STEAM Education Capstone

Below are a list of activities and assignments that were NOT Signature Assignments but still deserved a spotlight!

1. Discussion Question I

a. Select one Student and one Teacher ISTE Standard, (Student Standards, Teacher Standards, Education Leaders Standards) and explain why you have selected that standard . How would you use the selected standards to integrate Digital Portfolios at your school site or in your classroom. Respond to at least two of your peers' posts.

i. The ISTE Standard for Student that caught my eye was Empowered Learner, specifically 1a - Students articulate and set personal learning goals, develop strategies leveraging technology to achieve them and reflect on the learning process itself to improve learning outcomes. The ISTE Standard for Teachers that interested me was Designer, specifically 5a - Use technology to create, adapt, and personalize learner experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs. Both of these standards were chosen because they go hand-in-hand. Without the teacher creating lessons with intentional lesson plans with accommodations, students might not be able to reach their full potential and learning goals regardless of how engaging a lesson may be. However, this does not necessarily mean that students will not be able to reach their goals and develop strategies if there are no accommodations or modifications. Both of these standards can be integrated into my school site and classroom by being mindful when creating lessons such as scaffolding notes digitally as accommodations and in turn, students will be able to use technology to reach their goals. For example, if students are given the task of creating a rollercoaster, the teacher can assist students in finding reputable websites and resources to research rollercoasters. In addition, students will be able to develop strategies to understand information in different ways - such as thinking maps, Venn diagrams, or tables to organize information.

2. Discussion Question II

a. Select a subcomponent(s) of STEAM Integrated Education slide 7 for the theme of your equity event. Reflect and describe why you selected that particular subcomponent and what actions you would take to incorporate it in your event. Respond to at least two of your peers' posts.

i. Preparing students for the workforce is important as some students only want to graduate high school to join the workforce. For the equity event, the focus will be on addressing underrepresented student groups in STEAM by increasing access and resources to raise public awareness about skills needed in the workforce. All of these factors can be addressed in a STEAM Night at the school site. Students will be working on projects in their science classes that utilize the Engineering Design Process and any other projects they did in class and showcase/present their work during STEAM Night. In addition, there will be a booth will let parents/guardians/students to write down notes for student's projects and things they loved about it. Another booth (if possible) will have former students of MVUSD visit and discuss how they were inspired to pursue their career that uses EDP/ Scientific Method/ etc. and how they use STEAM skills in their job. Flyers and announcements will be sent out to the school community as well to raise awareness.

3. Discussion Question III

a. Ruby Payne believes, “to move from poverty to middle class or middle class to wealth, an individual must give up relationships for achievement.” Do you agree or disagree? Why? Analyze and reflect. Respond to at least two of your peers' posts.

i. Ruby Payne raises a good point about cutting ties with some relationships as some connections may be detrimental to one's success. However, I believe that this statement depends on the situation as everyone has different backgrounds. For instance, for some, this action may be necessary as the individuals they are surrounded by have a negative outlook or are pessimistic about life. Being stuck in this environment can bring one's morale down and could affect their own outlook on life even if they were originally optimistic. For others, they need the relationships as they are a good support system and provide emotional/financial support.

However, for an individual to be successful, they need to make NEW connections. You never know if the people you talk on the street for 30 seconds can provide an opportunity of a lifetime.

Below are a list of key assignments ( and discussions!) that were NOT Signature Assignments but still deserved a spotlight!

1. STEAM Equity Event (Resources)

2. STEAM Digital Portfolio Overview