There is a growing movement in the U. S. to teach the integrative subjects of Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
STEM is gathering Steam!!!
What is STEM Education?
STEM is the integration of Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics into a new
trans-disciplinary subject in schools
STEM: Integrated or Separated?
Integrated STEM: The principles of science and the analysis of mathematics are combined with the design process of technology and engineering in the classroom.
Separated S.T.E.M.: Each subject is taught separately with the hope that the synthesis of disciplinary knowledge will be applied. This may be referred to as STEM being taught as “Silos”
National Content Standards
No integrated standards Individual Standards
ScienceBenchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS. 1989)National Science Education Standards (NRC, 1996) New Generation of Science Standard
MathematicsPrinciples and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM, 2000)
Individual Standards (Continued)
Engineering (None)Technology
Standards for Technological Literacy (STE)(ITEA ,2000,2002,2007)Technology and Engineering
State Standards - Varies by state
Common Core Standards
6Source:
Next Generation Science Standards
Conceptual Framework for Science EducationThe Conceptual Framework draft contains three dimensions:
Dimension I – Disciplinary Core IdeasDimension II – Cross Cutting ConceptsDimension III – Scientific and Engineering Practices
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8Source:
Integration of the Three Dimensions
Core IdeasPractices
Crosscutting Concepts
The practices are the processes of building and using the core ideas to make sense of the natural and designed world, and the cross cutting concepts hold the discipline together.
1. Scientific and 1. Scientific and Engineering PracticesEngineering Practices
• Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
• Developing and using models
• Planning and carrying out investigations
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Using mathematics and computational thinking
• Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
• Engaging in argument from evidence
• Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information 9
2. Crosscutting Concepts2. Crosscutting Concepts
1. Patterns
2. Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation Scale, proportion, and quantity
3. Systems and system models
4. Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation
5. Structure and function
6. Stability and change
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3. Core Disciplinary Ideas3. Core Disciplinary Ideas
Physical SciencesPS1: Matter and its interactions
PS2: Motion and stability: Forces and interactions
PS3: Energy
PS4: Waves and their applications in technologies for information transfer
Life SciencesLS1: From molecules to organisms: Structures and processes
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, energy, and dynamics
LS3: Heredity: Inheritance and variation of traits
LS4: Biological evolution: Unity and diversity
Earth and Space SciencesESS1: Earth’s place in the universe
ESS2: Earth’s systems
ESS3: Earth and human activity
Engineering, Technology, and Applications of ScienceETS1: Engineering design
ETS2: Links among engineering, technology, science, and society
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S2TEM Centers SC is a public/private/fee-for-service funded, not-for-profit, statewide support infrastructure for economic development through STEM education.
Things we might do for the State…
Support STEM schools
Assist with Math and Science Standards work
Support schools in need as identified by ESEA criteria.
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The STEM Center of Excellence at The Citadel
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Models?
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Laing Middle School
Moultrie Middle School
Elementary Program in Portsmouth, Virginia
6th Grade - AEROBASE AtlantisExploring aeronautical concepts, elementary physics and computer applications 5th Grade - ENVIROBASE AquariusInvestigating weather/climate, local water- sheds, and human impact on the environment 4th Grade - SPACEBASE AtlasDeveloping spatial skills studying geography, and cartography of the region