STEM Concepts

local businesses, schools, or environmental causes using an integrated STEM approach.

Extension

Capstone or Innovation Projects :

●​ Have students identify a community problem and use the full STEM process (research, design, prototype, test, refine) to develop a solution. Example: Improve stormwater drainage near their school or develop an app to reduce food waste. ●​ Encourage students to present projects at STEM fairs, pitch competitions, or school board/community showcases. Cross-Disciplinary Career Exploration : ●​ Host a “STEM Careers in Action” project where students research a career (e.g., biomedical engineer, geospatial analyst), interview with a professional, and demonstrate how science, technology, engineering, and math are used in the field. Global STEM Challenge : ●​ Participate in or simulate a global competition such as NASA’s Engineering Design Challenge, Science Fair, or FIRST Lego League. STEM in the News & Debate : ●​ Students track current events involving STEM issues (e.g., AI ethics, space exploration, climate policy) and host structured debates or write position papers evaluating impacts, trade offs, and solutions.

Resources/ Suggested Lesson(s) Suggested Lessons : ●​ Standards for Technology and Engineering Literacy Video ●​ PBS Learning: Knowledge of Technology Videos Resources : Lab & Experiment Tools : Microscopes, beakers, test tubes, pH and water quality kits, digital sensors (e.g., Vernier, PASCO)​ Prototyping & Makerspace Supplies : Cardboard, foam board, hot glue guns, LEGOs, string, motors, recyclables, 3D printers, laser cutters​ Digital & Coding Tools : Tinkercad, Scratch, Arduino IDE, CAD software, Canva​