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.
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.
Full Answer Section
Slide 3: Science and engineering practices
The following science and engineering practices are essential for teaching STEM in the elementary classroom:
- Engineering by design: Engineering by design is a process of solving problems by designing, building, testing, and improving solutions.
- Problem-based learning: Problem-based learning is a teaching approach that centers on students solving real-world problems.
- Discovery learning: Discovery learning is a teaching approach that emphasizes student exploration and inquiry.
Slide 4: Engineering by design
The engineering by design process can be used to teach a variety of STEM concepts. For example, students could design and build a bridge to learn about forces and structures. Or, they could design and build a water filter to learn about water purification.
Slide 5: Problem-based learning
Problem-based learning is a great way to engage students in STEM learning. For example, students could solve the problem of how to design a playground that is both safe and fun. Or, they could solve the problem of how to reduce energy consumption in the school.
Slide 6: Discovery learning
Discovery learning is a great way to encourage students to explore and learn on their own. For example, students could investigate the properties of different materials by conducting experiments. Or, they could research different types of animals and plants by visiting a zoo or botanical garden.
Slide 7: Classroom setup and student grouping
When teaching STEM in the elementary classroom, it is important to create a classroom environment that is conducive to hands-on learning and collaboration. This may involve rearranging the furniture to create more open space, or setting up different stations where students can work on different activities.
It is also important to group students in a way that promotes collaboration and learning. For example, students could be grouped by ability level, interest, or learning style.
Slide 8: Student collaboration
Collaboration is an essential component of STEM learning. When students work together, they can share ideas, learn from each other, and solve problems more effectively.
There are a number of ways to implement collaborative student structures in the classroom. For example, students could work in pairs or small groups on projects or experiments. Or, they could participate in class discussions or debates.
Slide 9: Safety
Safety is always a top priority when teaching STEM in the elementary classroom. It is important to make sure that students are aware of the potential hazards and that they know how to use equipment safely.
It is also important to have safety rules and procedures in place. For example, students should always wear safety goggles when conducting experiments. And, they should always clean up after themselves and put away equipment properly.
Slide 10: Implementation ideas
Here are some specific ideas for implementing engineering by design, problem-based learning, and discovery learning in the elementary classroom:
Engineering by design:
- Students could design and build a bridge to learn about forces and structures.
- Students could design and build a water filter to learn about water purification.
- Students could design and build a rocket to learn about propulsion.
Problem-based learning:
- Students could solve the problem of how to design a playground that is both safe and fun.
- Students could solve the problem of how to reduce energy consumption in the school.
- Students could solve the problem of how to clean up a polluted river.
Discovery learning:
- Students could investigate the properties of different materials by conducting experiments.
- Students could research different types of animals and plants by visiting a zoo or botanical garden.
- Students could explore different types of ecosystems by going on a field trip.
Slide 11: Conclusion
Teaching STEM in the elementary classroom is a great way to prepare students for success in the 21st century workforce. By using science and engineering practices such as engineering by design, problem-based learning, and discovery learning, teachers can create a classroom environment where students can learn and grow.
Slide 12: Questions?
Interactive technology tools and virtual reality (VR) applications in education
Interactive technology tools and VR applications can be used to create immersive learning experiences that can enhance STEM education. For example, students could use Labster VR to conduct virtual experiments or to explore different ecosystems.
How to utilize immersive reality in curriculum planning and instruction
One way to utilize immersive reality in curriculum planning and instruction is to use