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