T/TH – 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 3

Tuesday, September 1

Reading Review
Tool School PP – Measuring, Materials, Tools, and Processes
Challenge (in-class) – Space Frame Building Challenge

Thursday, September 3

Tool School PP – Measuring, Materials, Tools, and Processes (cont.)
Challenge (in-class) – Space Frame Building Challenge (cont.)

Week 2

Tuesday, August 25

Reading Review – The Nature of Interdisciplinary STEM Education
Challenge (in-class) – Engineering Design Challenge – A Bridge to Nowhere
Weekly Reading Assignment – Connecting Compassion Empathy’s Role in STEM and Literacy Integration and Reading Reflection
- Due on Thursday

Thursday, August 27

Reading Review – Connecting Compassion Empathy’s Role in STEM and Literacy Integration
Challenge (in-class) – The Water Princess
Tool School – Measuring, Materials, Tools, and Processes
Weekly Reading Assignment – Enhancing the Technology and Engineering in Elementary Classrooms: Safer Tool Usage and Reading Reflection
- Due on Monday

Week 1

Tuesday, August 18

Syllabus and Schedule Review
Introduction to STEM Education PP
Challenge (in-class) – Climer Cards/Earth Ball Introductions
Challenge (at-home) – YouTube Introduction Assignment (Due by Friday)
Weekly Reading Assignment – The Nature of Interdisciplinary STEM Education chapter and Reading Reflection

Thursday, August 20

- Introduction to STEM Education PP (continued)
- Challenge (in-class) – Engineering Design Challenge – Teacher Trophy Challenge
- Weekly Reading Assignment – The Nature of Interdisciplinary STEM Education chapter and Reading Reflection
  - In this course you will complete reading reflections in a variety of formats, including handwritten reading annotations and reflections. Your reading reflection is a written analysis of a text, where you capture your thoughts, feelings, and understanding of the material in your own handwriting. It’s a way to engage with the text more deeply, making personal connections and fostering critical thinking.
    - Due before our next class next meeting – You will turn this assignment in to me during class.