Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) based careers are a growing segment in the U.S. job market; however, the United States currently lacks the talent to fill a portion of these positions. Integrating STEM into the K-12 curriculum is imperative if the United States is to cultivate this talent from within. This course, STEM for All, outlines the value of integrating STEM into the curriculum at each grade level and offers examples of ways that STEM has been integrated into the classroom and through cocurricular opportunities.
Additionally, this course emphasizes that STEM integration needs to move beyond just the math and science classroom and students who seek it out. Educators need to make sure it is accessible to all students, including those who are presently underrepresented in STEM-based careers. STEM components need to be a part of curriculum and assessments to ensure success beyond the classroom.
STEM is essential to the continued growth of our nation; therefore it should be encouraged and accessible to all students, in all arenas.
Course Objectives
- Explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in K–12 education.
- Compare the presence of a STEM education to its absence.
- Describe the four elements that advance STEM learning.
- Develop ways to make STEM more accessible and achievable in demographic groups that are underrepresented in STEM education and careers.
- Analyze barriers to STEM education for underrepresented groups and design programs and ways to overcome the barriers.
- Design curricula that incorporate STEM education.
- Apply components of a rich STEM curriculum to lesson design.
- Integrate curriculum components that engage students in STEM education by sparking interest and incorporating relevance.
- Design a unit that is engaging and interesting to students in an effort to attract them to STEM.
- Gauge STEM learning using authentic assessments.
- Design assessments that diagnose and measure student learning of STEM.
- Compare career paths to STEM fundamentals.
- Design career exploration programs for students.
Syllabus
(ASCD PD Online course, 2014) Self-paced asynchronous online course. Upon completion, learners will be awarded an ASCD Certificate worth up to 20 Clock Hours.