By Rameen Naviwala
Are you a STEM teacher looking for unique ways to teach and educate your high school students that will engage and inspire them all? Having exciting methods and lesson plans can encourage your students to have a more significant interest in STEM and help them have a successful career. As their high school teacher, you must help them reach their potential in their future career. Here are four stellar ways you can excel as a STEM teacher.
1. Project Based Learning
Instead of having your students sit down and read textbooks as you lecture them about different concepts, have them apply them. Create projects that imitate real-world issues and have students use the STEM concepts they learn to create a practical solution. This type of learning promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and hands-on learning. Furthermore, it allows students to understand the value of STEM education in the real world and how it can be applied to common problems. Two excellent websites offering high school STEM projects are PBS LearningMedia and TPT.
2. Combine Art and STEM
While most people consider art and STEM opposite sides of the educational and career spectrum, they can be paired together to encourage creativity and interdisciplinary learning. For high school students struggling with STEM, this learning technique can encourage them to take a greater interest in STEM while honing their more creative skills. You can have them make art pieces or diagrams of scientific concepts, such as making a clay model of a DNA sequence. One extensive website with activities combining art and STEM is 58 Fun STEAM Art Projects. This teaching style will undoubtedly engage your students while honing their artistic and STEM skills.
3. Virtual Field Trips
While we all would love to go to space or swim in the deep oceans, that just falls under the levels of realism. But thanks to current technology, you can take your students to space or the deep ocean through virtual field trips. Hundreds of websites, such as Discovery Education and RobotLAB, offer simulations for students to learn about space exploration or the deep ocean while experiencing it for themselves in a way that will keep them engaged and asking thoughtful questions. Now, you can take your students on a far-away journey.
4. Skype A Scientist
This unique platform allows students to connect with scientists studying various fields. They can ask questions and learn much about whichever STEM field interests them. This platform is a great way to engage your students and encourage them to talk to professionals in the STEM field. Doing this can also inspire students to take the following steps in their STEM education.
These are just some ways you can excel as a STEM teacher and encourage your students to take a more active role in their education. Partaking in these methods will make you stand out as a teacher and role model for your students, encouraging them in their STEM careers. Start an NSTEM chapter and become a member to get a plethora of such resources.
Do you want more resources on the topic of ways to excel as a STEM teacher? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
Project-based learning enrichment provides high school students with college and career readiness. It gives them real-world relevance, transforming students into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. They will gain the upper hand in a global landscape, stemming from enhanced confidence and grit. NSTEM provides these young STEM enthusiasts with a close community of like-minded fellow students and educators. To start your 9-12 Chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.
