Professional Development
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One of the main foundations of STEM education is having students develop solutions to real world problems. In this three day workshop, participants will be able to explore several design challenges that can be modified for any grade level with a focus on topics such as circuits, biomimicry, buoyancy, and architecture. Key components of STEM learning will be highlighted such as success through failure, testing to inform iterations and divergent solutions.
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Shark Tank is a popular TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas for investors. In this workshop, participants will explore how entrepreneurship and problem solving can be integrated into the classroom, using the TV show as inspiration. Structured protocols to identify problems worth solving and develop creative solutions will be shared. Participants will also learn how to develop communication skills through a “perfect pitch” presentation, inspired by the show.
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The scientific method and the engineering design process are both logical pathways to develop solutions to problems. In this workshop, participants will learn about the differences between these two processes and how both have an important role in today’s science classroom. Teacher and student materials that bridge the gap between the two ways of thinking will be shared.
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In today’s science classroom, many teachers find that embedding engineering design into their curriculum is difficult given that there is limited time and resources. In this workshop, participants will learn how to effectively incorporate design thinking into their science content area. Planning guides and protocols to effectively plan STEM units that align to science curriculum will be used during the session.
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Biomimicry is an approach to innovation using what is found in nature to inspire solutions to today’s problems. In this workshop, participants will engage in three different design challenges that focus on biomimicry within three different content areas: simple machines, biomes, and astronomy. Session materials and planning guides to incorporate biomimicry in different content areas will be shared.
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