STEM Resources

Over the past several years, STEM education has become more important and necessary. What separates it from traditional math and science education is a multidisciplinary, hands-on approach that focuses on real-world applications. STEM education also helps students to hone their computational thinking skills and shows them how what they learn in the classroom can help to solve problems in the wider world. STEM education can begin when students are very young, in elementary school or even earlier. That's why the Lyndhurst STEM Club has groups in each of the district's buildings, including the elementary schools.

For those who are interested in STEM, the value of STEM education, or ideas for how to approach these subjects with students, we've put together a list of helpful resources here. If you know some good ones to add to the list, let your building's club adviser know and we'll put them here!

• Preparing Students for a STEM-Filled World: The technological change in our world has never been faster (or more disruptive) than it is right now. Today's students will be tomorrow's leaders and innovators, but it's up to our schools to prepare them for a future that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math.
• Six Characteristics of a Great STEM Lesson: STEM is much more than a mix of four subject areas. Instead, it's a way of developing deeper learning and preparing students to make a career from what they've been taught. This resource from Education Week is a look at what makes for a great STEM lesson. For example, it's important to remember that STEM focuses on real-world issues and problems and also promotes productive teamwork.
• 10 Innovative Ways to Bring STEM to Schools: As schools seek creative ways to approach STEM learning, this resource from KQED News shows how they can do it. One great idea is to have teachers visit other local schools and see how they can work together to bring STEM programs to schools all over the area.
• STEMbite: An Experiment in Teaching With Google Glass: STEM learning is best with a hands-on, up-close approach, and one teacher has worked to bring this experience to students even if they aren't in the same classroom by making a series of first-person videos with Google Glass.
• NASA STEM Activities: Check out this list of STEM-related activities, courtesy of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology.
• Videos and Resources for Making STEM Come Alive: Over the next several years, the vast majority of the fastest-growing fields in the United States will require workers who are proficient and experienced in science, technology, engineering, and math. That's where's STEM comes in! This resource from the Teaching Channel features some STEM-related projects that will grab students' attention and make them want to learn more, including a heat loss project, a project on roller coaster physics, and an experiment to help prevent brain injuries.
• The National STEM Video Game Challenge: The STEM Video Game Challenge invites high school and middle school students to design their own video games, using problem-solving skills and computational thinking to create an original game prototype. Competitors can enter either a written design document outlining their game concept or a playable version of the game. Winners get a cash prize as well as the opportunity to consult with a professional in the game industry to learn how to further develop their skills.