Tools for Promoting Social and Emotional Learning Through PBL and STEM

It has been an interesting start to the school year. We are all working in different learning environments, some of which may be changing each week. Unlike when schools closed in the spring, we now have more experience and ideas that we can have in […]

What is a Crosscutting Concept?

Crosscutting concepts are one of the three dimensions of science teaching and learning that are included in the performance expectations of the Next Generation Science Standards. In this post, I will explain crosscutting concepts and share ideas of […]

Integrating Math, Science, and Engineering in the Classroom

Looking to integrate math, science, and engineering in your classroom? Start with the science and math practices!

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is more than just a grouping of subject areas. It is a movement to develop a […]

Project-Based Learning in the Secondary Math Classroom? YES!

Districts and schools everywhere are seeing the value and benefits of using project-based learning in the classrooms. It may seem easy for science teachers because they are accustomed to inquiry-based teaching, and maybe even elementary teachers […]

11 Characteristics of an Engaging STEM Classroom

If you’re a new STEM teacher you may be wondering: “What should my STEM class look like? What should my students be doing?” If you’re a veteran STEM teacher perhaps you are asking yourself: “How are my STEM classes coming along? What does an […]

Professional Learning at PBL Champions Camp

Last week was a transformational experience for 26 educators at the inaugural Defined Learning PBL Champ Camp at LutheRanch in Tallapoosa GA. These dedicated and hard-working educators spent a week of their summer being immersed in inspirational […]

3 Ways to Include Project-Based STEM Lessons in Your Math Class

In addition to core classes, students at Memorial Middle School participate in a research course where they engage in cross-curricular project-based lessons that build 21st-century skills. We focus on creating a student-centered classroom in which […]

STEM and PBL: A Perfect Combination

In today’s educational culture, you would be hard-pressed to find a school that did not count STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) or Project-Based Learning (PBL) as one of their core initiatives. While these educational […]

How to Help Students Thrive in Remote Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic posed many challenges in education, particularly with the sudden shift to remote learning. Educators had to adapt, enhancing technology skills and embracing new teaching methods, leading to a focus on meaningful and authentic […]

Engaging Students in the Early Grades: Why STEM Learning Works

I visited an early elementary classroom the other day where students were working on a design challenge. They were spread out across the classroom clustered in small groups. Some on the floor and others perched on stools, these students were […]