Syllabus: Full STEAM Ahead
Course Overview:
This professional development series will empower educators to foster a love for STEM & STEAM subjects in students. Participants will learn strategies to integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into daily instruction, culminating in a school-wide STEAM event.
Session 1: Introduction to STEM and STEAM Education
Objective: Understand the importance of STEM and STEAM in 21st-century learning.
Topics:
The difference between STEM and STEAM
The value of interdisciplinary learning
Overview of current trends and innovations
Activities:
Group brainstorming on existing STEM/STEAM practices
Video and article review
Reflective journaling on integrating STEM/STEAM
Deliverables: Reflection journal on the role of STEM/STEAM in education
Session 2: Hands-on STEM/STEAM Activities for the Classroom
Objective: Explore practical STEM/STEAM projects and activities for students.
Topics:
Project-based learning (PBL) in STEM/STEAM
Hands-on, inquiry-based projects
Resources and tools for classroom activities (exploration)
Activities:
Small group project design
Sharing and testing STEM/STEAM activities
Interactive demonstrations
Deliverables: Design a STEM/STEAM project for classroom use
Session 3: Integrating Arts into STEM (STEAM Focus)
Objective: Learn how to integrate arts into traditional STEM subjects.
Topics:
The role of creativity in STEM learning
Cross-curricular connections between arts and sciences
Examples of successful STEAM projects
Activities:
Collaborative design of STEAM activities
Case study analysis of STEAM initiatives
Arts-focused project creation
Deliverables: STEAM lesson plan integrating arts into a STEM subject
Session 4: Encouraging Student Collaboration and Innovation
Objective: Foster collaborative and innovative problem-solving skills in students.
Topics:
Team-based STEM/STEAM challenges
Encouraging innovation and critical thinking
Design thinking in the classroom
Activities:
Group problem-solving challenges
Design thinking workshops
Developing collaborative classroom projects
Deliverables: Plan a collaborative STEM/STEAM challenge
Session 5: Engaging Families and the Community in STEM/STEAM
Objective: Build family and community involvement in STEM/STEAM learning.
Topics:
Family STEM/STEAM nights
Community partnerships and guest speakers
Leveraging local resources and support
Activities:
Planning a family STEAM night
Panel discussion with community STEM leaders
Resource development for family engagement
Deliverables: Plan for a family/community STEM/STEAM engagement event
Session 6: Whole School STEAM Event Planning and Execution
Objective: Plan and execute a whole-school STEAM event to showcase student learning.
Topics:
Event logistics and planning
Engaging students in presenting their projects
Celebrating STEM/STEAM achievements school-wide
Activities:
Event planning workshop
Project presentation practice
Assigning roles and responsibilities
Deliverables: Whole school STEAM event plan and schedule
Assessment and Evaluation:
Participants will complete a final project, designing and leading a portion of the whole-school STEAM event. This project will involve collaborative planning and execution.
Resources:
Explore Courting Whole School Learning playlist
Additional articles, podcasts, videos and links provided throughout the course
Email today to set up to design your own transformational PD!