What if you could challenge your first graders to create instruments they can play in their own “Show Me the Waves” musical show? With this volume in the
STEM Road Map Curriculum Series, you can!
Influence of Waves outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. Like the other volumes in the series, this book is designed to meet the growing need to infuse real-world learning into K–12 classrooms.
This interdisciplinary module uses project- and problem-based learning to help young children explore cause and effect. It introduces them to the concept of waves as disturbances that travel through space and substances to transfer energy. Students will draw on physical and biological science, mathematics, engineering, and English language arts to do the following:
• Discover that there are different types of waves, such as water and sound, that come from different sources and travel in various ways.
• Find out that eyes, ears, and skin respond to sound and light.
• Use technology to gather research and communicate.
• Design, test, and evaluate models to demonstrate how people experience and interact with sound and light.
• Put on a show that combines voices and flashlights with guitars and drums they’ve made themselves to demonstrate how sound waves and light can be used to communicate and entertain.
The
STEM Road Map Curriculum Series is anchored in the
Next Generation Science Standards, the
Common Core State Standards, and the Framework for 21st Century Learning. In-depth and flexible,
Influence of Waves can be used as a whole unit or in part to meet the needs of districts, schools, and teachers who are charting a course toward an integrated STEM approach.
Table of Contents
About the Editors and Authors
Acknowledgments
Part 1: The STEM Road Map: Background, Theory, and Practice
1 Overview of the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series
Standards-Based Approach
Themes in the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series
The Need for an Integrated STEM Approach
Framework for STEM Integration in the Classroom
The Need for the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series
References
2 Strategies Used in the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series
Project- and Problem-Based Learning
Engineering Design Process
Learning Cycle
STEM Research Notebook
The Role of Assessment in the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series
Self-Regulated Learning Theory in the STEM Road Map Modules
Safety in STEM
References
Part 2: Influence of Waves: STEM Road Map Module
3 Influence of Waves Module Overview
Module Summary
Established Goals and Objectives
Challenge or Problem for Students to Solve: Show Me the Waves Challenge
Content Standards Addressed in This STEM Road Map Module
STEM Research Notebook
Module Launch
Prerequisite Skills for the Module
Potential STEM Misconceptions
SRL Process Components
Strategies for Differentiating Instruction Within This Module
Strategies for English Language Learners
Safety Considerations for the Activities in This Module
Desired Outcomes and Monitoring Success
Assessment Plan Overview and Map
Module Timeline
Resources
References
4 Influence of Waves Lesson Plans
Lesson Plan 1: Let’s Explore Waves!
Lesson Plan 2: Sounds Like Fun!
Lesson Plan 3: Lighting It Up!
Lesson Plan 4: Show Me the Waves Challenge
5 Transforming Learning With Influence of Waves and the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series
Appendix A: STEM Research Notebook Templates
Appendix B: Lesson Assessments and Assessment Rubric
Appendix C: Content Standards Addressed in This Module
Index