STEM Resources

STEM Themed Readings and Articles

• Project-Based Learning

  • New Skills for a New Century, Bob Pearlman, Edutopia.org, 2006

  • Geometry in the Real World: Students as Architects, Sara Armstrong, Edutopia.org, 2002

  • Great Team, Great School, Ashley Ball, Edutopia.org, 2004

  • Start with the Pyramid, Diane Curtis, Edutopia.org, 2001

  • Designing Worthwhile PBL Projects for High School Students, Part 1, Eeva Reeder, Edutopia, 2007

  • Designing Worthwhile PBL Projects for High School Students, Part 2, , Eeva Reeder, Edutopia, 2007
     

• Interdisciplinary Learning

  • Interdisciplinary Learning in Your Classroom, Heidi Hayes Jacobs, Thirteen EdOnline, 2007

  • Connect Educational Magazine - Interdisciplinary Learning, Synergy Learning International, 2007

  • Room to Learn: Mystery Science Theater, Jennifer Sweeney, Edutopia, 2007

  • NSA Interdisciplinary Learning Units, National Security Agency, 2003

STEM Teacher and Family Resource Websites

• Innovation and Creativity in Teaching and Learning

  • George Lucas Educational Foundation

  • Sir Ken Robinson: Creativity Expert

    • Do Schools Kill Creativity?  Video Talk, 2006

  • Creative Possibilities - Simple Ways to Nurture Your Creativity, Creativity Coach Chris Dunmire
  • American Creativity Association - Creative Tools
  • Creativity For Life
  • Creativity Central
     

• Robotics

  • Getting Started in Robotics – Information Resource Site

  • Standards-Based Robotics Competition Curriculum Development Framework

  • For Inspiration and Recognition for Science and Technology (FIRST)

  • Sea Perch K-12 Classroom Initiative (underwater robotics)

    • We will have Sea Perch K-12 sites in AACPS beginning Fall 2007

STEM Major References and Reports

• STEM Education - National Issues of Concern and Interest

  • Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, NAP, 2007

  • Tough Choices or Tough Times: The Report of the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce, NCEE, 2007

  • Innovation America - A Call to Action:  Why America Must Innovate, NGA, 2006

  • Map of Future Forces Affecting Education, Knowledgeworks Foundation & the Institute for the Future, 2007

   

STEM Games, Activities, Competitions and Events

• Cooperative/Competitive Clubs and Competitions – Many schools sponsor the clubs or events listed below.  If your school doesn’t, ask them to think about sponsoring such a club in the future.  It usually only takes one interested adult to sponsor such a club.
  • 24-GAME – 24® game:  a unique mathematics teaching tool that has proven to successfully engage students in grades 1 through 9 from diverse economic and social backgrounds.
  • AACPS Science and Engineering Fairs
    • Elementary Science Fair
    • Secondary Science & Engineering Fair

  • Destination ImagiNation - Destination ImagiNation is a community-based, school-friendly program that builds participants' creativity, problem solving, and teamwork in enjoyable and meaningful ways.

  • Odyssey of the Mind - international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college.

• Activities and Games

  • Cool Science for Curious Kids:  The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) invites curious kids to explore biology... on screen, off screen, and in between.
  • Exploratorium Science Snacks:  Exploratorium Science Snacks are miniature versions of some of the most popular exhibits at the San Francisco famous interactive science informal learning center known as the Exploratorium.

   

Please email Maureen McMahon if you have suggestions for STEM-related links to appear on this resource page.