"It's time to ramp up science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the K-2 classroom. Benefits of early learning in science and math include the following: (a) It leads to social-emotional development and fewer challenging behaviors; (b) it supports the development of a mind-set that includes curiosity, communication, persistence, and problem solving; (c) it contributes to gains in other subjects by supporting literacy and language development and better reading comprehension and writing skills; and (d) it includes subjects that can engage students from varying backgrounds, including English language learners. But delivering quality early STEM information requires expertise on the part of the teacher in scaffolding the lessons. Research shows that quality STEM teaching and learning is critical in early childhood education; however, it is also points out that the teachers themselves need support as they learn how to facilitate STEM learning in their classrooms. Professional learning experiences are needed to cover how teachers can make connections between STEM topics and the everyday activities they are already doing with their students. STEM teaching and learning does not need to become one more add-on to the K-2 classroom. STEM learning should be a natural extension to what teachers are already teaching. It was with this in mind that we set out to write this book. We wanted to focus on how to naturally integrate STEM learning into K-2 classroom experiences"--
“ Integrating STEM Teaching and Learning Into the K– 2 Classroom is a critically important contribution toward advancing STEM teaching and learning. It blazes a trail for early elementary classroom practitioners to reflect the latest thinking in STEM education, and it provides a means by which early elementary educators can meaningfully contribute to America’ s STEM education movement.”
— Jeff Weld, former senior policy advisor on STEM education, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Here’ s proof that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) isn’ t just for the big kids! This book’ s 10 chapters are a mini-course on blending authentic, phenomena-driven, integrated STEM teaching and learning into busy K– 2 classrooms. Based in both research and real-world experience, Integrating STEM Teaching and Learning Into the K– 2 Classroom provides professional learning experiences that help you make connections between STEM topics and the everyday activities you’ re already doing with your students.
The book answers the following questions:
• How is K– 2 STEM education different from what you’ re already doing, and how can you do it without squeezing more into your already-full schedule?
• What are the key elements in an integrated STEM classroom, and how do they work together?
• How do you use STEM in concert with your core reading block?
To show you how it all works in real life, the book provides descriptions of four completed projects from actual classrooms— projects with names like “ Baby Bear’ s Chair” and “ A Pond Habitat.” An easy-to-follow template shows you the process for developing your own STEM experiences. The final chapter describes how one district created a culture of STEM teaching and learning when education partners committed to working together toward a common goal.
Researchers agree that STEM education is important in early childhood. Integrating STEM Teaching and Learning gives you the background and strategies to engage your young students in STEM without overloading your day— or overwhelming yourself.
