the network for middle school math and science teachers

Incorporating STEM into your Curriculum

Amy Foster and Julie Halladay

The following are my notes and thoughts for the presentation:

Breaking Stereotypes (Scientist is not always nerdy guy in a lab coat)

Role Models (Anyone can be involved with a STEM career)

The Futures Channel – wonderful videos about this.........

Help US maintain economic leadership and compete in a global economy

1 million openings in computer but only 500,000 estimate graduates in the US

We all know that we should have more hands on- more student choice, but we don't. Often use testing as an excuse. (just because its harder for us, doesn't mean we cant try)

Can lead to careers that not only bridge the gender gap, but also socioeconomic gaps as well. Many grants and scholarships in STEM related programs went unused last year.

STEM needs and can easily be reinforced in extracurricular clubs.

Needs to be early- Prior to selection of HS courses

Exploration/career options

Look for external funding (STEM is a hot button topic. Funding readily available- including grants on the front page of MSP2)

One thing that I really liked was the fact that they used examples of STEM activities that were very cost effective. You don't have to have fancy/expensive equipment to provide STEM opportunities for your students. If there is an interest, then I will post links to some of the activities online.

Tom

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mary Henton on November 19, 2009 at 10:05am: It's 2 weeks after NMSA09 and I'm here at the NSDL Annual Meeting in DC. This meeting is the gathering of folks who are leading program development and research in STEM, K-20. So, I'm crossing paths, once again, with all kinds of free resources for teaching and learning. By the way, as a reminder, MSP2 is a project of NSDL!

Anyway....here are a few that may be helpful for folks:
Exploratorium Afterschool Activities. While these are geared for "informal educators," these are inexpensive, easy-to-manage activities that have their place in the classroom as well.
SMILE Pathways. Site for math and science activities.
PhET Interactive Simulations. These is a collection of digital simulations for math and science.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nicole Muth on December 1, 2009 at 11:29pm: Hi Tom,

I would be very interested in the STEM activities. I teach both elementary and secondary math methods. We will be piloting joint activities with the math and science methods courses to have students design and peer teach integrated math/science lessons supported by technology. I would love to have some additional resources to direct my students to.

Nicole; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tom Jenkins on December 3, 2009 at 10:22am: Hello Nicole,

Here are a couple of places to get you started.......

- A problem based service learning energy audit of our building

- Early STEM lessons created by the Dayton Regional STEM Center. Many more soon to follow.

If you need equipment or supplies to help with any of these projects, I would encourage you to explore some of these options from the site Getting Grants or this very easy $250 grant from the Air Force Association

If you need anything more specific or would like the community to you develop a lesson, please let us know.

Take Care,
Tom

Nicole Muth said:
Hi Tom,

I would be very interested in the STEM activities. I teach both elementary and secondary math methods. We will be piloting joint activities with the math and science methods courses to have students design and peer teach integrated math/science lessons supported by technology. I would love to have some additional resources to direct my students to.

Nicole; ▶ Reply to This