Steps to Stem: A Science Curriculum Supplement for Upper Elementary and Middle School Grades - Teacher's Edition

By Gilbert A. Zinn, Aaron D. Isabelle, Gilbert A. Zinn Aaron D. Isabelle

STEPS (Science Tasks Enhance Process Skills) to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is an inquiry-based science curriculum supplement focused on developing upper elementary and middle students' process skills and problem-solving abilities characteristic of how scientists think and act. Students learn key concepts in seven "big ideas" in science: Electricity & Magnetism; Air & Flight; Water & Weather; Plants & Animals; Earth & Space; Matter & Motion; and Light & Sound. Using simple, readily available materials, teachers facilitate learning experiences using the following structure:
STEP 1: Investigate--Hypothesis--Test
STEP 2: Observe--Record--Predict
STEP 3: Gather--Make--Try

Once students complete a set of STEP activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), they are ready to collaborate using a STEM Center. STEM Centers provide students with the opportunity for extended investigations focused on a single problem or "team challenge." Students utilize science and engineering practices while collaboratively conducting research to gather information. Once a plan is made, the team attempts to solve the problem or complete the open-ended task. In addition, a Science Notebook or Sci-Book serves as an essential companion to STEPS to STEM; students maintain a written record of their completed activities which can serve as a form of authentic assessment. STEPS to STEM aims to help students find enjoyment in science and in the process of problem-solving--there are things to do, discoveries to be made, and problems to solve. Ideally, these experiences will lead to more explorations and questions about the world around them.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 946300789X
• ISBN13: 9789463007894
• Release Date: January 2017
• Publisher: Brill
• Length: 276 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.5" x 11.0"