Share Paper: A Hands-on, Collaborative, Guided Inquiry sTEm Curriculum Increases Elementary Student Understanding and Interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

  1. Geoff Wright, Brigham Young University College of Engineering, United States
  2. Michael White, BYU, United States
  3. Daniel Bates, Brigham Young University, United States
Tuesday, October 20 1:50 PM-2:10 PM Lehua I

Abstract: Three years ago (2012) twenty second grade students were selected to participate in a multiyear sTEm after school curriculum, where they would be engaged in a hands-on guided inquiry curriculum studying sTEm principles. The curriculum uses a sTEm hands-on engineering and technology pedagogy to promote student interest in STEM, specifically technology (T) and engineering (E), while teaching fundamental science and mathematics concepts. The data after three-years shows that student interest and understanding in various areas of STEM is increasing. The data at present only shows marginal increases (not statistical significant) but the trend towards increased interest in STEM is positive. ...