Looking to plan a STEM class or program for grades K - 8? Not sure where to start?
Read below for guidance on the scope and sequence of a STEM class, plus resources, and examples for planning a STEM curriculum map for elementary and middle school grades.
But first, what is STEM?
STEM transforms classrooms into an exciting world of curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. Students take ownership of their learning and become actively engaged in the curriculum. Project-based learning is fundamental to STEM, and it shows how the scientific method and engineering design process can be applied to everyday life. Students gain a critical understanding of solving problems based on real-world connections. Negative connotations of STEM are removed, which not only encourages more students to pursue STEM careers, but it fosters a population more open to analysis and exploration of the world around us. Read on for guidance on planning out a STEM curriculum or click for a specific section.
Scope of a K-8 STEM Class
What exactly should you put in a STEM curriculum? The answer can vary across schools with some focusing on the Next Generation Science Standards that include engineering practices or following the ISTE technology standards. Here is what we propose are key areas of STEM education.
Engineering: Students apply math and science to solve an engineering problem using technology. Educators should recognize the difference in science and engineering fields - here is a great post about it: Scientific Method vs. Engineering Design Process: Which is used in STEM learning?
So what exactly is engineering about? The recently released Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning provides standards for engineering courses, and we broke it down in our post here: Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning. Teaching engineering includes engineering practices such as the engineering design process and the application of engineering knowledge in a way that represents authentic engineering.
Real-World STEM: All STEM challenges should incorporate STEM career connections and present problems based on real-world scenarios. Students then become excited about STEM pathways and are inspired to pursue STEM careers, thus fulfilling an important goal of STEM education. This can be accomplished with career exploration activities, connecting lessons to real-world scenarios, bringing in guest speakers and mentors, studying engineering case studies, and discussing current events. Click here for a post on career classroom activities.
Habits of Mind: All students need to gain critical 21st-century skills to succeed in school and beyond. Examples of these skills include collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity, persistence, and conscientiousness. Read here about engineering habits of mind.
Sequence of a K-8 STEM Class
Now that you have an idea of what to teach, what is the best way to organize a STEM class? We recommend the 3 Stages of STEM, which guides students towards building a foundation of STEM skills and confidence in STEM subjects.
Read more about the 3 Stages of STEM
Watch a video on the 3 Stages of STEM
Download the flyer on the 3 Stages of STEM
Access slides to implement professional development from our free resource library
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Vivify’s K-8 Scope & Sequence
Need more guidance on planning your K-8 STEM curriculum? We have mapped out Vivify’s lessons across grades K - 8 below to give you a starting point! To make a copy of this spreadsheet, click here. More resources: