Defining STEM

Elements of STEM Schools

Dr. JP Keener

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© 2014, Florida Department of Education. All Rights Reserved.
 Florida STEM:
STEM education is the intentional integration of
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,
and their associated practices to create a student-
centered learning environment in which students
investigate and engineer solutions to problems, and
construct evidence-based explanations of real-
world phenomena with a focus on a student’s
social, emotional, physical, and academic needs
through shared contributions of schools, families,
and community partners.

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 The Case for STEM Education
NSTA Press: Roger W. Bybee

STEM disciplines
Science
Technology
Engineering
Math

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 STEM 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0
STEM STEM Disciplines
Disciplines 2.0 3.0
Science and STEM Disciplines 4.0
Technology Science,
Science and Technology, and Integrated Science,
Engineering Engineering Technology, Engineering,
Science and Science, and Math Programs
Math Engineering, and
Math
Technology and
Engineering Technology,
Engineering, and
Technology and Math
Math
Math, Technology, NSTA Press: Roger W. Bybee
Engineering and Science
and Math
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© 2014, Florida Department of Education. All Rights Reserved.
Case Study: Essential Elements of a STEM
School
• The Outlier Study:
• Outlier is the research and evaluation arm of CEMSE,
the Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science
Education in the Physical Sciences Division of the
University of Chicago.
• The STEM School Study (S3) seeks to understand the
landscape of inclusive STEM high schools across the
United States. S3 examines how STEM schools define
themselves, the strategies they use, and the student
experience.

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Outlier Study: What defines a STEM school?
The 8 Elements include six core Elements that equate
with the STEM schools’ key educational goals:
•Problem-Based Learning
•Rigorous Learning
•School Community and Belonging
•Career, Technology, and Life Skills
•Personalization of Learning
•External Community
(http://outlier.uchicago.edu/s3/, 2014)

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Outlier Study: What defines a STEM school?
The remaining two are supporting and contributing
Elements:
•Staff Foundations
•Essential Factors

(http://outlier.uchicago.edu/s3/, 2014)

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Example: Hidden Oaks Elementary
• Hidden Oaks Elementary – Palm Beach County
Schools; Lake Worth, FL
• Rigorous and relevant instruction in science K-5: All
grades teach science with embedded STEM
components.
• A “special” STEM lab is provided to all students to
enhance their instruction.
• STEM teacher collaborates with classroom teachers to
develop a comprehensive flow to the STEM curriculum.
• External partnerships enhance the instructional
opportunities.
• Illustrates the many components outlined in the Outlier Study
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Recording of Hidden Oaks

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For more information on the Outlier Study:
• http://outlier.uchicago.edu/s3/

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Bureau of Standards and Instructional Support
(850)245-0808

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www.FLDOE.org

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© 2014, Florida Department of Education. All Rights Reserved.