STEM challenges are not recipes to follow, step-by-step instructions that guide
students in creating identical projects, or processes that lead them to the same
outcome. STEM is about creating access and opportunities for students to apply
their content knowledge, creativity, critical thinking, and other skills as they work
to solve real-world problems and create solutions.
STEM challenges will take time, so plan accordingly. Squeezing them in or
treating STEM practices as “extra” may communicate that the skills and practices
are not valuable. Our attitudes and beliefs are important as teachers; who we
are informs who our students become. Believe your students can successfully
complete STEM challenges with gentle guidance. The teachers’ role in STEM
challenges is to facilitate the process, ask questions, and support students. You
don’t have to study content or create prototypes for the STEM challenges. Your
students will develop solutions that will amaze you. According to Hoffer, “If we
model optimism, confidence, and courage about STEM in our classroom each
day, students will absorb those” (2016, p.3).
It is our hope that the STEM challenges included in this book provide you with the
opportunity for hands-on learning where students are able to apply content and
STEM skills. The hope is that through STEM education and by having students
creatively solve real-world problems with innovative, design-based thinking, we
can increase the STEM-capable workforce and develop students’ skills to be
successful in their careers.