Implementing STEM Education for Student Literacy: 5 Easy Steps
In the world of education, the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with literacy has become a hot topic among educators. While traditionally seen as distinct subjects, STEM and literacy can actually work in harmony to provide engaging and enriching learning experiences for students of all ages.
Breaking the Stereotypes: STEM and Literacy
Often, literacy is associated with creativity, colors, and imagination, while STEM is viewed as a more rigid and technical domain. However, the reality is that these two disciplines frequently intersect in our daily lives, from cooking to science fiction novels.
As schools worldwide grapple with the challenges of learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing interest in bridging the gap between STEM and literacy through hands-on activities. One effective strategy for educators is to incorporate STEM concepts into the books students are already reading. Take, for example, the book “Flight School” by Lita Judge, which tells the story of a determined penguin learning to fly.
Five Steps to Integrate STEM with Literacy
To help educators seamlessly blend STEM and literacy in their classrooms, here are five easy steps to follow:
Step 1: Identify the Problem
Start by having students identify the main problem in the story, encouraging them to delve into character development, themes, settings, and conflicts. For instance, using “Flight School” as a basis, students can engage in a STEM activity by constructing paper airplanes for sustained flight.
Step 2: Determine Criteria and Constraints
Once the STEM activity is chosen, establish specific objectives like building a paper airplane that can stay aloft for a certain duration. Setting constraints, such as limited supplies or size restrictions, fosters creative problem-solving, mirroring real-world engineering scenarios.
Step 3: Create Possible Solutions
Encourage students to brainstorm, plan, and collaborate with peers before constructing their designs. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication in developing innovative solutions, mirroring the collaborative nature of professional engineering.
Step 4: Conduct a Solution Test
Provide a testing space for students to evaluate their paper airplanes and make improvements based on performance. This step allows students to refine their designs through trial and error, akin to the iterative process of professional engineers.
Step 5: Share Your Learning
Conclude the lesson by having students showcase their projects, reflect on their designs’ success, and consider areas for future improvement. Encourage students to share their experiences with their peers and suggest other books that could inspire similar STEM activities.
By integrating STEM with literacy, educators can create immersive learning experiences that merge creativity with critical thinking. This approach not only enhances students’ understanding of both disciplines but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and curiosity. So, let’s embrace the synergy between STEM and literacy to offer our students unforgettable and enjoyable learning opportunities!
Authors: Jon Oosterman & Terra Tarango, Van Andel Institute for Education
