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Hello, 

I am currently a senior at Dominican University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I will be student teaching next semester, and I would like to know if anyone has any resources that will be beneficial for me to learn more about STEM and how to incorporate it into my lessons. I have also heard that many schools do not implement STEM lessons into their curriculum. Is there anyway to promote or encourage the use of it in schools, or even some resources that provide STEM projects at a low cost? 

Hi Lizeth,

Good luck with your student teaching next semester!  I think you will find lots of great ideas for STEM projects at the NGSS@NSTA th 

For example if you go to the 3-5th grade standards for Engineering Design: https://ngss.nsta.org/DisplayStandard.aspx?view=topic&id=23

and scroll down to the section on the right hand side titled, 'Resources and Lesson Plans,' you will see many DIY STEM lesson plans/projects.

Also, Seimens has a whole website on STEM projects at: https://new.siemens.com/uk/en/company/education/students/diy-videos.html

Most STEM DIY projects utilize inexpensive, easy to obtain materials.  Consider setting up a 'Go Fund Me' page to help obtain funds to purchase materials to supplement your school's budget.  As you become more invested in providing these types of quality, hands-on lessons, you will be the 'voice' to promote and encourage STEM teaching and learning in your school and district.

What ideeas do others of you have to share with and support Lizeth in her endeavor?

Prof. Mohr

Dominican University, River Forest, IL