closing the gap with stem education: why, what, and how
DESCRIPTION
Closing the Gap With STEM Education: Why, What, and How Participants will learn why there is a growing need for STEM education in the United States, what STEM education is, how STEM education at the middle school level contributes to closing the gap, and how to successfully plan and implement a middle school program. Ken Verburg Project Lead the Way - Lexington, SCTRANSCRIPT
GATEWAY PROGRAMProject Lead The Way
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WHAT IS STEM?
Why?
STEM Education is TRANSFORMING StudentLearning.
The Problem
AN INCREASINGLY GLOBAL AND TECHNOLOGY-BASED ECONOMY HAS DRAMATICALLY INCREASED DEMAND FOR A HIGHLY-SKILLED WORKFORCE.
Engaging students early in STEM opens career doors for a larger, more diverse group
Source: Microsoft
In a 2010 study, the majority (65%) of participating scientists and
In a 2010 study, the majority (65%) of participating scientists and graduate students stated that their interest in science began before middle school –sa
Exciting experiences in STEM at an early age help spark a lifelong passion
Sources: R. Tai, C. Q. Liu, A. V. Maltese, and X. T. Fan. (2006). Planning for Early Careers in Science. Science 312(5777):1143–1144.A. V. Maltese and R. H. Tai. (2010). Eyeballs in the Fridge: Sources of Early Interest in Science. International Journal of Science Education 32:669–685.
PLTW offers a comprehensive Kindergarten to Career solution
Elementary School
Program
Launching in 2014
Middle School Program
Gateway To Technology
High School Programs
Pathway To Engineering &
Biomedical Sciences
College, career,
and beyond
Gateway To TechnologyActivity, project, and problem-based engineering and biomedical science curriculum for middle school students that
• Challenges
• Inspires
• Offers variety and flexibility
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• Hands-on, rigorous, relevant, real-world experiences
• The chance to use scientific sensors, Vex & ROBOTC, industry software (Revit, Inventor)
• Opportunities to be creative and solve problems
• The realization that there isn’t just one right answer
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Project-based learning gives students:
GTT grows student interest in PLTW’s advanced programs and
STEM careersGateway To Technology Unit Pathway To Engineering and Biomedical Sciences PLTW Courses
Automation and Robotics Principles of EngineeringComputer Integrated ManufacturingComputer Science/Software Engineering
Design and Modeling Introduction to Engineering Design
Energy and the Environment Biotechnical EngineeringPrinciples of Engineering
Flight and Space Aerospace Engineering
Green Architecture Civil Engineering and Architecture
Medical Detectives Principles of the Biomedical SciencesHuman Body SystemsMedical InterventionsBiomedical Innovation
Magic of Electrons Digital Electronics
Science of Technology Biotechnical EngineeringIntroduction to Engineering DesignPrinciples of Engineering
GTT is challenging
Communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity
Students acquire knowledge and skills
By providing more success
to more students
GTT is inspirational
Gateway To Technology units9 week units designed for grades 6-8
Specialized Units
Design & Modeling
Medical Detectives
Automation & Robotics
Flight & SpaceScience of Technology
Energy and the Environment
Green ArchitectureMagic of Electrons
Foundation Units
Inspiring, challenging, and flexible
How do Gateway To Technology students use the engineering design process to solve a problem?
Students tackle the Playground Problem from the foundation unit Design & Modeling
Students use the design process to research, design, and model a playground
• Discuss playgrounds with community or school representative
• Visit and “play” on an existing playground
• Justify need for new or modified equipment playground
Define the problem
• Generate concepts– Brainstorm ideas/themes– Interview younger students– Sketch favorite piece of
equipment– How to innovate?– Sketch new piece of
equipment
• Conduct research– Safety– Size requirements– Materials– Longevity of use– Proper placement in
playground
Generate concepts and conduct research
• Sketch in engineering notebook
• Create decision Matrix• Use Inventor to develop 3D
CAD drawings
Develop a solution
Student work in Inventor
• Build scaled model of playground design
• Requires new skillset and allows range of students to excel
Construct and test model
• Evaluate the fun factor and safety factor
• Assess material usage
Evaluate solution
Present solution
• Includes full team of students • Explain problem, constraints,
research, design, testing, and more to playground committee
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Proven PLTW model
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Proven PLTW model
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Proven PLTW model
Flexibility
• Implement GTT in the best way to fit your school– GTT units as 9 week or semester
courses?– Full school implementation or elective?– Every class every year?
HOW TO GET
IT DONE!
STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION
FALL/SPRING• Visit the www.PLTW.org Web site to learn more. • Contact your PLTW State Leader or Regional Director regarding state education guidelines. • Locate and visit a PLTW school to learn first-hand how PLTW is implemented and sustained. • Share marketing materials to increase awareness. • Select a School District Delegate. • Complete the online registration form and receive the PLTW STEM Agreement. • Review the Purchasing Manual for equipment and supply needs. • Sign up for a Counselor Conference.
STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION
SPRING• Return the signed PLTW STEM Agreement to the PLTW national office. • Identify teachers who meet the recommendations set forth by PLTW in the PLTW STEM Agreement. • Add teachers to the PLTW Extranet. • Have teachers register for a Core Training session. • Purchase software, supplies and equipment through the PLTW Purchasing Manual.