M/W – Introduction to STEM Education

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.

STEM 40303 – 50303 Syllabus

Fall 2026 – STEM 4033 Tentative Schedule

Week 1

Monday, August 17 and Wednesday, August 19

  • 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

Course Resources

Writing a STEM Design Brief

Developing Big Ideas and Essential Questions

Potential-Materials-and-Tools List

Engineering-Design-Journal Example

Performance-Based-Assessment-Guide