Recently, ASU Prep Poly Teachers participated in an innovative, two-day STEM training entitled, "How to 'STEM' Your Classroom." The STEM Training focused on teaching methods for inspiring students of the future and allowed teachers to explore numerous digital tools (e.g. Google Expeditions) for creating engaging learning experiences that promote critical thinking and problem solving. Participants were introduced to the engineering design process immediately and had to put it into action by creating the tallest spaghetti and gumdrop structure. As part of the activity, groups had to respond to a problem and identify constraints, brainstorm ideas, create design plans, budget for and gather needed materials, construct their building according to the plan, and revise their plans as needed. It was a great way for teachers to work collaboratively while using their brain power to solve a problem! During the session, teachers defined STEM in their own terms and learned about the six essential elements of a great STEM Lesson according to educator Ann Jolly:
In addition, participants had the opportunity to explore STEM proficiency standards and various infusion approaches (cross-cutting, standards based, and thematic). Finally, teachers were introduced to several tools for assessing STEM projects. As the culminating activity, teachers created a STEM-infused lesson plan to implement in their classrooms. It was an amazing experience filled with collaboration, information sharing and brainstorming, and fun! Check out the picture gallery below!
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorJohn Sharp is the ASU Preparatory Academy Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Archives
May 2017
Categories |