These are the posts that focus on philosophical issues, usually in education. Topics range from education reform, technology's role in education, educational methods, learning styles, and of course STEM issues in education.
Tips for Conducting Research: Dr. STEM Mom speaks to a Chemistry Seminar Undergraduate course via the web. Discussion from the session is continued here on this page.
Let Kids Break Stuff--Ode to My Mom: Dr. STEM Mom shares several Dr. Tyson videos to highlight the importance of letting kids discover by making messes, and breaking things--just like her own mom did for her! How his views may impact parenting and education are explored.
The False Dichotomy of Play vs. Academics: Dr. STEM Mom talks about how play and academics are not at odds with one another, and that play IS academics, even at the middle school and high school level!
Organizing a School Year: STEM mom shares an easy way to organize a year-long plan for course or class. Materials you'll need? 1 piece of poster board, and super sticky notes! You'll feel better after you make a plan for where the course is headed!
STEM Research Handbook Author Interview: Features an interview with Dr. Darci J. Harland, (me) author of the STEM Student Research Handbook. NSTA Press author offers insight into why STEM education—and particularly research—are so critical to student development of science literacy. In the first in a series of author interviews produced by NSTA, she describes the skills and experiences students gain when conducting long-term STEM research projects. She even offers tips on how to overcome potential challenges. Produced by NSTA (National Science Teachers Association)
Multiple Intelligences for STEM Teachers: How can STEM teachers who are strongly logical mathematical teach students of differing learning styles? Here are some ideas!
Logical Mathematical: As a STEM mom, I share what logical mathematical kids enjoy along with ideas on how to teach them. I am just a little excited that my 5 year old is showing logical-mathematical tendencies. I share the games we play that highlight this Multiple Intelligence (MI).
Why do we judge student research events? Let's have a discussion of why we judge student research. How should research be judged? How do these events mirror what real scientists do? Sample downloadable rubrics for judging are provided.
What is Inquiry? STEM mom describes inquiry, and uses a table to help categorize what inquiry looks like in the classroom. A kindergarten and high school example are used to better demonstrate what inquiry is.
Astrophysicist Challenges Science Education: Dr. STEM mom reflects about how science education approaches science teaching after hearing Dr. Jeff Goldstein. Particularly the scientific method. There is a disconnect between what teachers think scientists do, and what they actually do, and she admits she might be part of the problem.
Implementing Student Research-My NSTA presentation post: Here is the Prezi that I gave on April 1st 2012. It provides a brief overview of the STEM Student Research Handbook, tips for teachers who want to implement research, how to provide good feedback, and addressing the literacy aspects of supporting student researchers.
What Inquiry is NOT: Dr. STEM Mom helps define scientific inquiry by describing what its not. She addresses common misconceptions about inquiry; Inquiry is NOT everything that is hands on, post lab questions are not necessarily inquiry, and students don't need background information in order to make learning meaningful.
