NSF Awards: 1512957
Using Project Based Learning (PBL) approach for teaching the fundamentals of STEM and Innovation. This video is an inside look at how instructors of the iSTEM (Innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Strategy Project) program at Morehouse College are using PBL to bring STEM concepts to life in the classroom with K 6- 9 students. The goals of the iSTEM program are:
- Increase student awareness and knowledge of educational opportunities and careers in STEM disciplines.
- Increase student knowledge, skills, and practices represented in STEM and/or STEM workforce.
- Increase broadening participation of underrepresented populations in STEM programs and careers.
Heidi Larson
Project Director
This is one of those projects that makes me wish (briefly) that I were back in school. I appreciate the program's multidimensional aspects: interrelation of the different subject areas working on the same framework of colonizing the moon, while helping students become "aware of the world in which they live," as they're having fun in their classroom.
The program seems great. How will you be measuring its impact, such as on students' STEM trajectories? Thanks.
Mariel DeLuca
Project based learning is my favorite type of learning to integrate across all subject areas. It allows the student’s to explore information in unique ways and also express the knowledge that they learned in many different forms. Will the teachers be implementing a design log or portfolio with the students in order to document their learning process? If so, would this be a consistent school-wide log or portfolio or would it be more up to the instructor’s preference?
Jennifer Yurof
Thanks for sharing your important work! Project based learning has so many strengths and interdisciplinary approach to this project is so beneficial for students. I really appreciate the ideas of real world applications, using 21st century skills, increasing student awareness of the world around them, and increasing student understanding of STEM careers. I'm interested in more specific details about the project - how long is the unit? How many students are participating? How many teachers are collaborating? What are some challenges you encountered in implementing the project?
Steven Rogg, Ph.D.
Steven Rogg
Associate Professor of Education - STEM
Who could disagree with any of the aspiraitons named in the video? It seems that htis project has a strong and clear mission. Perhaps "moon shot" in this context has a deeper meaning than the NASA design-based curriculum model. Very best wishes! With this importance, I'd be very interested learning how you are evaluating program impact.
Further posting is closed as the showcase has ended.