Stages 4 to 5 | STEM
Integrated STEM programs are both skills-based and content-rich with a major focus on application in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Planning STEM
Considerations when planning STEM programs in secondary schools:
Apply STEM skills and strategies
- Incorporate processes of working technologically, working mathematically, and working scientifically.
- Use strategies that enhance literacy and numeracy.
Embed 21st century skills
- Foster skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, self-evaluation, ICT, and critical and creative thinking.
- Develop personal and social capabilities.
Ensure academic rigour and assessment
- Maintain high expectations of student performance.
- Implement ongoing assessment to monitor student progress.
Develop and implement integrated STEM programs
- Plan collaboratively with an Integrated STEM team.
- Ensure sustainability through succession planning.
Integrate STEM into the curriculum
Use STEM as a method to deliver part of the curriculum without compromising or adding to existing requirements.
STEM education refers collectively to the teaching of the disciplines within its umbrella – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and also to a cross-disciplinary approach to teaching that increases student interest in STEM-related fields and inproves students' problem solving and critical analysis skills (National STEM School Education Strategy 2016–2026).
An integrated STEM framework
Quality STEM education caters for all students. Teachers move through the framework by:
Knowing your students
- Understand their needs and interests.
- Tailor the STEM education to cater to all students.
Evaluating current learning sequences
- Develop integrated sequences for STEM projects.
- Align these with current teaching and learning strategies.
Connecting concepts and themes
- Map them to appropriate STEM contexts.
- Ensure relevance and engagement.
Designing common student tasks
- Include various assessment checkpoints.
- Allow students to demonstrate their learning effectively.
Targeting syllabus/course outcomes
- Highlight necessary skills for project success.
- Align with project work with course aims and outcomes.
Planning assessments
- Use explicit quality criteria and success criteria checklists.
- Ensure clarity and transparency in assessments.
Planning learning and teaching strategies
- Implement explicit teaching for essential skills.
- Gradually release responsibility to students as they become more competent.