STEM Education
STEM
Science. Technology. Engineering. Mathematics.
What is STEM?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM education is a student-centered, inquiry-based interdisciplinary approach to learning. Embedding STEM learning into a curriculum allows our students to learn vital skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and innovation, along with essential technology skill sets.
What are some examples of STEM activities?
STEM activities are hands-on and student led. The teacher acts as the facilitator of learning in a STEM-centered classroom. Students are given a task or a problem to solve. Students then work together to discuss and test various solutions to the problem.
LOUISIANA STEM INITIATIVE
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) encompasses the knowledge, skills, and ways of investigating and making sense of our world that are essential to each of the STEM disciplines (from National Research Council, 2014):
- Science refers to both the body of knowledge that explains our natural world as well as the practices we engage in to build this knowledge.
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Technology is any human-designed tool or process that solves a problem.
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Engineering is a body of knowledge about the design and creation of technology as well as the process and practices we engage in to solve problems.
- Mathematics is the study of patterns and relationships among quantities, numbers, and space, including logical arguments and claims.
Students who engage in quality STEM experiences are better equipped to respond to life’s challenges and make informed decisions as empowered members of society. Engineering design offers students an opportunity to develop their problem-solving abilities, which in turn supports the foundations of math problem solving and algebraic processes. Scientific thinking and understanding are useful tools, not just for scientists and other STEM professionals, but for our students as they approach complex challenges in their everyday lives.
STEM Sites to Visit
Visit a virtual lab
Visit 3M: The Young Scientist Virtual Field Trip broadcasted from 3M's World of Innovation shows 3M Scientists doing experiments you can only see at 3M World Headquarters. From the batteries that power your smartphone to the non-reactive fluid that keeps supercomputers cool and operational, you will get an in-depth look at how 3M science improves your daily life!
Visit a space center: Join Boeing and Discovery Education on a mission to inspire the world through aerospace innovation with an exclusive virtual field trip to historic Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. This behind-the-scenes tour will introduce students to just a few of the amazing Boeing employees who are preparing to write the next chapter of space history with the launch of the Starliner/CST-100 spacecraft and the deployment of the Space Launch System.
Visit a recycling center: Take a virtual field trip of a modern recycling center. A network of highly trained specialists and sophisticated, automated equipment doing the jobs of sorting, packing, and shipping recyclable materials. Or go on a virtual field trip of everything from landfill construction and planning to gas-to-energy and environmental compliance.
Take a trip to explore nature
Visit outer space with NASA: See the real surface of Mars, as recorded by NASA's Curiosity rover. NASA also offers virtual tours of the Moon.
Visit Hang Son Doong with National Geographic: This is a super realistic 360-degree tour - it even has sound! - of the world's largest cave, situated in Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam.
Tour a virtual science museum
Museum of Science: A collection of STEM resources designed to bring the Museum — to you!
National Museum of Computing: 3D and virtual curated tours let you explore the world's largest collection of working historic computers. Speak to experts on the code breaking machines of WWII, those maintaining the world’s oldest working digital computer – and more!
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Go room by room through a virtual version of every exhibition in the museum.
Visit a zoo or aquarium in person or virtually: Check out these live cams to see animals: Atlanta Zoo, San Diego Zoo, National Aquarium.
National STEM Day
National STEM Day is November 8
National STEM Day is on November 8th and celebrates science, technology, engineering, and math throughout the United States. It's a great day to celebrate because we know that an interest in STEM early on can lead to success later on in life. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations are projected to grow over two times faster than the total for all occupations in the next decade according to the U.S. Labor Department.
What does STEM stand for? STEM stands for a grouping of four overlapping disciplines: science, technology, engineering, and math. The acronym is commonly used to summarize the education approach that unites the disciplines into one structured program. Check out the best online STEM classes for kids.
Contact Us
Questions?
Glenda Husser
Federal Programs/STEM Grants
Title I Building
Phone: (985) 310 - 2189
Email: glenda.husser@tangischools.org
Visit our Tangi STREAMliner page.