Michael's Updates
Module 1: The Nature of STEAM and Children's Ideas/Conceptions of Nature & STEAM



Module Overview: 

The purpose of this module is to provide you with a exploration into the Nature of Science (NOS) and how elementary science education fits into STEAM learning. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics and is a way to help K-12 students learn about science and nature within the context of other related fields. You will need this foundation on NOS and STEAM to successfully achieve the rest of the course objectives.  This foundation will also be critical for you to mindfully serve the diverse range of students in the United States. Starting with your own childhood experiences in STEAM, we will shift to the Nature of STEAM within the context of the diverse learners in your future classrooms. We will also be completing a series of science explorations related to forces in nature such as gravity and electromagnetism. During the pandemic, K-12 schools may be running on different schedules and protocols than previous years and will likely be focused on core academic areas (reading, writing, and mathematics). As a result, we will be focused on STEAM education that fosters on home-school partnerships using a hands-on and individual inquiry models your students can complete either in the classroom or at home with family members.


Module Objectives:
  1. Define key terms in STEAM education (see list below).
  2. Explore and discuss the Nature of Science and STEAM. 
  3. Conduct research into state and national Science standards and resources.
  4. Explore children's conceptions/misconceptions and science ideas. 


Module Sections: 

Module Assignments & Timeline

Key Terms:
By the end of this module you should be able to define, discuss and apply the following key terms within your educational practice:  
STEAM, (STEAM)2 , Science Engineering Education (SEEd), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Nature of Science (NOS), Scientific Theory, Scientific Law, Science Misconception, Scientific Method, 5E Model, Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

My STEAM Experiences 

In thinking about STEAM lessons and activities, a good place to start is by sharing and reflecting on our own childhood experiences. Click on the link below to share your childhood experiences in STEAM. 

Exploring Children's STEAM Ideas

Before teaching STEAM Lessons with children, it is important to know their ideas, conceptions, and misconceptions. In this assignment you will be interviewing a group of children in an approved school setting. Click on the assignment below to begin. 

Nature of STEAM in Lessons 

The Nature of STEAM is an important framework for understanding how each of these fields is taught and applied in society. In this assignment you will be exploring the Nature of Science (NOS) and how it connects to STEAM lessons and activities. Click on the link below to begin.