Scenario
Assume you are a science teacher at a local elementary school. After teaching for the past 6 months, your principal has noticed you possess some excellent teaching techniques he would like you to share with your colleagues. He has asked you to present a professional development session about teaching STEM in the elementary classroom.
Preparation
Research the following science and engineering practices for teaching STEM:
• Engineering by design
• Problem-based learning
• Discovery learning
Explore interactive technology tools and virtual reality (VR) applications used in education, such as Labster VR, to understand how immersive reality can change or enhance STEM education.
Assessment Deliverable
Create a 15- to 20-slide presentation in which you showcase the 3 science and engineering practices for teaching STEM that you researched and explain how to utilize each practice in curriculum planning and instruction.
Include the following strategies for the 3 science and engineering practices (engineering by design, problem-based learning, and discovery learning):
• Classroom setup and student grouping
• Describe how you would set up your classroom and group students.
• Student collaboration
• Describe implementation ideas, including managing collaborative student structures.
• Safety
• Explain methods for ensuring a safe and positive science learning environment.
• Assessment
• Explain strategies for using assessment data to inform planning, instruction, and student learning.
• Student exploration
• Describe opportunities for learners to develop communication skills by asking and responding to questions.
• Questioning techniques
• Explain its purpose and provide at least 3 examples.
• Interactive technology
• Identify interactive technology tools, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), and explain how you would use the tools to foster a culture where learners take ownership of their learning goals.
• Real-world connection
• Explain ways to connect to real-world experiences through experiential learning, such as VR. Provide examples.
Teaching STEM in the Elementary Classroom: Science and Engineering Practices
Introduction
Briefly introduce the importance of STEM education and its impact on students’ future success.
Explain the focus of the presentation: showcasing three science and engineering practices for teaching STEM in the elementary classroom.
Science and Engineering Practice 1: Engineering by Design
Define engineering by design and its relevance in the elementary classroom.
Classroom Setup and Student Grouping:
Arrange the classroom to create designated engineering spaces or stations.
Group students in small teams to encourage collaboration and problem-solving.
Student Collaboration:
Implement collaborative learning structures, such as think-pair-share or jigsaw activities.
Encourage students to work together, share ideas, and divide tasks.
Safety:
Establish clear safety guidelines and rules for engineering activities.
Provide appropriate safety equipment and supervision during hands-on tasks.
Assessment:
Use rubrics or checklists to assess students’ understanding of engineering concepts.
Use formative assessment strategies, such as observation or peer feedback, to inform instruction.
Science and Engineering Practice 2: Problem-Based Learning
Explain problem-based learning as an approach to engage students in real-world problem-solving.
Classroom Setup and Student Grouping:
Create flexible learning spaces that facilitate group work and collaboration.
Assign heterogeneous groups to encourage diverse perspectives and cooperative learning.
Student Collaboration:
Foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that values diverse ideas.
Promote active listening, effective communication, and teamwork skills.
Safety:
Address potential safety concerns related to specific problem-solving activities.
Emphasize safe practices and provide guidance on handling materials or equipment.
Assessment:
Use authentic assessments, such as project portfolios or presentations, to evaluate problem-solving skills.
Provide feedback that focuses on the process and critical thinking rather than just the final product.
Science and Engineering Practice 3: Discovery Learning
Discuss the benefits of discovery learning in promoting student engagement and inquiry.
Classroom Setup and Student Grouping:
Create a learning environment that encourages exploration and hands-on experiences.
Arrange materials and resources in accessible areas for independent investigation.
Student Collaboration:
Promote peer-to-peer collaboration through small group discussions or cooperative learning tasks.
Encourage students to share findings, ask questions, and offer support to their peers.
Safety:
Establish clear safety rules and guidelines for independent exploration activities.
Provide appropriate safety equipment and supervision during hands-on investigations.
Assessment:
Use formative assessments, such as journals or concept maps, to document students’ discoveries.
Utilize open-ended questions and prompts to assess critical thinking and understanding.
Interactive Technology Tools and Virtual Reality (VR)
Introduce interactive technology tools, such as Labster VR, as powerful resources for enhancing STEM education.
Explain how these tools can foster a culture of ownership in learners’ learning goals:
Allow students to explore virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios.
Facilitate interactive experiences that promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Real-World Connection:
Connect virtual reality experiences with real-world applications through experiential learning.
Provide examples of how VR can be used to explore scientific concepts or engineering challenges.
Conclusion
Summarize the three science and engineering practices for teaching STEM in the elementary classroom: engineering by design, problem-based learning, and discovery learning.
Highlight the importance of classroom setup, student collaboration, safety measures, assessment strategies, student exploration, questioning techniques, interactive technology, and real-world connections.
Emphasize the potential of these practices in engaging students, fostering critical thinking skills, and preparing them for future STEM opportunities.