The Teacher’s Survival Guide to Launching a S.T.E.M. Program

The Teacher’s Survival Guide to Launching a S.T.E.M. Program

The traditional technology and computer classrooms are steadily giving way to S.T.E.M. programs (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). If you are a computer instructor, you may now find yourself being forced out of your comfort zone and into an unfamiliar place. If you are asking yourself, “Now what?” then read on; it’s probably not as bad as you think.

Okay, take a deep breath and relax.  We’ll get through this thing together.  Instead of looking at the transition as a daunting task, embrace the change.  Building a S.T.E.M. lab from scratch can be a challenge, but you will find it to be a rewarding experience and one that will give you a sense of accomplishment.

1. Research

Fortunately, for educators, there is no shortage of research material.  Start by hanging out at your local book seller.  Browse the do-it-yourself sections.  There are many S.T.E.M. project ideas that can emanate from home improvement guides.  Simple carpentry projects require measuring (math), designing (engineering,) and tool usage (technology).  If you are building a birdhouse, you could even incorporate the science of the habitat.  Electrical circuits can include a simple design, added switches, multiple loads etc.  Inexpensive PVC pipes and connectors can be used to demonstrate how plumbing works.  These projects not only integrate the elements of S.T.E.M., but they can lead to desperately needed job skills and vocational careers.

Search online.  Many teachers have recorded videos on their favorite S.T.E.M. projects, successful experiences, and even the best places to shop for materials.  Join STEM forums like the National Science Teaching Association.

Interview others already in the S.T.E.M. field.  Do not limit your scope to fellow teachers.  Branch out your contacts to include engineers, builders, people in the medical field, etc.  Not only will you get inspiration for interesting and engaging projects, but you may gain potential class speakers as well.

Check your state department of education’s learning standards for science, math and technology.  As you attempt to fulfill the requirements of the standards, you will notice that your projects develop.

Hold discussions with your students.  Ask them about their interests.  Their input may lead to project ideas.  For example, if they like video games, then plan a lesson around video game design.  This can include not only the coding, but also the physics of the game, the artistry of the sprites, the backgrounds and more.  If the students have input in the projects they will be doing, they are more likely to be engaged in the learning process.

2. Planning

Design your lab space.  Plan your area to have a place for students to build and create.  This includes an open area for planning and drawing.  There should be a method of presenting the finished work and ideas to others.  Also, reserve a place for storage.  As more project ideas come rolling in, you will need a place to display them as well as a place to house materials.  Some materials are consumable and will need to be re-ordered, so keep track of these.

Sketch the vision of your makerspace.  Include a work bench, tool storage, and a place for parts, bits, and bobs.  Allow room for a 3D printer and computer workstation.

You do not need to reinvent the wheel.  Your own original ideas will come with time, as you get more comfortable in the process.  For now, it’s alright to borrow ideas from others.

3. Resources

There are places to go and people to see.  Make a trip to your local hobby store.  You will not only find project ideas and kits readily available off the shelf, but you will most likely find a store clerk willing to give you and your school an educator or bulk discount on purchases.  They may even be kind enough to donate to your cause.

Sites like New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning offer free downloadable content including pre-packaged lesson plans, presentations and worksheets for science, mathematics, and technology for every grade level.  This makes S.T.E.M. life easier – especially in the younger grades.

4. Budgeting

Money is tight and you are running the S.T.E.M. program on a shoestring budget.  Perhaps you cannot afford to order out of those expensive catalogs.  Not to worry.  You can acquire most of your supplies for cheap of even for nothing.  Use the catalogs for ideas.  Perhaps there are some kits you can re-create yourself for much less.  This goes back to the planning phase.  Design your projects to use inexpensive or recycled materials.  Your shopping list may include products from the dollar store.  Wood is generally inexpensive and forgiving when it comes to building small crafts.  Set up a donation bin at your school and let parents know what you need – paper towel rolls, empty cans, water battles, … whatever.  Don’t be embarrassed to garbage-pick.  You never know what you might find driving around town after a garage sale.

5. Projects

Your S.T.E.M. projects might be created for individual grade levels or designed around a theme.  Theme-based projects are those that carry over to multiple class periods or even an entire marking period.  Theme-based lessons can include carpentry, electricity, food science, robotics, bridge engineering, and rocketry, to name a few.  Individual grade level projects are usually smaller lessons.  They may be attached to a theme but are designed to be done in one class session or period.  These types of lessons could include a quick build from a ready-made kit or a lab experiment.

Keep records of your lesson plans so you can refer to your materials list for future orders and make notes and modifications for future lessons.

6. Promoting

Now that you’ve got your S.T.E.M. program well underway, it’s time to think about spreading the word.  This is not only great public relations for your school, but it can give your students a great boost to their self-image as they demonstrate what they can do.

Host competitions at your school.  Invite other schools in your community to participate in robotics, bridge-building, S.T.E.M. showcases, Innovation fairs – whatever it takes to show off what your students can do. Trep$, the Entrepreneurship Education Program for grades 4 through 8, is a great way to have students market their project ideas.  It also serves as an end-goal for your S.T.E.M. program.  It’s a way for students to work on their communication skills as they must discuss the design and engineering that went into making their product as they try to get others to buy it.

Have a Family S.T.E.M. Night at your school.  Invite parents to attend.  Get teacher volunteers willing to demonstrate some fun and interactive projects. Use this time to inform parents about your program and the great things you are doing.

And, as always, check back here at the Plymouth Rock Teachers’ Lounge for future articles on S.T.E.M. lesson plans for your school.