Engage Students in Real-World STEM Learning: 3 Authentic Tips
Earlier this year, during a summer learning program, I found myself faced with the challenge of teaching science to a group of rising 9th grade students without access to a designated lab space. Despite this hurdle, it was crucial that my students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on, tech-enabled, and real-world learning. The investigations needed to be hands-on, tied to students’ daily experiences, quantitative, suitable for varying levels of expertise, low-risk, and achievable without specialized lab equipment. This type of learning is essential as it allows students to connect with the scientific process by making observations and identifying patterns.
Start Simple
Incorporating hands-on learning into STEM instruction doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Beginning with basic tools like a thermometer or temperature probe can be highly effective. For my summer program, I devised an experiment where students tested different road salts, such as AquaDoc IceMelt and KindMelt, using Vernier Go Direct Temperature Probes and water bottles. The Chromebooks provided allowed students to analyze their data using the Vernier Graphical Analysis App. This simple setup engaged students and facilitated their exploration of scientific concepts.
Give Students Agency
Empowering students to have a say in the experiments they conduct can significantly increase their interest and investment in learning. By allowing students to choose their constant, dependent, and independent variables, they felt a sense of ownership over their work. For my students, testing road salts they were familiar with led to surprising discoveries about temperature changes and the effectiveness of different salts in melting ice and snow. This hands-on approach, coupled with technology, enabled students to quantify their observations and comprehend the relationship between salt quantities and temperature changes.
Invite Questions to Drive Learning
Encouraging students to ask questions and explore their curiosities can deepen their understanding and engagement with STEM subjects. In my experience, hands-on experiments often spark inquiries from students, leading to further exploration and learning. By allowing students to test hypotheses and investigate their questions, they become active participants in the learning process. This approach not only enhances their scientific knowledge but also fosters critical thinking skills and connections to real-world applications.
By incorporating these three authentic tips into STEM instruction, educators can create a dynamic learning environment that encourages students to explore, question, and engage with the world around them. Through hands-on experimentation, student agency, and a focus on inquiry-based learning, educators can inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
