With the continuing change of job opportunities and demands within the twenty-first century, so must our teaching methods of delivering curriculum within the classroom. Those entering the workforce in the future will need experience within a variety of disciplines, especially those within the subjects of science and mathematics. To compliment these growing disciplines, many teachers have introduced a variety of activities within their classroom that focus and revolve around STEM Education. By definition, STEM Education “is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines-science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, in an interdisciplinary and applied approach” (Live Science Website). Not only does STEM education compliment our ever-changing job environment, it also gives students the opportunity to work hands-on and in groups to both build and design curriculum related culminating tasks. Being an intermediate teacher for the last few years, I have had the opportunity to use STEM education within my grade 7 and 8 science and mathematics programs.
Grade 7 STEM Activity - Curriculum Connections - Structures/Measurement
Grade 7 students were asked to design a structure that would accommodate and hold their choice of either a video game, CD or DVD case. They were put in groups ranging from two to five students and were asked to first design a structure on paper, then build it using only newspaper and masking tape. Each case must be able to support and enclose five to eight cases. Each group was given criteria to follow based on the size of their group and were given in-class time to build their structure collaboratively. While building and designing it was important for students to apply their knowledge in measurement within the math curriculum, as well as, what they had learned in the structures unit in science. This would ensure their structure was both structurally stable and aesthetically pleasing. Grade 8 STEM Activity - Curriculum Connections - Systems and Action/Measurement
Grade 8 students were similarly asked to design a structure, however, their end product needed to be able to propel an object from the standing position. Students began to design a number of different types of catapults that would launch an object the size of a cotton ball. Within groups of two to five, students were given a choice of materials such as popsicle sticks, tape, glue, springs, spoons, and elastics. For their catapult to be successful, students needed to apply their knowledge in angles within mathematics, as well as, what they learned about simple machines and force during science class. This STEM activity acted as a rich learning experience for students because they were able to take what they had just learned and applied it using a hands-on approach. As a class, we then tested our catapults and then measured the distance each catapult was able to launch their object from a variety of angles. To consolidate our learning, we discussed as a class what they thought were the reasons why some catapults launched the farthest distance and then made curriculum connections to what they learned in science and math class.
I hope these activities give you some ideas about how to incorporate the science and math curriculum in a fun and hands-on way. It also serves as a great opportunity to allow students to work collaboratively with their peers in the classroom setting.
Here are some links to some units I have created that incorporate STEM Education.
Feel free to check them out!
Sincerely,
Teacher-guy
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