Target Grade(s): K-12
The Advanced Coding, Robotics, and 1:1 Devices (ACRD) extends students’ knowledge of programming and robotics that began in part one of this course. The ACRD class begins with a foundational understanding of the types of programming and integrated development environments to implement the various platforms with students in the hybrid classroom. ACRD students will gain fundamental understanding of data and methods of visualization which is crucial to the success at every level of programming and robotics. The programming platforms selected for this course will incorporate data as practiced in workplace settings. The platforms support mobile application development, data entry & manufacturing, augmented and virtual reality, 3D printing, and virtual robotics. The sessions present each topic within three paradigms: the mindset, the beginner’s sandbox, and the intermediate immersion (referred to as Level 1,2, and 3 respectively in the course artifacts). This layered prepares teachers to guide students, including our youngest scholars, on a journey to establish computational thinking on levels aligned with readiness. ACRD students will collaborate about lesson planning ideas through online Flipgrid, office hours, and a culminating hackathon to showcase projects.
Target Grade(s): 2-12
Explore the ocean using innovative instructional tools and activities. Participants will learn the importance of the ocean to our home planet, as they analyze and utilize the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts. Using inquiry-based modules developed on a theme of ocean exploration, participants will learn how to ultimately make their students more ocean-literate. Guest presentations by ocean researchers show how scientists and educators are working together to bring the ocean into the classroom. You will receive access to a comprehensive web-based resource center on ocean instruction that features lesson plans, activities for students, demonstrations, interactive games and modeling tools, and much more!
This course addresses content and pedagogy most appropriate for teaching students in grades 2-12. However, all educators are welcome.
Upon completion of this course, educators will be able to:
- Describe the crucial role of the ocean in the Earth System.
- Cite evidence of the ocean’s influence on humans and humans’ influence on the ocean.
- Examine and critique educational and scientific resources to improve the ocean literacy of students.
- Incorporate the ocean in regular classroom instruction and use it as an engaging context for applying scientific practices.
- Adopt practices such as inquiry and technology-based teaching and learning strategies and successfully implement them in the classroom.
Target Grade(s): PK-12
In this course you will apply art in the context of exciting STEM concepts and learn to integrate art, science, math, technology, and engineering in more meaningful ways in your classroom. At the core of the STEM Education movement is critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and authentic learning environments that engage diverse students in meaningful ways with content. The many mediums for art and artistic expression are a valuable component of communication and expression. Scientists and researchers at NASA and across the globe use myriad forms of art in their work. This course invites students to take a close look at the incorporation of art in the STEM classroom and provides resources, exemplars, and access to collaborative support for arts integration. STEM, STEAM, STEM-E, STREAM, STEM+C...and all others are welcome.
Upon completion of this course, educators will be able to:
- Describe, compare, and implement a variety of pedagogical strategies, including assessment strategies that will enable students to learn science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and art.
- Understand the connection between the arts and STEM Education.
- Identify a variety of resources to meet NGSS performance expectations and the National Art Core Standards in STEM education.
- Conduct and engineering design challenge and use self-created rubrics to contextualize understanding of assessment practices in STEM Education through applied practices.
- Develop integrated art lessons based on reform-based recommendations (i.e., NGSS and CCSS) and the National Art Core Standards.
