STEPS to STEM: A Science Curriculum Supplement for Upper Elementary and Middle School Grades – Teacher's Edition

STEPS (Science Tasks Enhance Process Skills) to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is an inquiry-based science curriculum supplement focused on developing upper elementary and middle students’ process skills and problem-solving abilities characteristic of how scientists think and act. Students learn key concepts in seven “big ideas” in science: Electricity & Magnetism; Air & Flight; Water & Weather; Plants & Animals; Earth & Space; Matter & Motion; and Light & Sound. Using simple, readily available materials, teachers facilitate learning experiences using the following structure:
STEP 1: Investigate—Hypothesis—Test
STEP 2: Observe—Record—Predict
STEP 3: Gather—Make—Try

Once students complete a set of STEP activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), they are ready to collaborate using a STEM Center. STEM Centers provide students with the opportunity for extended investigations focused on a single problem or “team challenge.” Students utilize science and engineering practices while collaboratively conducting research to gather information. Once a plan is made, the team attempts to solve the problem or complete the open-ended task. In addition, a Science Notebook or Sci-Book serves as an essential companion to STEPS to STEM; students maintain a written record of their completed activities which can serve as a form of authentic assessment. STEPS to STEM aims to help students find enjoyment in science and in the process of problem-solving—there are things to do, discoveries to be made, and problems to solve. Ideally, these experiences will lead to more explorations and questions about the world around them.

The book, STEPS to STEM: A Science Curriculum Supplement for Upper Elementary and Middle School Grades – Teacher's Edition [Bulk, Wholesale, Quantity] ISBN#9789463007894 in Paperback by Aaron D. Isabelle, Gilbert A. Zinn may be ordered in bulk quantities. Minimum starts at 25 copies. Availability based on publisher status and quantity being ordered.