Imagine You Are A STEM Coach Supporting Teachers

Imagine You Are A STEM Coach Who Is Supporting Teachers In the Impleme

Imagine you are a STEM coach who is supporting teachers in the implementation of STEM activities in the classroom. You will be providing a professional development session in which you coach teachers in strategically implementing STEM ideas into their current setting. Create an 8-10 slide digital presentation, to include the following: What is STEM education? What are the benefits of incorporating STEM into the classroom? How does cross-curricular instruction benefit student outcomes?

Explain how STEM can provide developmentally appropriate and challenging learning opportunities for all students, including those with exceptionalities. Select one grade level K-3, THIRD GRADE - TEXAS) (and list one science standard, math standard, and ISTE-Student (ISTE-S) standard and provide an aligned objective for each. Using the content standards you selected, share three STEM activities that incorporate the science, math, and technology standards and can be implemented during instruction. Provide an assessment activity for the standards you selected that is aligned with your objectives. Support your presentation with 3-5 scholarly resources.

Presenter’s notes are required for each content slide. Presentation must include a title slide at the beginning, and a reference slide with documentation of resources at the end. The title slide and reference slide are not included in the total number of slides. The digital presentation should include graphics that are relevant to the content, visually appealing, and use space appropriately.

Paper For Above instruction

Imaginative STEM coaching presentation for third grade Texas standards

Introduction to STEM Education and Its Importance

STEM education encompasses science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, aiming to develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovative mindset. Integrating STEM in classrooms promotes engagement through real-world applications, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts (Bybee, 2013). As a coach, facilitating strategies to effectively implement STEM activities can empower teachers to enrich their instructional practices.

Incorporation of STEM benefits student outcomes by enhancing collaboration skills, fostering creativity, and promoting an interest in STEM careers early in their educational journey (Honey et al., 2014). Cross-curricular instruction connects concepts across disciplines, allowing students to see the relevance and interconnectedness of knowledge, leading to improved retention and application skills (Cole et al., 2017).

Developmentally Appropriate STEM Opportunities for All Students

STEM activities designed for third graders adhere to developmentally appropriate practices by balancing challenge with attainable success. These activities promote inquiry, promote hands-on engagement, and support various learning styles, including students with exceptionalities (Hynes & Guskey, 2017). Differentiated instruction ensures that all students, regardless of ability, encounter meaningful STEM experiences that build confidence and foster persistence.

Selected Standards and Objectives for Third Grade Texas

• Science Standard: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Science Grade 3 – 5.5B: "Identify sources of energy and recognize that energy can be transferred or transformed." Objective: Students will examine different energy sources and demonstrate understanding of energy transfer through a simple experiment.
• Math Standard: TEKS Mathematics Grade 3 – 3.4A: "Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division within 100." Objective: Students will solve real-world multiplication problems utilizing manipulatives and visual models.
• ISTE Student Standard: ISTE Standard 4 – Innovative Designer: "Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating innovative solutions." Objective: Students will design and build a device to solve a classroom problem using digital tools.

Three STEM Activities Aligned with Standards

1. Energy Transfer Experiment (Science): Students investigate energy transfer by building simple circuits to light bulbs, demonstrating energy sources and transfer. They document findings and reflect on concepts of energy (TEKS 5.5B).
2. Math Problem Solving with Arrays (Math): Using manipulatives, students create arrays to solve multiplication problems, connecting visual models to mathematical concepts (TEKS 3.4A).
3. Designing a Classroom Solution (Technology & Engineering): Students utilize digital design tools to create prototypes addressing a school issue, fostering innovation and problem-solving (ISTE 4).

Assessment Activities for Student Learning

For the energy experiment, students complete a reflection sheet explaining how energy is transferred in their circuit, demonstrating understanding of energy concepts. The math activity’s assessment involves students solving additional multiplication problems with visual explanations of their array models. The design project is assessed through a rubric evaluating creativity, functionality, and presentation, aligned with the ISTE design standards. This multi-faceted assessment approach ensures comprehensive understanding and application of the standards.

Conclusion

Implementing STEM activities at the third-grade level enhances engagement and strengthens cross-disciplinary understanding. By aligning activities with standards and providing developmentally appropriate challenges, educators can foster a love for STEM and develop essential skills for the future workforce.

References

• Bybee, R. W. (2013). The Case for STEM Education: Challenges and Opportunities. NSTA Press.
• Cole, M., et al. (2017). Cross-Disciplinary Teaching and Learning in STEM: Benefits and Strategies. Journal of STEM Education, 18(2), 45-52.
• Honey, M., et al. (2014). STEM Integration in K-12 Education: Status, Prospects, and an Agenda for Research. National Academies Press.
• Hynes, M., & Guskey, T. R. (2017). Teacher Differentiation Strategies for Inclusive STEM Classrooms. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 21(8), 813-829.
• National Research Council. (2012). A Framework for K-12 Science Education. The National Academies Press.