Syllabus

STEM Education for the 21st Century

Instructor: Jonathan Dietz

Contact Information: 

Class time:

Location: Online

Course Description:

STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in an educational context refers to the concept of teaching content in these areas not in siloed separate classes, but in an integrated, project-based manner, emphasizing student agency and self-directed learning.  This course aims to educate teacher-candidates in best practices for implementing this, through a combination of readings, videos, instructional design, and a series of mini-projects that model curriculum integration practices.

Course Objectives

1.Candidates will learn how to plan and implement a project-based STEM unit.

2.Candidates will learn to apply critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills and practices used in project-based learning.

3. Candidates will become proficient in teaching technology-based skills in design, basic coding, educational technology apps, and media.

3. Candidates will understand the Guiding Principles and content and skill practices of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in science and technology/engineering, mathematics, and digital literacy.

4.Candidates will develop an understanding of developmental progressions of conceptual knowledge in science and engineering.

5.Candidates will learn how to promote conceptual development of learners through diverse pedagogical strategies, including discourse, modeling and representation, scientific investigations, and engineering design.

6.Candidates will become familiar with and understand best practices in project-based STEM assessment in order to promote equity among diverse learners.

7.Candidates will learn to collaboratively design and lead a hands-on investigation of a Science or Technology/Engineering concept incorporating best practices in curriculum design, science teaching strategies, integrating grade-appropriate content in English language arts, mathematics, technology, and art.

Course Description:

STEM Education for the 21st Century- provides teacher-candidates with experience in using a Project-based Learning (PBL), interdisciplinary approach to using science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to solve engaging, real-world problems of meaning to students, based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Next Generation Science Standards.

Project-based learning (PBL) transforms K-12 STEM education by shifting the focus from passive memorization to active, student-centered inquiry, resulting in deeper conceptual retention and higher engagement. 

While learning through projects teaches K12 students both practical skills and content knowledge, the 'real' objective is to teach, through repeated experiences, how to identify complex, poorly defined problems and develop effective solutions.

Through the experience guiding their students through the development of STEM projects, from the entry event to  final exhibition of a public digital media product, teacher-candidates will also learn to help their students develop  expertise in the use of digital tools and media for collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity- the skills needed for the 21st century.

Over the course of eight weeks, teacher-candidates develop a project-based STEM unit appropriate to their grade, while gaining practical experience with the various tools, resources, and content needed to achieve this. Each week there is one assignment to create a part of the Unit Plan(the Benchmark Assignment), plus one skills/content unit related to that part of the Unit Plan.

    Our classroom is a community where everyone’s contributions are valued, and all students are treated with dignity and respect. We embrace diversity in all its forms, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic background, religion, and worldview, and recognize that these differences enrich our learning environment. You are encouraged to bring your unique perspectives and experiences into our discussions, and we are committed to creating a space where all voices can be heard without fear of judgment or discrimination. Together, we will work to maintain an atmosphere of openness, empathy, and curiosity, ensuring that everyone has equitable opportunities to learn and thrive.

How to be successful in this course

1. Complete readings and videos early in each week, and take handwritten notes. This allows you time to think about the materials, and ask questions as needed.
   
   

2. Participate in the online synchronous 'live' sessions. There will be one at the beginning of the week(Wednesdays at 4:30 PM) to introduce the topic, and an optional one later in the week to address any concerns that have arisen, depending on student interest.
   
   

3. Complete each week's written assignments by mid-week, and share for comments and suggestions. Written assignments include both components of the benchmark assessment( the Unit Plan), plus one relating to skills concepts.
   
   

4. Complete the Unit Plan by Week 7.
   
   

Discussion Forum Etiquette

The discussion forum is a unique opportunity to engage with learners from many places. In order for us to take advantage of this wealth of knowledge and viewpoints, please consider the following when you post:

• The best posts are constructive, thoughtful and respectful.

• Posts should be limited to 200 words.

• You will get out what you put in, so be active.

• Before posting, search the Discussion for similar ideas. Your contribution will be most valuable if you add to an existing thread by replying.

• If you agree or disagree with a post, respond using evidence and reasoning obtained from this course, personal experience, or reputable sources.

• Use your own words. If you include a quote or reference, when possible also provide a citation.

• Please avoid slang terms these whenever possible.

Course Summary:

• • Week 1: What is STEM? Focus on Science

  • Week 2:  Focus on Technology& Engineering; MA Frameworks

  • Week 3:  Project-Based Learning and Motivation; Creating the Driving Question

  • Week 4:  ELA and Math Integration; Project Management and 21st Century Skills

  • Week 5:  Managing Project-Based Learning and Student Collaboration

  • Week 6:  Exhibition: Creating a Public Product through Digital Media;

  • Week 7:  Final Unit Due and Reflection 

STEM Unit of Instruction

This is the Benchmark Assessment for this course. Each student will design a project-based unit of instruction that will teach science content, technology skills, engineering, language arts, mathematics, art in a series of lessons that highlight collaboration, communication, and other so-called '21st-century skills'. The unit includes:

• • State Frameworks that provide the basis for the unit.

  • Essential/Driving Question(s)developed with student input-Using a common set of skills and content knowledge, students can be answering different questions( Voice and Choice options)

  • Content learning Goals based on Massachusetts Frameworks, including science and engineering, ELA, mathematics, and digital literacy

  • Educational Technology required

  • Unit Summary

  • Five(5) complete Project work lesson plans, including:

    • Entry event/hook lesson

    • Driving Question Creation

    • Managing Content and self-directed learning

    • Project Management- Journaling/Colaboration/Deliverables

    • Creating Digital Media

    • Above lesson plans will integrate ELA, Math, and art practices, with modifications for special needs
      
      

  • Description of a Presentation of Learning

  • Teacher Reflection

Curriculum Outcome- STEM Project-Based Unit Plan

• Each student will design a project-based unit of instruction that will teach science content, technology skills, engineering, language arts, mathematics, art in a series of lessons that highlight collaboration, communication, and other so-called '21st-century skills'.

