I don’t remember what my classroom was like before I went off the deep end for Project Based Learning, infusing inquiry, and STEM. I’ll bet my students don’t remember much about it either. I used to teach what was in chapters. But, over time, I came to realize that the best stuff we can teach is in the world around us. I became a learner with my kids. I mean, I already WAS a learner, but there was a time when I didn’t think I could let my kids know that. Not anymore. That little fact is what changed everything.
I’ve heard some say “The Common Core will change everything.” People are realizing that with the emphasis on non-fiction text, science and social studies will be the ultimate fuel for the classroom learning fire. Science will no longer have to be squeezed in. It will become a focus. The world of separate folders for separate subjects in elementary school will slowly start to blend in the way it maybe should have been blended all along. Writing, Math, and Reading will fall naturally into investigations about our world. It’s really not about standards, about Common Core, or about more things to do. It’s about using our time in the classroom for meaningful learning. Authentic experiences. STEM infused learning that gets kids thinking, collaborating, and being creative.
Today I was lucky enough to get to share about Project Based Learning and STEM at NSTA STEM Expo in St. Louis. It was great to meet so many other educators passionate about STEM. Here are the presentation links and handouts. 