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STEM Education as I see it

I believe in STEM education, but not in the way that we see it customarily in the classroom. A latest buzzword, a educational fad, an exclusive club for mathematics and sciences - because that is not what STEM is! STEM is a pedagogy, an infusion of humanities, the arts and sciences together in harmony to create creative problem solvers of the new millennium.  STEM is not a class, STEM is a way of thinking and teaching. In the 21st century, the teacher is almost unnecessary - the Internet provides access to more knowledge than I could ever hope to have in my head, even as I pursue my PhD. The 21st century teacher needs to guide students through the global world to help them find information, analyze and be critical thinkers about what they find. Teachers are not responsible for telling students what to think, but helping them develop skills for how to think critically. STEM educators realize that there is an infusion of arts and sciences together that develop thoughtful ...
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Summer School Labs 2018

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NSTA STEM Forum and Expo Q&A 2018

STEM Pedagogy Q&A NSTA 2018
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21st Century Learners- Teaching Digital Natives

Meeting students where they are means tapping into the technology that students are constantly seen with a device in hand. SO where am I? I have a professional presence on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, Google Blogger, Medium and now I am dabbling with my first ever podcast on Anchor. I am using #schulerscience to mark myself in the digital world - one might suggest I am branding myself. Well that's true enough. I have made a point of separating my personal life from my professional life in cyberspace. I don't have many subscribers so that is a little disappointing for sure, but I am still working on it. I have plenty of time to grow. As an educator I want to make sure that there is access to content for my students in various platforms. One way or another I want to be sure that they can find our classroom no matter where they are. If you get a chance, please google search #schulerscience and follow me. I am excited to continue to work toward prov...
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I made a goal for 2018 - and I am reaching it beyond expectations! In JULY - I will be presenting at the National Science Teachers Association STEM Forum and Expo in Philadelphia! I will be talking about using STEM pedagogy to build academic vocabulary in the emerging bilingual population. These strategies also work with our kids who are academically challenged. If you are in Philly on July 12 - come see me!   #AMLE2018 is all about the middle grades. See my session and join us in Orlando, Oct 25-27, 2018 www.amle.org/annual   I am excited to be presenting 2 sessions - STEM pedagogy and CALP and Brain Based Learning and Language Acquisition using STEM! I have already booked my airfare and reserved my room! I am so ready to do this! Hoping to meet new people who are as passionate about STEM as I am!
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If you give a kid a STEM challenge

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If you give a kid a STEM challenge....      Kids are bound to ask a question! If a kid asks a question, a kid is likely to look for a solution. But if a kid  wants to find a solution, first he or she will need to do some research. If a kid does some research, there's bound to be MORE questions!          If you give a kid a STEM Challenge, they want to find a solution. If you give a kid a STEM Challenge...       You ENGAGE critical thinking skills.        You engage every kid.        You ignite creativity! If you give a kid a STEM Challenge they will find others to COLLABORATE with! If You give a kid a STEM Challenge.... They will design it and EXPLORE possibilities. When a kid can  build it they EXPLAIN why something works!...
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STEM Toy Company (Genetics Lesson)

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  Traditionally, Unit 1 in 8th grade science is boring. Intuitively students understand genetics and reproduction but application of the ideas into science class is very difficult.   Why are "mom and dad" now parents? What the heck is offspring? Just the vocabulary alone is enough to send students to bed crying at night.   I was tasked at making these crazy allele things concrete How about those chromosomes? I can't see them, but they are important. I need to make this relevant.                             So You give a kid a STEM challenge . Problem: Design a toy that would teach genetics for the STEM Toy Company Constraints: A male and female parent model - with 4 distinguished traits 1 offspring It had to fit in a shoe box Illustrations of 3 additional offspring possibilities Use of pungent square t...
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Using iMovie to Inspire and Share Stuent Work and Engagement

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A fun look into what kids are doing in my classroom! Check it out! STEM Works!
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