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Section #1: (STEM)2 and Integrating Writing Activities 
  
Writing plays a key role within STEM and STEAM lessons and learning activities as writing is essential to analyzing, reporting and communicating key research findings and data analysis. However, elementary educators should not just restrict science writing to filling out experiment worksheets, generating reports, and student scientists exhibits in school STEM fairs. Other creative genres and writing such as poetry and narratives about science and nature can help students engage in STEM and sense making (see SEEd introduction for information on this). For example, many forms of Haiku might allow students to more closely observe flowers and other plants when writing about them. Creative stories about rare wildlife or space travel allows young students to examine rarely observed animals or inaccessible places within genres that can include research and engagement with peers. Writing also forms the foundation of education scripts that elementary students might use to create multimedia presentations as well. In addition to exploring these topics in our class, the article by Fazio and Gallagher (2009) below contains some excellent ideas for integrating writing into your STEM and SEEd activities. 
As we will explore in class, in STEM education, writing is an important component of the learning process. Here are some writing strategies that can be used in STEM education:

1. Science journals: Students can keep a journal to record their observations, predictions, questions, and explanations related to a specific topic in science. This helps them to reflect on their learning and communicate their ideas more clearly.
   
2. Lab reports: After conducting a scientific experiment, students can write a lab report to summarize their findings, explain the scientific method they used, and analyze their results.
   
3. Technical writing: Students can learn to write technical reports, manuals, and other documents that explain how to use a particular tool, software, or equipment. This helps them to develop their technical writing skills and communicate complex ideas more effectively.
   
4. Research papers: Students can write research papers on topics related to STEM fields. This helps them to develop their research skills, evaluate scientific sources, and communicate their findings effectively.
   
5. Graphic organizers: Students can use graphic organizers such as mind maps, diagrams, and flowcharts to organize their ideas, plan their writing, and visualize the connections between different concepts.
   

In addition to expository and traditional writing activities above, creative writing in STEM education involves incorporating elements of storytelling and imaginative writing into STEM-related topics. This approach encourages students to think beyond the traditional boundaries of STEM subjects, and to develop creativity and innovative thinking skills. Here are some ways that creative writing can be incorporated into STEM education:

1. Writing science fiction stories: Students can create science fiction stories that involve scientific concepts, technologies, and discoveries. This encourages them to use their imagination and to think about how science and technology might change the world in the future.
   
2. Writing technical manuals and instructions: Students can develop their technical writing skills by creating clear, concise, and accurate instructions for how to use a particular tool or technology.
   

Article: Fazio, X, & Gallagher, T. (2009). Supporting students writing in elementary science: Tools to facilitate revision of inquiry-based compositions. (Article Link)
Website: Exploratorium, (2023). Science writing: A tool for learning science and developing language. (Website Link )
Reflection QuestionsUse these guiding questions to help frame your understanding of (STEM)2 and writing:

1. Why is it important to include multiple writing genres in (STEM)2?
2. Consider a lesson you want to teach related to STEM or SEEd, how would you use student writing in your planning? ​

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