Vision for a STEM Enrichment: A Little of "All of the Above"

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http://www.makerspaceforeducation.com/how-to-use-this-site.html
Student Steps to Success: Goal Setting!
  1. Set a Goal
  2. Create an Action Plan
  3. Reflect on Progress

Reference: Colorado Education Initiative Grades 6-8 Goal Setting
Parent Volunteers: I-chat Background Check

Passion for Engineering and the Maker Philosophy
STEAM Projects
​Science Club
Science Olympiad
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https://sites.google.com/site/stemmeetssamr/critical-thinking
Online Coding Forums
​High School Classes​

Problem Based Learning
​A learning environment in which students focus on collaboration and solving problems
Earth Science - Service Learning: Elementary Rock Project Science 7 - Guided Problem Solving: Chemical Reactions Science 8 - Projects Requiring Persistence: Insect Collection
Science 8:  Guided Inquiry: Investigating States of Matter ​Chemistry: Mole Hunting
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Understanding STEM Enrichment

There are many social media resources such as @Makerspaces_com and @MakerEdOrg on Twitter that can help us become familiar with current trends in STEM Enrichment.  The most informative and complete but not overwhelming book I have read on the subject is "STEAM Makers" by Jacie Maslyk.  This small paperback of seven chapters is just over a hundred pages but is packed with information, examples, resources, and how-to ideas for implementing STEM enrichment at elementary and middle school levels. 

Maslyk begins on page seven stressing that the goals of STEM enrichment are to make "meaningful connections between subject areas in a way that prepares students for the real-world experiences that they will face once they leave the school setting".  She supports the argument that including the "A" for artistic expression in STEAM engages students more fully and cites research on page eight that adding artistic expression to the maker effort will...
  • Engage the brain and develop cognitive growth
    Improve long term memory
    Promote creativity
    ​Reduce stress
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https://www.amazon.com/STEAM-Makers-Creativity-Innovation-Elementary/dp/1506311245
Maslyk describes STEAM enrichment in the middle school setting in chapter five and describes model schools such as the Elizabeth Forward School District in rural Pennsylvania as exemplars.  The ideas in this book support and encourage the efforts to incorporate STEM enrichment in our district.  

A final feature of this book that is very helpful is the inclusion of "Obstacles" that have been experienced at other districts as they implement STEM initiatives.  Being aware of common obstacles can help ensure a more successful transition as our classrooms evolve to include STEM enrichment and the maker philosophy.