Teaching Strategies
STEM Learning
In terms of teaching strategies, it is always important to refer to effect sizes, which tell us the actual research-based data on the effectiveness of a particular strategy to determine if it should be used in the classroom. Science programs have an overall effect size of 0.48 on the effect size scale of learning strategies169 and is therefore something we should be using in classrooms and schools consistently. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and the overall model of STEM incorporation in the classroom will guide our instruction for this unit. Students will gain scientific content knowledge about stars, and will incorporate technology through online exhibits, as well as interactive presentations and research tools. Students will apply engineering methods to create their star model, by creating the simple circuit and the model. Students will use mathematical principles to identify and list the size, mass and distance of their star.
Concept Mapping and Interactive Journaling
Concept mapping has an effect size of 0.64 on the effect size scale of learning strategies and has therefore been proven to be highly effective in terms of student learning outcomes.170 Students will use a concept map and an interactive journaling to catalog the information they learn about stars from class. The concept map will allow students to have an overall visual of what a star is, and the components and characteristics we will be learning about. This will also help them to organize their thoughts as they will get a similar map to make a first draft for their final project.
Maker Space
One of the strategies that will be used in our classroom during the implementation of this curriculum unit, is the use of a makerspace or a space for students to create in the classroom using provided materials. A makerspace is meant to be a truly authentic creation space where students are provided the materials to construct STEM models. Students will rotate through using the makerspace to assemble parts of their star that they will create and classify. The maker space will include all the necessary STEM materials for them to create their star model. This space will also include STEM guidelines and instruction. The maker space allows students to have a space to engage in engineering and design in the classroom.
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