• Content learning Goals based on Massachusetts Frameworks, including STE and mathematics

• Technology/Skill Learning Goals

• Five(5) complete Project work lesson plans:

  • • An entry event  'hook' lesson to introduce the topic- may be hands-on or children's literature based.

    • A lesson developing a Driving Question(s) developed with student input-Students can be answering different questions( Voice and Choice options)

    • A lesson focusing on managing Project Work, including research, design, testing, journaling and critique

    •  A lesson focusing on skill training through independent study of videos, etc.

    • A lesson focusing on editorial expectations for a student media Product

Above lesson plans will integrate ELA, Math, and art practices, with modifications for special needs

• Student Reflection

• Teacher Reflection

Discussion Forum Guidelines

If you have comments or technical issues with the course, or are unclear about assignments, or have questions of a general nature that might be of interest to others, or that others might have encountered please create a thread and post them here.

There are a few common-sense guidelines we would ask you to respect as a member of our forum. They include things like:

• Be nice – treat other forum members with respect and empathy. We will not tolerate bullying or inappropriate conduct.

• Don’t over-share – please no sharing of personal issues- you can email me separately for that.

• Stay on topic – this is a forum to discuss topics related to this online course. No politics.

• Clear and concise – the forum will be used by others who may be looking for the same question/answer as you. Please file your posts in the appropriate category and write as if other people will read it.

That’s it! We’re excited you’ re part of our course community. If you have any questions about the Forum, contact me.

Please note the discussion topics below are graded, as discussion and sharing ideas about education is an important part of the learning experience. Please write at least 80-100 words in each post. See the discussion board rubric in the Syllabus.

Remote Classroom Norms

Arrival to on-line class

• Please login to the remote class meeting within three minutes of the scheduled start time.

• Use a name that is recognizable as you – Michael C. or M. Carter, for example.

• Communicate any planned absences with your instructor.

Logging On:

• Once you log on to the remote (“live”) class session be sure your camera is turned on for attendance and your microphone is on mute.

• Choose an appropriate background for your session.

Location and Dress:

• Do your best to find a space that is comfortable with minimal traffic. Find a well-lit space that allows you to participate and engage in the class. 

• Dress comfortably, yet appropriate

Focus and Engagement:

• It is easy to become distracted when working on your computer, but it is critical that you engage deeply when doing so. Keep off other devices, programs and websites during class time.

• When it’s class time, it’s class time. You must be able to fully focus on class and not be arranging any simultaneous commitments such as errands or non-class responsibilities.

• When you would like to ask a question or make a comment during class, you may raise your hand visibly or using the feature in zoom or use the chat. Your instructor will be able to address the comments directly by the person in charge of the session.

• Do your best not to interrupt others while they are speaking.

• You are responsible for all content delivered during online class sessions. Do not open another browser unless instructed to do so.

Be Respectful:

• Screenshots, pictures, snapchat, recordings etc. of your teacher or classmates during class time are prohibited.

Textbook and Materials

Course Content includes video lessons, examples, discussion board questions, writing of unit plan components, simulations, various pdf/web link handouts., and implementation videos.

All readings are contained within the course; there is no required textbook that you need to purchase.

Key Reference websites(curriculum):

Massachusetts Frameworks(2016)                     http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html

David Lee EdTech                                                  https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidLeeEdTech/videos

PBL Works/Buck Institute                                     https://my.pblworks.org/ 

High Tech High- PBL Project Management         https://www.hightechhigh.org/project/hth-structures-project-management/

GritLab Project Design Guide(High Tech High)   http://gritlab.org/project-design-guide/

Novel Engineering                                                   http://www.novelengineering.org/

PBS Design Squad Global                                      https://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/resources/index.html

Engineering is Elementary                                    https://eie.org/

Edtech Programs and Apps:

Students should create free online accounts for the following teaching tools:

Technology/Engineering:

• Scratch or Scratch Jr.

• SketchUp

Video/Screencasting:

• Screencastify add-on for Chrome ( https://www.screencastify.com/)

• Loom( https://www.loom.com/)

• WeVideo(https://www.wevideo.com/academy)

• NearPod( https://nearpod.com/ )

Formative Assessment:

• EdPuzzle( https://edpuzzle.com/)

• Kahoot( https://kahoot.com/)

EdTech Tutorials:

• The New EdTech Classroom( https://www.youtube.com/c/NewEdTechClassroom/videos)

• Pocketful of Primary( https://www.youtube.com/c/PocketfulofPrimary/videos)

G-Mail Account For STEM Education

G-Mail Account for Google Classroom

Posted on: 

Teachers should create a free Gmail account if they do not already have one, for use in this course in conjunction with Google Classroom and related apps.

This will enable you to create a Classroom for your unit on your personal account, and to share it with others in this course.

Google Classroom is used in a great majority of public schools to communicate with students, as a place to share assignments, tutorials, videos, and to submit assignments[ much as Blackboard is used in higher education].

While it was originally planned that this would be done through the G Suite for Education account of your cooperating K12 school, it is likely not possible during this year's Summer 2020 session, so we will be using the personal account option.

Links:

• Creating a Google Account https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/27441?hl=en

• Creating a Google Classroom: https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6020273?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en

• Google Teacher Center https://teachercenter.withgoogle.com/first-day-trainings/welcome-to-classroom