Helping to prepare students for their eventual careers is a big part of being a teacher. One of the best ways to give students an edge in the modern world is by adapting your lesson plans to incorporate STEM elements. Short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, STEM learning can engage students in new ways and teach them valuable career skills. Here are three ways that you can incorporate this into your curriculum.
Take a Field Trip
Getting out of the classroom and into the lab can be a huge boost in learning these specialized skills. Places such as museums and laboratories are excellent options and work for students in a wide variety of grades. If you don’t have a museum nearby, look to see if there is a science and technology franchise in your area. These centers offer activities for many ages.
Do a Class Project
Working together can teach cooperation and help your students bond with each other, as well as helping students learn by doing. Project-based learning also helps encourage students to relate their learning to real-world situations. If your class utilizes group projects, consider choosing a STEM-focused one with real-world applications for your next lesson.
Engage in After-School Programs
If your school offers an in-house after-school program, you can help keep the learning going even after the school day ends for your students. Consider helping the after-school team come up with new STEM-focused activities for the students. If that isn’t an option, you could also start an after-school club that meets regularly.
Helping your students explore STEM concepts is very important, no matter what grade they’re currently in. You can do this by taking field trips to science-focused places, involving the class in a group project, or partnering with your after-school program to offer new activities or clubs for students. No matter what you choose, you’ll be setting your students up for great success.
