What is STEM?
Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics
How can science become part of it?
Sam J. Zigrossi
samz@mail.utexas.edu
www.utdanacenter.org
CAST
November 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 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.
• Conducted research on “turnaround” schools.
• Developed integrated curriculum materials and
online resources aligned with the TEKS.
• Provides professional development for mathematics,
science, and leadership.
• Partners 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 and replaces it with End-ofCourse 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?
Thomas L. Friedman, author of the book The
World Is Flat, summed it up best in an interview
with Wired Magazine—
“The playing field is being leveled—and then it hit
me: Holy mackerel, the world is becoming flat.
Several technological and political forces have
converged, and that has produced a global, Webenabled playing field that allows for multiple forms
of collaboration without regard to geography or
distance—or soon, even language.”
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What is the goal of STEM?
To produce more K–12 students that are
interested, literate, and skilled in the STEM
areas
– To assist students 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 the 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 lead 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
• Developing a culture of math and
science relevance, rigor, and student
interest
• Teaching the TEKS and beyond
• How?
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How do we integrate more
engineering and technology?
• Technology options
– Graphing calculators
– Data collection devices (e.g., CBRs)
– Lab equipment
– Internet
– What else?
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How do we integrate
project-based learning?
• Can you think of a science 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
– Outside technical assistance from your
school’s/district’s stakeholders
• Start small—one project at a time.
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Think about moving toward
a more STEM focus.
• Work with a few colleagues.
• Get input from students and parents.
• Do something, even if it is a small
beginning.
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