(a few)Steps to a STEM Expo Science Fair

Presented by Thomas ToyOctober 26, CSTA Conference

Outline•An introduction to project based “steep” learning curve

•NGSS and project based learning

•Research in classroom

• Planning for your upcoming STEM Project

Project Based Learning?

Attempt this exercise

Writing with your “dominant” hand, draw the other hand.

(5 minutes)

“Every artist was first an amateur” Ralph Waldo Emerson

NGSS and Project Based Learning• Start by finding your main concepts or “big ideas” (NGSS)• Find Generalizations and/or Principals Supporting big ideas•Dig up representative topics from curriculum• Support topics with facts•What skills will be needed to teach these big ideas• Create some essential questions

Structure of KnowledgeTo Understand….

To be able

to... To Know...

Adapted from Concept Based Curriculum and Instruction, by Lynn Erickson

Concepts or Big Ideas

Principles GeneralizationsAnd/Or

Representative Topic

Representative Topic

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact Skills are the tools we use to organize, access, and share knowledge with

Structure of KnowledgeTo Understand….

To be able

to... To Know...

Adapted from Concept Based Curriculum and Instruction, by Lynn Erickson

Energy and Engineering

Energy can be transferred from place

to place

Innovators design, test, and refine

devices that convert energy

And/Or

Static ElectricityCurrent ElectricityChemical Energy

Design(Persuade)Test(Experiment)Refine(Reflect)

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

Fact

-Compare and Contrast-Create a simple circuit-Research Thomas Edison-Design a device

Design a Device…Electric Circuits!

• Materials list came from Electric Circuits by G.E.M.S. (LHS).

-Wires-Light bulb-Cardboard-Piezo “Buzzer”-Paperclips and fasteners-Craft sticks and foil

Plan an invention convention!!!!

Seven Steps to the Research Processby IIM Independent Investigation Method

•STEP 1 Topic: •STEP 2 Goal Setting:  •STEP 3 Research: •STEP 4 Organizing: •STEP 5 Goal Evaluation: •STEP 6 Product: •STEP 7 Presentation:

Step 3 of the IIM Method: Research • Taking notefacts on Note Cards: -Paraphrase

- Short but make sense-Use quotation for direct quotes-Write page number-Highlight key words-Write your opinions in a different color

Activity: Research Three Pieces of Text•Read the text you have been given•Follow IIM research protocols•Write statements on notefact sheets•Note the resource(1,2,3?)•Highlight new vocabulary

Step 4: Organizing Data•Students organize data•Analyze Data• Interpret•Draw conclusions about research•Create focus questions

Teaching PBL Skills• Create a concept map or the structure of knowledge

-big ideas, principles, representative topics, facts and activities

• Attempt a project based exercise in class-notebooks as pacing guides, organize materials

• Invention Convention• Model, groups, what research looks like (ie…IIM

methods)• Have students attempt their research questions

independently• Start introducing your STEM Expo topic options

….and hold yourown STEM Expo!!!!!

Thank You!

May the farce be with you!