Science/STEM/STEAM

STEM/STEAM Education/Teaching/Learning:

We are committed to fostering STEM/STEAM education, teaching, and learning at all levels, from preK to grade 16. Our comprehensive programs and initiatives aim to inspire and empower students, educators, and institutions with a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Through hands-on activities, interactive projects, and innovative curricula, we create engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity and fuel a lifelong love for STEM/STEAM subjects. Join us in our mission to cultivate the next generation of critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators in the STEM/STEAM fields.

Join Us / Professional Development »

Mission

The mission of the STC is to promote and improve preK – 16 STEM teaching and learning by providing civically engaged coursework and research experiences for undergraduates, professional development for teacher candidates and in-service teachers, and enrichment for local students in preK-12 classrooms.

Empowering Scientific Literacy

STC education, engineering, and science faculty along with WU undergraduate students value inquiry and collaboration. Inquiry encourages teachers and learners to engage with new ideas through curiosity and exploration. The importance of collaboration lies in the intersection of our diverse backgrounds. This intersection leads to our ability to provide inquiry-based teaching and learning experiences as they relate to STEM curricula and pedagogy. Our collaboration also allows for sharing scientific content knowledge, the use of technology, and the development and use of appropriate assessment techniques. Valuing collaboration and inquiry empowers participants to discover and create better futures through the development of scientific literacy.

Teaching Strategies

As part of the CETE program (Community Engaged Teacher Education), teacher candidates learn how to apply inquiry into their everyday teaching strategies. From First Year to Senior Year, teacher candidates are exposed to ideas related to STEM and its interdisciplinary nature. In ED 108, teacher candidates learn about science curriculum across all grade levels and by junior year, they are teaching a community-based health curriculum to fourth graders.

Integrating the Arts

In addition, our Integrating the Arts course (ED 312) brings together science and the arts in a collaborative venture. Building a musical wall for a local preschool last semester allowed teacher candidates to recognize the importance of hands-on inquiry as children begin to grapple with the ideas of how sound is made and how it travels.  Teacher candidates also learn the importance of community engagement and leadership as they work with local children and teachers, providing lesson plans and engagement ideas for teachers to use when children investigate the musical wall.