Session 1: Exploring
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Description of Session 1
This session will explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through videos, narrated lectures, case studies and additional online resources. After completing this session, click on Session 2 to continue.
If this course is being taken to document Professional Development hours, use the checklist on the menu to the left.
Video Presentations
The three narrated interactive video presentations below introduce the concept of STEM.Click on the titles to load presentations:
- What is STEM? Learn the definition of STEM.
- STEM Barriers and Best Practices. Learn common problems and effective ways of implementing STEM.
- STEM in the Standards. Learn about how STEM meets state and national standards.
Scenarios
The following scenarios can be used to apply the concepts presented in the lectures. Read each short description and consider what the best practices would be in each situation.
Sample Discussion
Below is a sample of discussion questions that can be used when training faculty with the above materials. Document your responses for credit or Professional Development hours using the checklist in the menu to the left.
Now that you have read all four scenarios, choose one child and consider the following two questions:
- What barriers might this child be experiencing that are inhibiting STEM learning?
- What teaching approach(es) might be most successful or engaging to this child?
Recommended directions for online learners would be:
"Post your response [in the discussion section]. Once you have responded to both questions, post a reply to two other learners."
Resources
The following is a list of additional online resources for K-8 teachers:
- CAST: Center for Applied Special Technology. CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning.
- Universal Design Learning (UDL) at a Glance. This video from CAST demonstrates Universal Design for an increasingly diverse student population.
- The National PTA Guides for Student Success. The National Parent Teacher's Association (PTA) provides many resources including these guides for parents.
State Resources
The documents below were prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Education to describe Curriculum Framework and Standards for K-12 schools in Massachusetts (MA).
