STEM Education (STEM ED)

STEM ED 160. Integrative Physical Science for Elementary. 4 Credits.

A conceptual physical science course intended for elementary education majors. Topics include the study of the structure and properties of matter, interactions and energy, interactions and forces, interactions and systems (electricity and magnetism), and the study of waves (including light and sound). This course includes exploration of PLTW Launch Modules and other hands-on activities.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

STEM ED 199. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

STEM ED 306. Inquiry Based Thematic Instruction. 3 Credits.

A course that focuses on designing and implementing standards-based thematic STEM and Gifted and Talented units for the elementary classroom through scientific inquiry, mathematics concepts, and the engineering design process. Students engage in design challenges and examine developmentally appropriate engineering for children with a thematic approach. Emphasis is placed on evaluating and enhancing existing thematic STEM and Gifted and Talented curricula. A hands-on lab component is included. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 671.}.
Typically Offered: Fall.

STEM ED 310. Design, Technology, and Engineering for Elementary. 3 Credits.

A course focused on standards-based thematic units using the engineering design process for integration into the elementary classroom. Students will complete and create transdisciplinary hands-on design challenges to promote technological literacy. A primary goal of the course is to expand the range of activities implemented in the elementary classroom, while meeting the specific needs of all learners, including Gifted and Talented students. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 670.}.
Typically Offered: Spring.

STEM ED 331. Invention and Innovation. 3 Credits.

Prepares pre-service and practicing teachers how to teach engineering design as well as concepts surrounding inventions and innovations. Students use their own creativity to solve open-ended problems using the Engineering Design Process in various labs. Several teacher units utilizing Backward Design are generated that can be implemented into classrooms. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 665.}.
Typically Offered: Summer.

STEM ED 342. Building Math. 3 Credits.

A course focused on hands-on transdisciplinary labs using project-based engineering design activities that focus on the collection and analysis of lab data to solve real world problems. Students will develop the ability to apply math knowledge and concepts to their investigations while using the engineering design process. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 680.}.
Typically Offered: Summer.

STEM ED 355. STEM Curriculum and Methods for Elementary. 3 Credits.

Foundational course for fully implementing effective elementary-level STEM Education. Reviews and explores current trends in STEM Education using standards-based education curricula. The course includes interdisciplinary methods, thematic instruction, and practical problem solving. The overlay between STEM education and Gifted Education will also be emphasized. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 655.}
Typically Offered: Fall.

STEM ED 411. STEM Curriculum and Methods. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to prepare students to teach courses in program areas like STEM, technology and engineering education, and CTE. Students will learn standards-based instructional planning techniques, usage of the Understanding by Design template, and curriculum development. Course work will emphasize teaching methods that support student learning in a STEM and Technology Education environment. Facility planning, lab organization, and coordinating hands-on labs are also studied. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 650.}.
Typically Offered: Fall.

STEM ED 431. Design for Engineering. 3 Credits.

Course provides students with experience in Project-Based Learning (PBL) using the Engineering Design Process (EDP). Students will examine engineering practices of analytical and physical modeling to design, build, modify, test and demonstrate. Students produce teaching materials, assessments and outlines for delivery. {Also offered for graduate credit - see STEM ED 660.}.
Typically Offered: Fall.

STEM ED 450. Engineering the Future Using Computational Thinking. 3 Credits.

This course examines the use of computational thinking in technology, or how problems and their solutions can be formulated to be effectively executed by a computing platform. Students develop the skills to break problems into smaller parts, identify patterns, focus on the relevant details of a problem, and think of solutions to problems in an algorithmic fashion. This course includes embedded lab activities to support learning content and the application thereof.
Typically Offered: Spring.

STEM ED 499. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.