Syllabus: Engaging Students in STEM & STEAM Learning
Course Overview:
This professional development series will empower educators to foster a love for STEM and 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: Building a Business Plan
Objective: Guide students in creating basic business plans.
Topics:
Key components of a business plan
Setting goals, budgeting, and resource allocation
Pitching ideas effectively
Activities:
Small group development of mock business plans
Peer feedback sessions
Interactive business pitch simulations
Deliverables: Draft business plan template for classroom activities
Session 4: Marketing and Branding
Objective: Teach students how to market and brand their ideas effectively.
Topics:
Basics of branding and marketing
Leveraging social media and digital tools
Understanding customer engagement and outreach
Activities:
Designing mock advertisements
Group discussions on successful marketing strategies
Interactive branding exercises
Deliverables: Marketing plan template for student projects
Session 5: Financial Literacy and Budgeting for Entrepreneurs
Objective: Provide foundational knowledge in financial literacy and business budgeting.
Topics:
Basic budgeting and cost analysis
Revenue streams and pricing strategies
Financial goal-setting for young entrepreneurs
Activities:
Budgeting exercises
Case studies on successful youth-led businesses
Interactive money management games
Deliverables: Classroom budgeting activity worksheet
Session 6: Student Business and Sales Event
Objective: Plan and execute a school-wide business and sales event showcasing student projects.
Topics:
Event planning and logistics
Engaging families and community stakeholders
Presentation and sales techniques
Activities:
Event planning workshop
Student project presentation practice
Organizing booth assignments and responsibilities
Deliverables: Comprehensive event plan and student project showcase
Assessment and Evaluation:
Participants will complete a final project, guiding students through the creation of a business plan and culminating in the execution of the school-wide sales event.
Resources:
Explore Courting Whole School Learning playlist
Additional articles, podcasts, videos and links provided throughout the course