STEM Culture is something that is developed over time through intentional strategies which highlight STEM careers, STEM skills, and the interconnectivity of the world around us all. Each month we are highlighting some of the strategies we see in classrooms from our DEN and STEM educators building pathways for their colleagues to implement a STEM culture.
“Engineering with STEM Bins“
Inspired by: Elizabeth Olerich & Smokey Graff – Hickman Mills C-1 School District, MO
All students need enrichment opportunities in which they are allowed to be creative as they freely explore materials and ideas. STEM bins encourage students to engage, explore, and engineer through hands-on, open-ended experiences. The materials in STEM bins can enrich and extend critical thinking and problem solving for all students, not just early finishers.
“Virtual Career Chats”
Inspired by: Barbara Robinson, Garland ISD, TX & Kristina Spencer, DEPD, FL
Virtual Career Chats give students opportunities for real-world experiences beyond the walls of their classroom. Many times the career connections in the content we are studying are not found in our own localities. By connecting virtually to people beyond our local community, we are able to break down our four classrooms walls, as well as the confines of our city, state, or country. The possibilities and opportunities are limitless!