What Is STEM?
Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics
How can mathematics
become part of it?
Sam J. Zigrossi
samz@mail.utexas.edu
www.utdanacenter.org
May 2008
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The Charles A. Dana Center
“. . . committed to an education system
that nurtures students' intellectual
passions and ensures that every student
leaves school prepared for postsecondary
education and the contemporary
workplace.”
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Our Core Beliefs
1. All children, regardless of their racial and
socioeconomic status (SES) differences, have the
capacity to learn and succeed at equally high
academic levels.
2. It is the responsibility of all adults in the district to
ensure that all children succeed academically.
3. Equitable and excellent classroom teaching and
learning is the primary focus of district operations.
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The Charles A. Dana Center
• Managed the development of the mathematics
and science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
(TEKS).
• Conducted research on “Turnaround” schools.
• Developed integrated curriculum materials and
online resources aligned with the TEKS.
• Established professional development for mathematics,
science, and leadership.
• Partnered with districts in Texas and across the nation.
• Is one of eight STEM Centers in Texas.
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What are our challenges
during the next 5 years?
Talk with your neighbor
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Policy Changes, New Challenges
4 by 4 implementation
– Begins with the freshman class of 2007–08
– Four years of English, mathematics, science, and
social studies
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Policy Changes, New Challenges
Senate Bill 1031
• Phases out high school Texas Assessment of
Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) and replaces it with Endof-Course assessments in
– Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry
– English I, English II, and English III
– Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
– U.S. History, World History, and World Geography
• The freshman class of 2011–12 (the current 5th-grade
class) is the first group to have EOC exams as a
graduation requirement.
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The Challenge
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Why STEM?
The book The World Is Flat by Thomas L.
Friedman summarized it best—
“The application of technology has been a
key driver of our standard of living and it will
also be in the future, but the world has access
to the same tools as the USA and are
catching us.”
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What is the goal of STEM?
To produce more K–12 students that are
interested and literate and skilled in the
STEM areas
– To assist them in contributing to the evolving
technological society
– To motivate more students to pursue STEM
careers
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What is the goal of STEM?
The Dana Center has conceptually
developed representation of the STEM
initiative based on its work and work of
others.
It is . . .
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How does STEM help you
meet the future challenges?
• It can promote interest and motivation in
students that leads to higher achievement.
• It can provide students with a focus for their
education.
• It can make math and science education
more relevant.
• It can be FUN for students and teachers!
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Building More Interest and
Competency in Core Math and Science
• Building a culture of math and science
relevance, rigor, and student interest
• Teach the TEKS and beyond
• How?
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How do we integrate more
engineering and technology?
• Technology options
– Graphing calculators
– Data collection devices
– Lab equipment
– Internet
– What else?
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How do we integrate
project-based learning?
• Can you think of a math project for your
grade level?
• How can you design an interdisciplinary
project?
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The 16 Career Clusters
The Clusters
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STEM Cluster
• Science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics
• STEM is a cluster but also has
implications for many, if not all, clusters.
Information technology is another
example that crosses over many
clusters.
– Broad-based knowledge and skills
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How do you start?
• Gather a small team
– Math
– Science
– Other disciplines
– Get outside technical assistance from your
school’s/district’s stakeholders
– Start small—one project at a time
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