learning that expands and integrates computer science. In her classroom, computer science is the tool students use to gain greater insight into other subjects while sparking curiosity. Shelby has dedicated herself to furthering computer science education not just for her students, but for the entire state of Tennessee by serving on the Computer Science Standards Committee. All of this has fueled her passion as she participated in a multitude of trainings, including Reach Them All, and the creation of an exemplary computer science curriculum that demonstrates the endless opportunities computer science can offer our students and their future career pathways. She brings computer science to life for her students and brings new opportunities to her community. While the competitive nature of this award produced many nominations, Shelby was the most nominated person in the state with 5 individual nominations. Shelby Woods is making an impact that others see, feel, and appreciate in school, community, and computer science education. Dr. Teresa Wise Computer Technology Teacher, Thurman Francis Arts Academy, Rutherford County Schools Dr. Teresa Wise is a K-8 Computer Technology Teacher at Thurman Francis Arts Academy in Rutherford County where she is known for her engaging and innovative teaching. This is best expressed by the person who nominated her. “Dr. Wise was the first elementary teacher to pilot computer science lessons in her classroom, immediately following a computer science training in Nashville! She is continuously developing new and engaging lessons for her students to help them better understand concepts across multiple subject areas. Dr. Wise has even created a S’mores page with helpful teacher, parent, and student resources,” shares Vickie Stem, K-5 Science and Social Studies Specialist with Rutherford County Schools. Teresa’s expertise and creativity have blended to make her an impactful model for other elementary teachers, and she is never afraid to share with others. Dr. Wise regularly presents on computer science integration for other educators where she shares and infuses others with her passion for computer science. She has also lent her skills to the creation of computer science model lessons, computer science planning teams, and the Reach Them All program. It is evident that she holds the spirit of a true collaborator. She is also intentional in her planning, preparing her students for careers that do not exist yet. Teresa Wise is an innovator in the classroom as evidenced by student engagement and work, all while being an innovator for her county.
14 Nov, 2023
Tennessee’s STEM and STE(A)M Designated Schools, pioneers in STEM education, are thrilled to announce the launch of a compelling video story series that delves into the profound impact of STEM education on students, teachers, and the community. This engaging series features real-life stories, highlighting the transformative journey of students within STEM programs who have earned STEM or STE(A)M School Designation. Each video showcases the commitment of schools to fostering a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, equipping students with the competencies needed for future success. What Viewers Can Expect: Teacher Perspective Video : inspirational narratives of teachers and students excelling in STEM subjects. Stakeholder Perspective Video : insights from dedicated educational leaders shaping the future of STEM education. STEM Overview Video : Behind-the-scenes glimpses into innovative projects and learning spaces. The Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN), a public-private partnership between Battelle and the Tennessee Department of Education, believes in the power of STEM education to unlock doors to creativity, critical thinking, and technological advancement. This video series aims to shed light on the profound impact STEM education has on shaping young minds and preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow. Why Invest in STEM Schools? Workforce Development: STEM skills are essential for the jobs of tomorrow. Investing in STEM education ensures that the state is actively preparing its future workforce to thrive in a technology-driven world. Economic Growth: A strong emphasis on STEM education cultivates innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to economic growth and positioning Tennessee as a hub for technological advancement. Global Competitiveness: By investing in STEM schools, Tennessee aims to enhance its global competitiveness by nurturing a generation of STEM-literate individuals who can solve complex global challenges. Join the Conversation: Follow TSIN on @theTSIN for updates. Use #TNSTEM and #ChangeMakers to share your thoughts and stories about STEM education. For more information on Tennessee STEM School Designation, visit https://www.tnstemdesignation.org .
By Misty Brown 23 Oct, 2023
Read all about Isaac Litton Middle School's journey to Designation. To download their spotlight in an interactive pdf, click here .
