STEM 40303/50303 Introduction to STEM Education
This course provides an introduction to the foundations of STEM education disciplines and the strategies used to deliver integrated STEM education in the elementary and secondary school setting. The nature of STEM education disciplines, STEM pedagogy, teaching strategies, integrated STEM learning, STEM careers, and project-based instruction are addressed.
Updated 3-11 – STEM 40303 – Spring 2026 Tentative Course Schedule
Week 1
Tuesday, August 18 and Thursday, August 20
- Syllabus and Schedule Review
- Introduction to STEM Education
- Challenge (in-class) – Climer Cards/Earth Ball Introductions
- Challenge (at-home) – Video Introduction Assignment
- Challenge (in-class) – Engineering Design Challenge – Teacher Trophy Challenge
- Weekly Reading Assignment – The Nature of Interdisciplinary STEM Education chapter and Reading Reflection
STEM Content Standards
- Arkansas Science Standards
- Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL) – The Role of Technology and Engineering in STEM Education
- Arkansas Mathematics Standards
- Additional Arkansas Learning Standards
Course Resources
Developing Big Ideas and Essential Questions
Potential-Materials-and-Tools List