Youth Motivation and Interests in STEM | STELAR - STEM Learning and Research Center

STEM Career Connections Resource Pack

Curricular Materials

The STEM Career Connections project developed educational materials to support implementation of the STEMCC model within both formal and informal education settings, included here as the Resource Pack. The technology curricula and career connections activities define what youth were actually doing throughout the STEMCC project, while the community partnerships, detailed in the STEM Partnership Toolkit, provided the backbone to shape youth experiences. The Resource Pack contains STEM career connections activities as well as links to the technology curricula that were implemented during the

Scientific Sensemaking: Designing Solutions for Puffin Restoration

Publications

Scientific sensemaking is described in the context of studying a three-week, sixth-grade unit on the ecology and restoration of puffins living off the coast of Maine. Students engaged with a scientific adventure story, observed local bird species, used AI and webcam-facilitated tools, designed puffin burrows, and explored data sets about puffins. Students’ ideas were elicited through discussion of the challenges faced by scientists who restored the puffins; sharing observations of chick-rearing behaviors from a webcam; critiquing and revising classmates’ burrow designs; writing about bird

STEM Dreams in Motion - Episode 4

Curricular Materials

This series of videos highlights contemporary stories of refugees who are considered role models for their tenacity and accomplishments. Each story sheds light on journeys to becoming a STEM professional in the United States. Episode 4 features two Congolese brothers who grew up in a refugee camp and are currently STEM college students.

Drones in Alaska Elementary Curriculum

Curricular Materials

This collection of three teacher's manuals, five videos, and one career exploration guide were created with and for Alaska Native communities as part of the Drone Research and Opportunities for Native Elementary Students project, funded by NSF I-TEST Grant Nos. 1850561 (Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks) and 1850556 (Univ. of Alaska Anchorage). The Drones in Alaska base curriculum has three versions, one with lexicon in Sugs'tun, one with lexicon in Lower Tanana Athabascan, and one with lexicon in Lower Koyukon Athabascan. The Teacher's manual for the Drones in Alaska base curriculum is applicable to

Textured Tactile 3D Prints of Astronomical Data for the Career Exploration Lab and Other Applications

Curricular Materials

Whirlpool Galaxy HST image and 3D model Print

Astronomy has been a fascinating subject for the public for centuries and can stimulate deep questions not only on our own origin but subtly the richness of science and mathematics. It also is a science that is associated with engineering and technology to probe the universe.Typically, astronomical data is translated into visual representations for analysis and general public communication. Unfortunately, this practice is problematic for individuals with blindness or visual impairment (B/VI). In response, we transformed astronomical research data and models into textured 3D prints for tactile

The impact of Geospatial Inquiry lessons on student interest in science and technology careers

Publications

Advances in online geospatial technologies (GST) have expanded access to K-12 classrooms which has implications for the support teachers require to effectively integrate GSTs to promote learning. Previous studies have shown the impact of GST-integrated lessons on student engagement, spatial thinking skills, and/or content knowledge; however, most of these studies have been small in scope and scale and frequently focus on the affordances of the technology, without addressing the context of the implementation and student characteristics for whom GST is most impactful. We attempt to address some

STEM Dreams in Motion - Episode 3

Video

This series of videos highlights contemporary stories of refugees who are considered role models for their tenacity and accomplishments. Each story sheds light on journeys to becoming a STEM professional in the United States. Episode 3 features STEM college students from Syria and Iraq who all

STEM Dreams in Motion - Episode 2

Video

This series of videos highlights contemporary stories of refugees who are considered role models for their tenacity and accomplishments. Each story sheds light on journeys to becoming a STEM professional in the United States. Episode 2 features Ralph Ngaboyimana. Ralph's family arrived in the United

Creating 3D Plant Models Using Tinkercad and Fusion 360

Curricular Materials

This 3D modeling project addresses the disconnect between science, design and technology, and how high school students can benefit from innovative learning experiences in plant and agriculture sciences that integrate these disciplines while gaining interest in and skills for future STEAM careers. Students use the software Tinkercad or Fusion 360 to create 3D models of species of research importance at the Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, MO. Students work in collaborative teams made of self-identified scientists, technophiles, and artists. A STEAM approach is applied in which

CryptoComics

Curricular Materials

CryptoComics is a culturally responsive cryptology and cybersecurity curriculum for 7-11 year old. children. An innovative blend of a comic book, technology-based and unplugged activities engages kids in making and breaking codes, symbolic systems awareness and cryptology careers.

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