STEM
The STEM program at Machetanz Elementary is designed to integrate science and literacy. Each unit is designed to use the science content to teach reading and writing skills. The units at each grade level address and extend the state’s science standards in life science, earth science, physical science, science and technology, history and nature of science, cultural, social and personal perspectives and science, and science as inquiry and process, as well as addressing environmental science concepts. In addition, teachers are adding in engineering lessons and activities that integrate with the science units. Art and Social studies content and skills are also incorporated into the units.
Components:
- Hands-on investigations
- Inquiry processes
- Field trips
- Outdoor investigations
- Connections with local scientists and professionals for projects or presentations
- Service learning
- Place-based education
Program materials and methods:
- Spalding: The
- GLAD
- Seeds of Science/Roots of
- National Geographic
- FOSS
- Engineering is Elementary
- GLOB
Curriculum Map
|
Grade K |
Science |
Technology |
Engineering |
Math |
|
Semester 1 |
National Geographic Life Science: Plants Foss: Trees National Geographic: Physical Science Properties Foss: Wood and Paper |
Basic Introduction to Computer Skills |
Engineering Design Process
EIE Designing Windmills |
Math Expressions Chapters 1-3 |
|
Semester 2 |
National Geographic: Earth Science Day, Night and Seasons National Geographic: Life Science Animals and Habitats Foss: Animals Two by Two |
Basic Introduction to Computer Skills |
Engineering Design Process |
Math Expressions Chapters 4-6 |
|
Grade 1 |
Science |
Technology |
Engineering |
Math |
|
Semester 1 |
National Geographic: Physical Science Properties Push and Pull National Geographic: Weather and Sun, Moon and Stars Foss: Air and Weather |
Basic Introduction to Computer Skills |
Engineering Design Process |
Math Expressions Chapters 1-5 |
|
Semester 2 |
National Geographic: Balance and Motion Foss: Force and Motion National Geographic: Life and Science Foss: New Plants |
Basic Introduction to Computer Skills |
Engineering Design Process
EIE: Balance and Force |
Math Expressions Chapters 6-10 |
|
Grade 2 |
Science |
Technology |
Engineering |
Math |
|
Semester 1 |
Seeds of Science: Shoreline Science FOSS: Pebbles, Sand and Silt |
Keyboarding Skills Basic Word Processing Skills Computer Based Research
|
EIE: A Stick in the Mud: Evaluating a Landscape
|
Math Expressions Units 1-6
|
|
Semester 2 |
Seeds of Science: Designing Mixtures FOSS: Solids and Liquids Seeds of Science: Soils Habitats FOSS: Insects
|
Keyboarding Skills Basic Word Processing Skills Computer Based Research
|
EIE: A Work in Progress: Designing a Play Dough Process
|
Math Expressions Units 7-12 |
|
Grade 3 |
Science |
Technology |
Engineering |
Math |
|
Semester 1 |
Seeds of Science: Variation and Adaptation FOSS: Structures of Life |
Keyboarding Skills Basic Word Processing Skills Computer Based Research
|
EIE: Designing Plant Packages
|
Math Expressions Units 1-6 |
|
Semester 2 |
Seeds of Science: Digestion and Body Systems Seeds of Science: Gravity and Magnetism FOSS: Ideas and Inventions
|
Keyboarding Skills Basic Word Processing Skills Computer Based Research Multi-Media Presentations
|
EIE: Designing Alarm Circuits |
Math Expressions Units 7-12 |
|
Grade 4
|
Science |
Technology |
Engineering |
Math |
|
Semester 1 |
Seeds of Science: Water and Weather
Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Salmon in the Classroom |
Keyboarding Skills Word Processing Skills Internet Based Research Multi-media Presentations |
EIE: Designing a Water Filter |
Math Expressions Units 1-6 |
|
Semester 2 |
Seeds of Science: Light and Energy Foss: Landforms National Geographic: Shaping Earth’s Surface |
Keyboarding Skills Word Processing Skills Internet Based Research Multi-media Presentations |
EIE: Designing Solar Ovens STC: Motion and Design Kit |
Math Expressions Units 7-12
|
|
Grade 5 |
Science |
Technology |
Engineering |
Math |
|
Semester 1 |
Seeds of Science : Aquatic Environments
|
Keyboarding Skills Word Processing Skills Internet Based Research Multi-media Presentations |
EIE: A Slick Solution: cleaning an Oil Spill |
Math Expressions Units 1-6 |
|
Semester 2 |
Seeds of Science: Planets and Moons
Seeds of Science: Chemical Change
|
Keyboarding Skills Word Processing Skills Internet Based Research Multi-media Presentations |
EIE: Designing Submersibles |
Math Expressions Units 7-12 |