$2 Million Grant to Help Youngest Students Learn Science
Michigan State University scholars will use a NSF grant to develop kindergarten curriculum and work with kindergarten teachers on to implement. The general idea is that mixing science learning with literacy standards will increase students’ ability to use evidence to support claims and explain their ideas.
The MSU researchers have already had successful results during pilot studies. The grant will allow them to expand the reach and increase the training teachers receive.
Minnesota High School Students Learn to Program Robots
The U.S. News report focuses on St. Johns Preparatory School’s computer programming and robotics program. The school has used school funds and parent donations to purchase iPads on which students learn coding basics. The school has also purchased Arduino kits so students can implement the programs they write.
Science and Sequins Sparking Girls’ Imagination for STEM through Wearable Technology
Three high schools in Australia are using what they call learning by stealth to encourage girls to code. Girls are asked to to design an item (e.g., shoes or hats) that incorporate programmable light circuits and conductive thread.
Aside from STEM skills, participating girls are learning other valuable skills, such as how to communicate and how to make mistakes (and learn from them!).
From Abacuses to Micro:Bits, How Is the Landscape of Technology in Education Changing?
Carolyn Savage, writing for Huffington Post, highlights school technology initiatives from across the globe. The overall emphasis is in discussing the increased focus of technology in schools like green screens, micro:bits, 3D printers, and coding curriculums.
Stemming STEM Dropouts
Recognizing the importance of STEM education, the author investigates why STEM undergraduates choose to leave their majors. The two primary reasons discussed are the discouragement students experience while taking their STEM course and students’ lack of engagement with course materials.