Building a STEM Integrated Classroom (BASIC) Syllabus

Description

Building a STEM Integrated Classroom (BASIC) is a 120-hour professional development course developed by Coconino County Education Service Agency (CCESA) and Northern Arizona University (NAU) faculty in Physics and Astronomy for 3rd – 8th grade teachers,

STEM education is an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to learning that engages students in critical thinking, problem solving, creative and collaborative skills through cross-disciplinary focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Yavapai cohort team investigating gel systems

Learning Outcomes

Participants in the course will:

• Learn physical science concepts related to physical science, earth and space science and environmental science, through hands-on investigations and engineering design challenges;
• Experience using Mathematical Practice and Mathematics Teaching Practices as part of STEM integrated lessons;
• Gain competence and confidence in teaching integrated STEM and help 3rd – 8th grade students develop pathways of conceptual understanding across content areas;
• Learn ways to support STEM learning through literary integration aligned to the Arizona College and Career Readiness Standards;
• Gain skills in formative assessment and strategies for analyzing student work in STEM; and
• Become part of a network of school STEM leaders, and work with teaching peers to enhance STEM education in Arizona educational institutions.

Coconino cohort teams planning and building slide systems.

Readings

Provided Textbooks

• Bybee, Rodger W. (2013). The Case for STEM Education: Challenges and Opportunities. Arlington, VA: National Science Teachers Association Press.
• Daehler, K., Shinohara, M., and Folson, J. (2011). Making Sense of Science: Force & Motion. San Francisco, CA:  WestEd Publications Center.
• Keeley, Page (2016). Science: Formative Assessment (2nd Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Online Readings

• Simulations in STEM Lessons (PDF)

Course Materials

Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Since this class is highly participatory, attendance and a high level of participation are mandatory. Please sign-in at the beginning of class on the attendance sheet.  
• Late Arrival to Class: Classes are carefully planned to maximize learning. Late arrivals disrupt class and reduce learning. Please arrive on time for all classes.
• Cell Phones: Please turn all cell phones to vibrate mode during class.
• Disabilities: If you have a disability, please tell us at the beginning of the course. We will do all we can to enhance your learning experience.

STEM BASIC participants

STEM Immersion Matrix

The STEM Immersion Guide is a strategic framework to help Arizona educators chart a course to successfully integrate STEM education into their schools and districts. This tool will help educators determine their current level of STEM implementation, define their mission and goals, and plan ho their schools can go to the next level.

The STEM Immersion Guide offers a roadmap to establish project-based STEM instruction, leadership development and community support. It was created to provide practical direction that can empower teachers and administrators, schools and districts.

Read more about the STEM Immersion Guide.