MORE EVENTS
Leadership
Exchange
Solutions
Summit
Change display time — Currently: Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) (Event time)

Putting the 'E' in integrative STEM instruction

,

Listen and learn: Edtalk
Recorded Session
Virtual Session
Save to My Favorites

Presenters

Photo
Dr. Erika Neuman
Educator
iSTEMmentors
@teamneuman
Dr. Erika Neuman is a champion for early exposure to integrative STEM and an inspiring innovator in PreK-5 education with 20 years of classroom teaching experience. With a background in technology integration, blended learning, and STEM education, Dr. Neuman has mentored new and experienced teachers in best teaching practices. She has presented at national conferences, leadership summits, and university classrooms. She is also the founder of a STEM mentorship program to support elementary classroom teachers in their efforts to integrate STEM into their instruction. She is passionate about helping others develop a growth mindset and embrace challenges to foster learning and leadership.

Session description

We have learned the scientific process, but how many people know the engineering design process? It can be key to integrative STEM, allowing for the seamless inclusion of science, math, and technology. In this session, it is highlighted as the cog to enhance integrative STEM in your classroom.

Purpose & objective

PURPOSE The purpose of this session is to guide participants in efforts to integrate engineering into their STEM and multidisciplinary instruction.
OBJECTIVES
> Participants will understand the role and importance of teaching engineering in elementary grades.
> Participants will convert a traditional classroom activity into an engineering task.
> Participants will learn the benefits of integrative STEM and engineering in K-5 classrooms.
> Participants will experience hands-on integrative STEM highlighting the inclusion of engineering.
> Participants will explore the parallels between the engineering design process, ISTE standards, and NGSS.

More [+]

Outline

1. Ice breaker - 5 minutes
Online survey on Slido.com
Collect information regarding participants’ positions and years of experience
2. Introduction - 5 minutes
Agenda & Objectives
Presenter introduction
Defining engineering
3. Understanding engineering in elementary education - 10 minutes
Importance of engineering in elementary classrooms
Role of engineering in building critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Comparing scientific process and engineering design process
4. Benefits of integrating engineering into instruction - 5 minutes
Engage and motivate all students
Develop 21st century skills
Real world application of knowledge
Career exploration
5. Key components of engineering in elementary classrooms - 10 minutes
Hands-on activities
Multidisciplinary (STEM)
Inquiry-based learning
Collaboration
Creativity
6. Sample engineering activities - 15 minutes
Model of incorporating engineering into existing curriculum
Demonstrate hands-on experience for participants
Assessing student progress and understanding
7. Q&A and discussion - 5 minutes
Address participants questions
Share online resources
8. Evaluation and Closing - 5 minutes
Provide link for online feedback
Participant reflection: What is one thing you can do to integrate engineering into your instruction
Share my contact information

More [+]

Supporting research

Cunningham, Christine M. Engineering in Elementary Stem Education: Curriculum Design, Instruction, Learning, and Assessment. Teachers College Press, 2017.

Daugherty, Michael K., Vinson Carter, and Lindsey Swagerty. “Elementary STEM Education: The Future for Technology and Engineering Education?” Journal of STEM Teacher Education 49, no. 1 (2014).

National Research Council, National Academy of Engineering, and Committee on K.-12 Engineering Education. Engineering in K-12 Education: Understanding the Status and Improving the Prospects. Edited by Linda Katehi, Greg Pearson, and Michael Feder. National Academies Press, 2009.

Nesmith, Suzanne M., and Sandi Cooper. “Engineering Process as a Focus: STEM Professional Development with Elementary STEM‐focused Professional Development Schools.” School Science & Mathematics 119, no. 8 (December 2019): 487–98.

More [+]

Session specifications

Topic:
Innovation in early childhood/elementary
Grade level:
PK-5
Skill level:
Beginner
Audience:
Principals/head teachers, Professional developers, Teachers
Attendee devices:
Devices required
Attendee device specification:
Laptop: Chromebook, Mac, PC
Tablet: Android, iOS, Windows
Participant accounts, software and other materials:
Participants will access the following websites but do not need to have anything loaded or set up accounts on their devices to engage:
Slido.com
Parlayideas.com
Subject area:
Career and technical education, STEM/STEAM
ISTE Standards:
For Educators:
Learner
  • Stay current with research that supports improved student learning outcomes, including findings from the learning sciences.
Designer
  • Design authentic learning activities that align with content area standards and use digital tools and resources to maximize active, deep learning.
For Students:
Innovative Designer
  • Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.
Related exhibitors:
Happy Numbers inc

People also viewed

Packed with Potential: Engaging All Students with Learning Bentos
Ten+One Ways to Save Time by Integrating Technology
The IT Girls: Tech Solutions for ELL and Students with Disabilities