How to Teach STEM
Rockets, roller coasters, and space landers are exciting STEM challenges. But how do we turn them into intentional learning experiences?
Scroll below or click on a section to learn more:
What is STEM?
Defining STEM Education
You have been tasked with bringing STEM into your classroom, and you are excited to create a space of innovation, problem-solving, and curiosity. You want to inspire and prepare students for the future.
But a quick online search for “STEM activities” bombards you with tower challenges, cardboard art, popsicle catapults, robotics competitions, and even a balloon launch to space. Now you start to wonder—is everything STEM? How do you even begin? What makes an activity truly STEM?
This is exactly where our STEM journey began. Along the way, we’ve developed a philosophy to help make STEM learning intentional, and we’re excited to share our insights with you!
“The magic of STEM is when students apply math and science to solve an engineering problem using technology. ”
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. But a “STEM lesson” is not about checking the box for each subject. A science lesson is not STEM. A math problem is not STEM. Instead, in our STEM classroom, students apply math and science to develop a technological solution to an engineering problem.
Engineering is the integrating force of STEM.
We already have dedicated math, science, and often technology courses. Engineering brings something new. In our view, STEM education is engineering education.
Engineering teaches students to understand and engage with the human-made world.
We live in an engineered world—almost everything we touch has been thoughtfully designed by engineers to make our lives easier, healthier, and more enjoyable. Imagine the experience of driving a car, riding a roller coaster, or using a smartphone; each is made possible by engineering innovations that have transformed our daily lives. By understanding how these technologies work and their impacts, students gain the tools to interact more meaningfully with the world around them.
Just as science education sparks curiosity about the natural world, engineering education helps students make sense of the technology and innovations that shape their daily lives.
Engineering literacy is more than just building a catapult from craft sticks. Engineering is a discipline with a set of foundational skills and knowledge that are critical for every student. Read on to learn more!
What should I teach?
Engineering Foundations
Making
Engineering begins with hands-on exploration. Students develop intuition about material and structural properties, learn to use tools, and create new products.
Technology
Technology is more than just computers—it includes all human-designed products and systems. Students should learn about how these innovations work, their impact on society, and how they evolve over time.
Real World Applications
Students must connect engineering concepts to real-world contexts. By studying the human-designed world, they learn about practical considerations in design, engineering decisions, and the work of professional engineers.
Science
A strong foundation in science helps students understand how natural and human-made systems operate. They should apply relevant scientific principles and laws to engineering problems, reinforcing interdisciplinary connections.
Math
Mathematics is essential for engineering problem-solving. Students use math to analyze quantitative data, make design decisions, and apply mathematical tools to real-world problems.
Habits of Mind
Beyond technical skills, engineering requires a mindset of creativity, persistence, collaboration, and systems thinking. These foundational skills support not only engineering success but overall academic and life success.
Watch the video below on the Introduction to Vivify’s Framework for Engineering Learning.
Defining Learning Goals for STEM Classrooms
The recently released ASEE 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. However, this is for graduating high school students, and more scaffolding is needed for lower grades.
To support elementary and middle school grades, we need topics that are:
Accessible topics for younger students
Provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for more advanced engineering coursework and pathways.
Align with existing STEM classroom subjects.
For example, here are questions that promote engineering learning:
How do engineers make decisions about designs?
How do engineers influence the world around us?
How does engineering make our lives better?
How do technologies we use every day work?
What kinds of problems do engineers solve?
How can I solve an engineering problem?
Here are the key areas for engineering for elementary and middle school:
How do I teach with purpose?
Click here for a deep-dive into the 3 Stages of STEM including a video, PD slides, and a flyer.
Watch the video below to dive further into how to implement the 3 Stages of STEM through the Framework for Engineering Learning:
Sequence of a K-8 STEM Class
Now that you have an idea of what to teach, what is the best way to organize an engineering or STEM class? We recommend the 3 Stages of STEM.
Stage 1: Engineering Foundations
Stage 2: Engineering Design Challenges
Stage 3: Open-Ended Engineering Projects
How do these stages connect with the engineering foundations?
STAGE 1 aims to spark curiosity and lay a strong foundation for future STEM pathways. Students engage in hands-on, exploratory activities that build confidence and introduce critical STEM learning. For example, tower challenges, coding games, career exploration activities, science experiments, and building projects all promote engineering foundations. Activities often focus on a specific discipline to build competence and confidence.
STAGE 2 engages students in structured engineering challenges, where they apply science and math concepts to solve a well-defined problem. For example, students might design a heat shield to protect astronauts during re-entry, using chocolate as a stand-in for astronauts and a hair dryer as the heat source. With teacher support, teams investigate material conductivity and build a prototype through iterative practices.
STAGE 3 moves beyond structured challenges to open-ended, student-driven projects that require deeper research and navigating more complex systems like designing a space habitat, launching an experiment to the edge of space, or solving a community problem in with a technological solution. These interdisciplinary projects reflect real-world applications, are enhanced with feedback from STEM professionals, and encourage deeper critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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:
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