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What is STEM?

STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.  It involves a lot of hands-on, problem-based and performance-based activities that provide students with opportunities to collaborate with their peers, utilize and explore their creativity and apply their critical thinking skills. 

 

The main components of a STEM lesson / activity include:​

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  • A problem to solve  - ASK Q'S

  • Group collaboration  - IMAGINE & PLAN

  • Design challenge -  CREATE & TEST

  • Communication of findings - PRESENT

  • Reflection of solutions - REFLECT

  • Opportunity to redesign - IMPROVE

ngss Standards

K-2-ETS1 Engineering Design

K-2-ETS1-1.  Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. 

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K-2-ETS1-2.   Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

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K-2-ETS1-3.   Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

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3-5-ETS1 Engineering Design

3-5-ETS1-1.    Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

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3-5-ETS1-2.    Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

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3-5-ETS1-3.    Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

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​MS-ETS1 Engineering Design

MS-ETS1-1.    Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

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MS-ETS1-2.    Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

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MS-ETS1-3.    Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.


MS-ETS1-4.    Develop a model to generate data to test ideas about designed systems, including those representing inputs and outputs.

Project Lead The Way

K

Kindergarten

Structure & Function: Human Body
Structure & Function: Exploring Design
Pushes & Pulls
Animals & Algorithms

1

1st Grade

Animal Adaptations
Animated Storytelling
Light & Sound
Light: Observing the Sun, Moon, & Stars

2

2nd Grade

Grids & Games
Materials Science: Form & Function
Materials Science: Properties of Matter
The Changing Earth

3

3rd Grade

Programming Patterns
Stability & Motion: Forces & Interactions
Stability & Motion: Science of Flight
Variation of Traits

4

4th Grade

Energy: Collisions
Energy: Conversion
Input/Output: Computer Systems
Input/Output: Human Brain

5

5th Grade

Infection: Detection
Infection: Modeling & Simulation
Robotics & Automation
Robotics & Automation: Challenge

6

6th Grade

Middle School Engineering Design

Solar Car Models

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