STEM Immersion Guide and Resources

I recently had the distinctive pleasure of working with an amazing group of educators who are in the process of transforming their school into a STEM Academy. You might be wondering: What is a "STEM Academy"? How can I integrate more STEM into my school?

The answers can be found on the STEM Immersion Guide.

Science Foundation Arizona, the Arizona STEM Network, and Maricopa County Education Service Agency created the STEM Immersion Guide to guide schools through the process of starting and implementing a STEM program.

Where are we now?

Before you chart your course, you need to evaluate where you are now in your STEM implementation. Below are videos of the 4 levels on the STEM Immersion Guide. As you watch, think "are we currently at this level?".

The Exploratory Model

"The Exploratory Model describes a traditional school experience with STEM-related EXTRA CURRICULAR opportunities offered to students in addition to the regular school day. These experiences may include, but are not limited to: after school clubs, summer programs, science fairs, robotics clubs, video production clubs, etc." (sfaz.org)

The Introductory Model

"The Introductory Model describes a traditional school experience with STEM-related experiences offered in addition to the current curriculum. These experiences may include, but are not limited to: integrated STEM units delivered once the state testing is complete, supplementary stand-alone learning units offered through industry or non-profit partnerships, etc." (sfaz.org)

The Partial Immersion Model

"The Partial Immersion Model describes a school experience where STEM-related experiences are integrated into the current curriculum. These experiences may include, but are not limited to: teaching to a school-wide STEM theme, teaching year-long integrated Problem/Project-Based Learning Units, teaching dual-enrollment programs, teaching in a "school within a school" model, etc." (sfaz.org)

The Full Immersion Model

"The Full Immersion Model describes a total school experience where STEM-related experiences are imbedded within a cross-curricular, thematic focus in ALL content areas. Full Immersion schools look more like 21st Century workplace environments rather 20th century K12 school environments. Problem-based Learning drives the curriculum and instruction. Students constantly collaborate to solve authentic problems, propose solutions, and contribute ideas to the larger community." (sfaz.org)

Assess Your Level

Now that you have watched the videos and have a good background on what each level looks like, take the online assessment to determine your current level. This can be done alone or with your entire staff. 

http://stemguide.sfaz.org/assess-your-level/ 

Assemble Your Team

When you finish the last question on the online assessment, you will be directed to a site that identifies your current level. Now, you are ready to assemble your team.

As you discuss your next steps and plan your 2-year, 3-year, and even 5-year goals, use the resources provided.  One of the biggest resources is the Arizona STEM Network. *Note, you do not need to live in Arizona to be a part of the network.  In fact, we have members from 16 states and 4 countries!

Now What?

Download the STEM Immersion Guide and plot your course. Define your goals and gather your resources. But, where to find quality STEM quality resources? 

Resources

Do you need resources and lessons? Did your team decide to enter a competition? Does your staff need more PD? Use the Tools4Teachers link! Resources have been vetted by a team of STEM experts and categorized for easy searching.


"The Immersion Guide, the survey, videos and Implementation Guides all work together to provide schools with the tools necessary to imbed STEM into their programs at all levels," Linda Coyle, Director of Education, Science Foundation Arizona.

I would love to hear about your goals for implementing your STEM program. Send me a message at STEAMingAheadWithSusan@gmail.com .