Elevating STEM Education in Challenging Times
- Jake Cena
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Across the nation, many schools are experiencing a critical shortage of qualified STEM teachers. For educators whose backgrounds aren’t strictly in STEM, tackling subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can feel daunting. Yet with a well-crafted curriculum, a dynamic teaching style, and effective classroom management, even challenging topics can become engaging and transformative experiences.
At Tried & True, we’ve gathered insights and approaches that have helped many create high-energy STEM workshops. We’re sharing these ideas in the hope they inspire and guide educators, regardless of STEM background.
Creating a High-Energy STEM Workshop
A transformative STEM workshop does more than just present a topic—it invites students on a journey of discovery. Consider these key elements:
High Energy Icebreaker: Before jumping into the lesson, start with a short game or activity to transition students into the class.
Clear, Focused Content: Give a concise lesson that lays the foundation for the day’s activities. Breaking down complex concepts into manageable segments can make even the most intricate STEM topics accessible.
Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool: Encouraging a mindset where trial and error are seen as steps toward success can help students develop resilience and creative problem-solving skills.
The Engineering Design Process: Introducing a structured approach to problem solving can significantly enhance the learning experience. For example, students can:
Brainstorm Ideas: Generate a wide range of potential solutions without immediate judgment.
Select and Test Solutions: Evaluate ideas in small groups based on clear criteria, then build simple prototypes using everyday materials.
Iterate and Improve: Learn from testing, refine their ideas, and discover the best available solutions.
The Work Behind the Workshop
It’s important to note that creating a workshop that truly captivates students involves planning, iterative testing, and reflection. Many educators have found that the process can be more intricate than it initially appears. While we’re sharing these insights as examples of effective strategies, we also understand that every classroom is unique and that developing a high-impact session often requires specialized expertise and ongoing refinement.
Everyday Materials, Extraordinary Outcomes
One of the exciting aspects of STEM education is its ability to transform simple, everyday materials into components of complex challenges. For example, using toothpicks and gumdrops to build bridges can teach essential engineering principles, while repurposing household items for various experiments can highlight creativity and resourcefulness. These hands-on approaches not only make STEM more accessible but also demonstrate that innovation can be sparked with minimal resources.
Sharing an Example
For those interested in seeing how these ideas can come together, we’ve put together an example workshop outline for a Bridge Building STEM Workshop. This includes a detailed student worksheet and a comprehensive lesson plan. Our goal in sharing this example is to offer a concrete reference point that illustrates how careful planning and creative execution can lead to a successful STEM experience.
By reflecting on these strategies and insights, educators can gain a clearer picture of what it takes to design a high-energy STEM workshop. While these ideas have proven successful in our experience, we understand that the journey to an effective STEM program can be complex, and every educator may face unique challenges along the way.
We hope these insights inspire you to explore and refine your own approach to STEM education. If you would like to learn more about our Science & Engineering Workshops, schedule a consult with one of our Expert Directors today.
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