STEPS to STEM: a science curriculum supplement for upper elementary and middle school grades

Description

Introduction -- Electricity & magnetism -- Air & flight -- Water & weather -- Plants & animals -- Earth & space -- Matter & motion -- Light & sound -- Conclusion.;"STEPS (Science Tasks Enhance Process Skills) to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is an inquiry-based science curriculum supplement focused on developing upper elementary and middle students' process skills and problem-solving abilities characteristic of how scientists think and act. Students learn key concepts in seven 'big ideas' in science: Electricity & Magnetism; Air & Flight; Water & Weather; Plants & Animals; Earth & Space; Matter & Motion; and Light & Sound. Using simple, readily available materials, teachers facilitate learning experiences using the following structure: STEP 1: Investigate--Hypothesis--Test; STEP 2: Observe--Record--Predict; STEP 3: Gather--Make--Try. Once students complete a set of STEP activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), they are ready to collaborate using a STEM Center. STEM Centers provide students with the opportunity for extended investigations focused on a single problem or 'team challenge.' Students utilize science and engineering practices while collaboratively conducting research to gather information. Once a plan is made, the team attempts to solve the problem or complete the open-ended task. In addition, a Science Notebook or Sci-Book serves as an essential companion to STEPS to STEM; students maintain a written record of their completed activities which can serve as a form of authentic assessment. STEPS to STEM aims to help students find enjoyment in science and in the process of problem-solving--there are things to do, discoveries to be made, and problems to solve. Ideally, these experiences will lead to more explorations and questions about the world around them."--Publisher's description.;Uses the STEPS (Science Tasks Enhance Process Skills) method in a curriculum aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Introduction -- Electricity & magnetism -- Air & flight -- Water & weather -- Plants & animals -- Earth & space -- Matter & motion -- Light & sound -- Conclusion.