STEM Education in the Primary School
A Teacher's Toolkit

This book introduces pre-service teachers to the theory, skills and practice of teaching STEM through a project-based learning approach.

Anne Forbes (Author), Vinesh Chandra (Author), Linda Pfeiffer (Author), Rachel Sheffield (Author)

9781108868495, Cambridge University Press

Multiple-component retail product, published 22 January 2021

360 pages
25.5 x 19 x 1.6 cm, 0.82 kg

STEM Education in the Primary School introduces pre-service teachers to the theory, skills and practice of teaching STEM through a project-based learning approach. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are presented as professions, mindsets and practices, and each element of STEM is integrated with the Australian Curriculum through a school garden project case study. Popular STEM topic areas, such as health, shelter and space, are explored using tested and age-appropriate project examples that illustrate the translation of STEM ideas to classroom practice. This textbook connects current research in STEM education to teaching practice through detailed discussion of topics including assessment, learning spaces, community and STEM futures. Encouraging readers to consolidate their knowledge, the text is supported by short-answer and reflection questions, information boxes and real-world scenarios. Suggested activities and downloadable templates in the VitalSource enhanced eBook provide guidance for readers when implementing projects and practices in their classroom.

Part 1. Is this STEM?: 1. Introducing STEM
2. Science
3. Technology
4. Engineering
5. Mathematics
Part 2. How do I STEM?: 6. Energy
7. Health
8. Shelter
9. Coding
10. Space
11. STEM Learning Spaces
Part 3. Why STEM?: 12. Assessment and STEM
13. Theoretical Foundations of STEM Education
14. STEM Connections
15. The Future of STEM Education.

Subject Areas: Educational: Technology [YQT], Educational: Sciences, general science [YQS], Educational: Mathematics & numeracy [YQM], Primary & middle schools [JNLB], Education [JN]