Author: Anne Jolly

I Think I’ve Found My Dream STEM School

Anne Jolly is ready to return to the classroom, so long as she can teach at Fisher Middle, a flexible facility designed to maximize student learning, with fully integrated technology, a project based STEAM curriculum; and built-in teacher collaboration and professional learning.

How Should We Prepare STEM Teachers?

How should the next generation of STEM teachers be prepared? Anne Jolly reports on the innovative UABTeach program at the University of Alabama Birmingham where undergrads can earn full teacher certification plus a math, science or engineering degree. What’s your superpower?

STEM Classes and Kids with Special Needs

The unique design of STEM lessons allows students, regardless of ability, access to real-life learning experiences. Giving students with special needs authentic STEM experiences can help them get ready for a future where all types of people live, work and solve together.

Say NO to Silos in Your STEM Program

STEM courses don’t belong in silos. Anne Jolly recommends bringing science, technology, engineering and math together in class to help students understand how the disciplines work together in the real world. She includes questions to pose about your STEM program.

Will ESSA & STEM Make a Happy Marriage?

STEM expert Anne Jolly takes a close look at the many well-funded STEM components found in ESSA, the new federal education act, and urges educators to remain true to the project learning and engineering elements that characterize authentic STEM curriculum.

Time for a Quick Midyear STEM Checkup

The midpoint of the school year is a great time for STEM educators to do a quick program checkup, says curriculum expert Anne Jolly. She offers five STEM progress indicators that can help teachers identify examples of success and any needed adjustments.

STEM & Visual Learning: A Vital Combination

In focusing on traditional text-based knowledge & skills, we miss the key role visual tools play in STEM exploration and innovation. Recognizing the ways scientists and engineers use visuals with text can help us better support students in every classroom, writes author/illustrator Roger Essley.

Building a Foundation with Elementary STEM

STEM learning can open up new worlds for elementary kids as it grows problem solving and teamwork skills – all the while building a foundation for the middle grades. Anne Jolly provides elementary teachers with ideas and resources to begin integrated STEM.

Teaching Ethics Should Be a STEM Essential

As working adults, our kids will deal with dilemmas involving wholesome food, cloning, climate change, drones, clean water, availability of medicines, genetic testing, and more. Is STEM study preparing students to make decisions that meet ethical standards?