Constructing a Successful STEM Lesson

KEY POINTS

• Encourage questions.
• Use hands-on, project-based learning as a primary tool for instruction.
• Bring technology into the STEM classroom.

From coding to engineering to biology, the STEM subjects have a broad range of content to offer to you and your students, but sometimes the way you implement a STEM lesson is just as important as the subject matter you decide to focus on. Regardless of the topic you pick for a particular lesson, knowing how to use effective teaching methods can be the difference between apathy and passion exhibited by your students.

LET QUESTIONS DRIVE THE LEARNING PROCESS

When constructing a STEM lesson, it’s essential to provide students with plenty of opportunities to reflect on lesson content and to thoughtfully formulate questions based on their past and present experiences. As you and your students make your way through a lesson or a project, take the time to allow students to record their thoughts and questions in a journal. Later on in the learning process, encourage students to go back and reflect on these notes, using them as a guide as they conduct research and/or test prototypes. This process of students putting their thoughts on paper and reflecting on them will help your students to develop the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that are so vital to success in future careers.

UTILIZE PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

Often, the best way for students to retain information is through hands-on, project-based learning experiences. Instead of simply presenting students with facts written on a chalkboard, project-based learning lets students take the wheel and invest in their own learning. As students make their way through a project, give them the freedom to explore, ask questions, and seek answers like real STEM professionals do every day. Consider utilizing the 5E model of instruction, the engineering design process, or the scientific method to give some structure to your projects. Using project-based learning also helps to deepen student engagement in the material being studied, which leads to a greater understanding of lesson content, better development of problem-solving skills, and increased collaboration among classmates.

INCORPORATE TECHNOLOGY INTO STEM LESSONS

The proliferation of advanced technology in the modern workplace is one of the biggest factors driving the ever-increasing importance of STEM education. As computers, robots, 3D printers, and other forms of technology play larger roles in professional STEM environments, it is becoming more vital for students to know how to work and communicate with these machines. Incorporating technology into your STEM lessons can be a great way to help your students develop these skills as early as possible. Technology-oriented projects will ensure that students gain both important STEM knowledge and hands-on experience as they work their way through a lesson. Consider introducing robotic arms, 3D printers, and/or microcontrollers into your STEM classroom.

When it comes to making the right choice for your classroom, be sure to keep the level of technology manageable for both you and your students. Also, consider technologies that can be used in multiple lessons. This will not only give you the most out of your purchase, but it will also cut down on the time it takes for you and your students to learn how to use each technology.

— Dr. Jake Roark