Science, technology, engineering, and math (abbreviated as STEM) are often seen as difficult subjects to teach and incorporate into the classroom. Some view such activities as time-consuming, and others believe too much expertise is required. However, integrating relevant STEM activities into the classroom produces many benefits for teachers and students alike. Here's four unique reasons STEM should be a priority in lesson planning:
1. Cover multiple standards
Think that a STEM lesson is inefficient?
Think again!
The STEM field covers a vast amount of material, making it easy to connect to other subject matter. Due to this, a wide variety of standards can be covered in a single lesson.
For example, the first step of the scientific method is research. This requires students to find books and articles about the project they intend to pursue, then understand and summarize their readings to improve their own solution.
Scientists also write research reports after they are done with their experiment to share the knowledge they have gained with others. Modelling this in the classroom is a great way for students to practice their writing skills and use new vocabulary they may have learned during the lesson.
Depending on the particular activity, mathematical concepts can be practiced as well. Let's use the Egg Drop activity as an example.
To get a good idea of what designs might work well before construction begins, students must research possible designs. They might watch YouTube videos of others performing the experiment, or read articles people have published.
After the research phase, they must build a contraption of their own. Students must measure the egg to assemble something with the correct dimensions, or use fractions to cut a single straw into four pieces.
When the whole class is finished with their inventions, the students watch as their contraption falls. They may present their design process to the class afterward, explaining what went well and what could be improved upon. Then, they would go back and make the necessary changes with the intention of bettering their performance in the competition.
Within one lesson, students did research, measured, divided, presented, and used the design process to create a tangible product.
The possibilities are endless.
2. Connect subjects
The applications of the STEM field are so broad that connecting a single lesson to other concepts is quite easy.
In the above example of the Egg Drop activity, students used their English skills to research and write a report. They may combine presentation and public speaking skills as well, if they are sharing their design with their class.
By incorporating measurement and division into the construction of a product, students have a fun way to practice their mathematics.
Many students may also request trades with other groups if they need more of a certain material. If they don't think of this idea on their own, students are very likely to jump on it if introduced by the teacher. This introduces concepts in social studies, such as interdependency and economics.
Often, STEM activities don't end in a single, defined answer. The Egg Drop will show that multiple contraptions successfully protect the egg, demonstrating to students that a variety of solutions to real-world problems can be valid. This allows them the opportunity to justify their own ideas and conclusions while also being creative. After all, a parachute may work just as well as their friend's shock-absorbing padding as long as the eggshell remains whole!
3. Provide a strong foundation
A firm grasp of math and science is critical to the overall development of a student. In fact, early mathematical ability is a stronger predictor of future academic achievement than early literacy or attention skills. The available activities are fun, project-based ways to develop these types of skills.
Studies have also shown that improvements to a classroom's STEM curriculum translates to improvements in other subjects as well - in 2012, a pre-kindergarten math program called Building Blocks was implemented and analyzed. Researchers measured oral language capabilities, and found improvements in four different measures of testing.
In essence, the development of a STEM curriculum will benefit students in other areas of school as well.
4. Develop 21st Century skills
Experimentation allows students to think critically and develop creative solutions to given problems. In the Egg Drop activity, how do they know which design is best? They don't - at least not from the get-go. They must undergo multiple trials and revisions to find a working solution.
This process of thinking teaches students reasoning and analytical skills - why did they choose to use their plastic bag as a parachute instead of padding? During the second trial, how did they decide what changes to make?
Many of the provided competitions require a group setting, allowing students to improve upon their communication and collaboration skills. They must reconcile many opinions and perspectives into a single product, all within a limited time period. In order to win, students must work together to collectively design and build a solution - quarrlesome teams will run out of time!
Perhaps most importantly, students learn that a single, perfect solution may not exist. Rather than learning to reach an answer through the same method again and again, students learn how to adapt and overcome setbacks. They have the chance to be creative, as diversity of thought often produces the best solutions. If their egg cracks into a yolky mess, what can be improved in the next round? What did their neighbors do that they didn't? Why?
In conclusion, integration of STEM curriculum into elementary education brings many benefits for students and teachers alike. The sooner it is implemented, the more benefits our future students and society will reap.
Sources
[1] Duncan, G. J., et al. “School Readiness and Later Achievement.” Developmental Psychology, vol. 43, no. 6, 2007, pp. 1428-46. Accessed 27 Mar. 2020.
[2] Lesseig, Kristin, et al. “Jumping on the STEM Bandwagon: How Middle Grades Students and Teachers Can Benefit from STEM Experiences.” Middle School Journal, vol. 48, no. 3, 2017, pp. 15–24. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/44320367. Accessed 27 Mar. 2020.
[3] Linder, Sandra M., et al. “STEM Use in Early Childhood Education: Viewpoints From the Field.” YC Young Children, vol. 71, no. 3, 2016, pp. 87–91. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/ycyoungchildren.71.3.87. Accessed 27 Mar. 2020.
[4] Sarma, J. et al. “The Impacts of an Early Mathematics Curriculum on Oral Language and Literacy.” Harly Childhood Research Quarterly, vol. 27, no. 3, 2012, pp. 489-502. Accessed 27 March 2020.