We always hear about the “real world” vs. the world in school. Project Based Learning helps to break down that barrier and better merges the two. It’s also undeniably engaging and lures kids into rigorous learning, as in Heather Wolpert-Gawron’s “Invention Unit.”
STEM By Design / STEM Teaching Practices
by Anne Jolly · Published 06/20/2016 · Last modified 11/23/2019
Getting ready to involve students in real STEM learning experiences this fall? Then you’ll soon begin to examine, revise, and beef up your STEM education knowledge and skills. Expert Anne Jolly brings together ideas and information to answer five key questions.
Believing that real-world student projects are “essential for deeper learning and investigation,” MS lead teacher Sandy Wisneski secured funding for a sustainable hydroponics program. Learn about the development process and the PBL activity’s first-year results.
What motivates teens to innovate in STEM? Anne Jolly researches the background of young inventors who are making a difference for our 21st century lives and identifies some common experiences that helped them be successful, including the support of teachers.
Increased funding for STEM programs in the new ESSA has heightened interest among proponents of other curriculum areas in getting a piece of the STEM money pie. Anne Jolly warns that diverting funds away from real STEM initiatives could be bad for the nation.
With summer on the horizon, your STEM preparation for next fall may already be ramping up. Whether you taught STEM this year or will be teaching it for the first time in 2016-17, Anne Jolly outlines some useful online STEM resources to launch your summer prep.
Thematic text sets that tap into the social worlds and narrative driven lives of adolescents can spark “unstoppable learning,” say literacy educators Katie and Chris Cunningham, who share several text-set examples and a 10-step process for building your own.
“Renewable Energy: Discover the Fuel of the Future,” packs in activities & learning for teachers and students. STEM coordinator Emily Anders says it’s “a must-have resource” for teachers who want to add project learning to their lessons on energy sources.
Engineering Career Preparation / STEM By Design
by Anne Jolly · Published 03/29/2016 · Last modified 11/13/2019
The sky’s the limit for students pursuing engineering careers. Anne Jolly offers STEM educators Q&As they can share with middle graders who’d like to investigate engineering’s possibilities. Jolly highlights creativity, teamwork, making a difference and more.
Hands-on learning can spark students’ imagination when school moves outdoors. It can also increase engagement & improve academic performance. Teachers and administrators from coast to coast are finding ways to open doors to Nature.
