Tulsa Public Schools is engaging its STEM Ecosystem partners by operationalizing STEAM experiences into the science curriculum for grades K-8. The intention is for each and every student in Tulsa to routinely share common STEAM experiences. STEAM experiences are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards and are developed in partnership with an Ecosystem member, including a field experience for students with that member institution. Engineering is Elementary is the curriculum base for grades K-4, while the 5-8 experiences are collaboratively designed by educators and Ecosystem members. Experiences are currently being piloted in grades 2, 4, and 5.
The Need
History of inequity in programming in a demographically divided city (some students have STEM programs, clubs, etc. while others don't.)
Low teacher pay creates a revolving door of teachers (experienced teachers take their innovative work with them - need for standardized experiences)
Operationalizing resources of STEM Ecosystem partners - systems-thinking instead of “random acts of STEM” model
Need for scaffolded model for 21st century learning to support district’s new strategic plan
Design Principles
Design Principle 1: Equity - Equitable opportunities; all students challenged and supported. Design Principle 2: Pedagogy - Diverse learning experiences in all subjects; culture of discovery for all stakeholders; trans-disciplinary approach; relevance. Design Principle 3: Workforce - Preparation for and alignment to the workforce needs. Design Principle 4: Community collaboration - Collaborative environment inclusive of all stakeholders.
Experience Structure
Transdisciplinary units
Embedded into district science scope and sequence and aligned to Oklahoma’s version of NGSS and the Science and Engineering Practices
Field Experience with Ecosystem partner organization
Two to six weeks in length
Aligned to National Academy of Engineers Grand Challenges
Harvard PEAR DOS and Common Instrument evaluations and surveys