By Misty Brown 09 Oct, 2023
We're thrilled to share a groundbreaking partnership between with Kira Learning that is set to revolutionize computer science education in the state of Tennessee. Starting with the freshman class of 2024-25, a new high school graduation requirement computer science course will be required, as outlined in Public Chapter #979 of the Public Acts of 2022. This innovative course is specifically designed for high-schoolers with no prior programming experience and will be offered at no cost to the schools! Pioneering the Future of Computer Science Education This is an incredible opportunity for schools and districts in Tennessee to lead the way in adopting this program, making it easier for both learners to meet and educators to facilitate the graduation requirement. Our goal is to empower students with essential computer science skills that will serve them well in the digital age. "Through the Kira Learning partnership, Computer Science teachers are provided with an engaging and inclusive curriculum to not only meet the computer science standards set forth by Tennessee but also to foster a project-based learning environment," explains Shelby Woods, Sevier County Junior High School Teacher. “This school year has allowed TSIN to collaborate effectively with Kira Learning, creating a high school course that aligns with standards and has a distinct TN touch. Recognizing that this course is often not in teachers' primary areas, Kira Learning has made it adaptable and supportive, whether you're new to teaching or computer science. It's an empathetic, cutting-edge solution that aligns with the law's goal of building a STEM-qualified workforce,” reports Becky Ashe, Director of Professional Learning and Innovation, TSIN. Why Choose Kira Learning? Kira Learning is at the forefront of computer science education. Their powerful, browser-based platform makes teaching and learning computer science accessible to all. Founded in 2021, Kira Learning offers a library of standards-aligned courses, along with tools to structure lesson plans, grade assignments, and provide support when students encounter challenges. "I use Kira Learning in my classroom because it provides everything I need in one place. As a teacher with minimal knowledge in detailed computer science, I enjoy that Kira Learning provides detailed lesson plans that are easy to follow. The students have enjoyed working through the modules and are able to connect real-life applications to computer science as they learn to code. Kira Learning has excellent customer service to troubleshoot my needs with a great response time, making it a great partnership for my classroom," states Chelsie Sells, Heritage High School Teacher A Commitment to Excellence TSIN and Kira Learning’s commitment to excellence extends to the support we offer educators and students. We understand that introducing a new subject like computer science into classrooms can be challenging. That's why we are providing comprehensive support to ensure your success. "It was such a privilege and joy to visit both Heritage High and Union County High School and see firsthand how teachers and students are using Kira Learning’s platform and curriculum to build a foundational understanding of computer science. I cannot overstate how impressed and inspired I was by the commitment I saw in both first-time a computer teacher and first-time learners. Introducing a new subject into schools and classrooms, particularly one as technical and demanding as computer science, takes strong community and partnership on the part of all stakeholders - teachers, students, administrators, and providers - and it was motivating to see this in such a strong display at both schools. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue our partnership with TSIN and can’t wait to return later this year to keep deepening these efforts through more classroom visits, guest lectures, and group dinners with the thoughtful, generous, and kind teachers and administrators across the state of Tennessee," reflects Andrea Pasinetti, Kira Learning CEO. Get Involved! If you have questions or are interested in using this program with your high school class, please email tn@kira-learning.com . We will send you a recorded webinar for Tennessee teachers held this summer, introducing the resource, and guiding you on how to get started with an account and register your students. For those interested in the middle school course being developed, stay tuned later this fall 2023 for updates! This is a momentous step forward for computer science education in Tennessee, and we can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on students across the state. Together, we're shaping a brighter future through education and innovation.
By Misty Brown 04 Oct, 2023
Read all about T-STEM Academy East High School STEM Academy's journey to Designation. To download their spotlight in an interactive pdf, click here .
By Misty Brown 19 Sep, 2023
Read all about Elk Valley Elementary School's journey to Designation. To download their spotlight in an interactive pdf, click here .
By Misty Brown 12 Sep, 2023
The Crucial Role of Professional Learning in Equipping Teachers with Computer Science Skills and Industry Relevance
More Posts
Share by: