Abstract:
Introduction: Amy Kuntz, a 4th grade teacher at Frank E. Schall Elementary in Caro will address student perceptions concerning STEM and utilize a variety of kits and new technology tools to support current elementary technology, science, math, and engineering standards throughout this year-long project.
Problem Statement: This project will address three problem areas. First, being in a low income rural area, students are not exposed to the wide variety of careers and opportunities that exist in STEM fields. Secondly, especially in the elementary setting, students lack the opportunities to problem solve and expand their critical thinking skills. Lastly, students often do not see how the things they learn in school apply to the real world.
Procedures: Ms. Kuntz intends to augment the current curriculum in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math through various experiments and applications. The project will also feature a component to address student perceptions of STEM and STEM careers through lessons and videos. Although STEM career videos are available, Ms. Kuntz has already started to build a database of videos by pooling the resources of friends, family, and the community to create a greater student connection to these individuals.
Results: The expected results are that students will improve their perceptions of STEM and STEM careers, as well as developing a greater understanding of science, technology, engineering, math, problem solving, and critical thinking.
Conclusion: Through the use of STEM-related experiments and STEM career-centered lessons, students will gain real world knowledge and experience in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.
Introduction: Amy Kuntz, a 4th grade teacher at Frank E. Schall Elementary in Caro will address student perceptions concerning STEM and utilize a variety of kits and new technology tools to support current elementary technology, science, math, and engineering standards throughout this year-long project.
Problem Statement: This project will address three problem areas. First, being in a low income rural area, students are not exposed to the wide variety of careers and opportunities that exist in STEM fields. Secondly, especially in the elementary setting, students lack the opportunities to problem solve and expand their critical thinking skills. Lastly, students often do not see how the things they learn in school apply to the real world.
Procedures: Ms. Kuntz intends to augment the current curriculum in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math through various experiments and applications. The project will also feature a component to address student perceptions of STEM and STEM careers through lessons and videos. Although STEM career videos are available, Ms. Kuntz has already started to build a database of videos by pooling the resources of friends, family, and the community to create a greater student connection to these individuals.
Results: The expected results are that students will improve their perceptions of STEM and STEM careers, as well as developing a greater understanding of science, technology, engineering, math, problem solving, and critical thinking.
Conclusion: Through the use of STEM-related experiments and STEM career-centered lessons, students will gain real world knowledge and experience in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.