How do we make STEM lessons relevant to students? This age-old question has plagued educators for years, as students often wonder why they are learning certain concepts. It’s crucial for teachers to provide meaningful answers to this question in order to engage students in a way that is memorable and fun. By connecting STEM lessons to real-world applications, teachers can show students how the knowledge they acquire can be practically applied to solve real-world problems. Here are five powerful strategies to help educators build these connections and make STEM learning more personal for students.
Connecting Lessons to Real-World Applications
Imagine being a student in a classroom, staring at a textbook filled with complex equations and abstract concepts. You raise your hand and ask, “Why are we learning this?” It’s a valid question that many students ask, seeking relevance and meaning in their education. Unfortunately, teachers often struggle to provide a satisfactory answer, leading to disengagement and frustration among students.
In order to bridge this gap and make learning more meaningful, educators can incorporate real-world connections into their lessons. By demonstrating how the concepts students learn can be applied to solve practical problems, teachers can create a more engaging and impactful learning experience. This approach not only helps students see the relevance of STEM education in their lives but also equips them with the skills to navigate everyday challenges and create positive change in their communities.
Strategies to Enhance Engagement
1. **The Everyday Enigma:** One powerful strategy is to use everyday items as a starting point for lessons. By selecting familiar objects that have multiple STEM elements, teachers can pique students’ curiosity and drive them to learn more about how these objects function. For example, a simple copper wire can be used to discuss electrical currents, while a piece of an automobile can be explored to understand chemistry and combustion. By connecting small concepts to familiar objects, students can see the practical applications of their learning in the world around them.
2. **Interest Intersect:** Another effective strategy is to connect students’ personal hobbies to the subject matter. By encouraging students to create projects that link their interests to classroom concepts, teachers can promote creativity and critical thinking. For instance, a student passionate about soccer could create a mini poster that demonstrates how the sport relates to the lessons learned in class. This not only engages students in the material but also helps teachers build rapport and communication with their students.
3. **Get an Expert:** Inviting professionals from STEM fields to speak with students can provide valuable real-world examples of how classroom concepts are applied in different careers. Whether it’s a scientist discussing the practical implications of chemistry or an architect explaining the role of math in shaping buildings, these interactions help students see the relevance of their learning in the professional world. Moreover, it fosters community connections and relationships that enrich the educational experience for students.
4. **Problem to Progress:** Creating engineering investigations based on local, real-world problems can engage students in hands-on learning experiences. By challenging students to design solutions to practical challenges, teachers can show students the tangible impact of their work. For example, a music teacher frustrated by falling pencils challenged students to create a solution using the engineering design process. This not only solved a practical problem but also demonstrated to students the real-world applications of their inventions.
5. **Project-Based Learning:** Project-based learning, driven by student inquiry and ownership, allows students to make meaningful contributions to the real world. By empowering students to choose their approach, investigate questions, and test solutions, teachers can foster creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. This student-driven approach makes learning personal and engaging, tapping into students’ natural abilities and interests.
By implementing these strategies and linking STEM lessons to real-world experiences, educators can provide students with a meaningful answer to the question of why they are learning. This approach empowers students to see the relevance of STEM in their lives and lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and problem-solving skills. Let’s inspire young learners to connect with STEM education and make a positive impact in their communities.
About the Author
Michael Grieb is a Learning Specialist at Van Andel Institute for Education, a Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to creating classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive. With a passion for engaging students in meaningful learning experiences, Michael brings a wealth of expertise and insights to the field of STEM education.