STEM Project-Based Learning in Gooroo Clubs
Today is National STEM Day — a celebration of the occupations, learnings, and discoveries made in the sciences. Founded in 2015, it sets out to inspire learners to pursue their interests in uncovering the secrets of the world. As well as discovering innovative solutions to problems. As of recent, educators often add Art into the mix to make the acronym STEAM. In today’s blog, we’ll lay out what makes up this type of learning. Additionally, we’ll share which Gooroo Clubs is based in their NYS Education Standards.
What is STEM?
STEM stands for:
- Science.
- Technology.
- Engineering.
- Mathematics.
And, it a broad term that groups these academic principles together. The “science” in the acronym refers to two out of three major branches:
- Natural Sciences including biology, physics, and chemistry.
- Formal Sciences including logic and statistics.
The third branch, social science, belongs to a category often instead grouped with humanities and arts. It includes psychology, sociology, and political science. What’s more, this new group takes the name SHAPE in the UK and stands for Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy.
Why Is it Important?
But, what is the benefit of a STEM education? Firstly, these subjects are usually presented through hands-on project-based learning experiences (much like what we do in Gooroo Clubs)!
What’s more, the combination of this learning teaches critical thinking skills and encourages innovation and ingenuity. It asks for problem-solving exploratory learning that imparts methods that can be used outside the classroom. With humanities and arts, we often talk about transferrable skills. These are attributes that we learn from one subject, but can apply to another unrelated task. This is the case in STEM subjects as well.
For example, students learn how to set up and execute experiments. They must understand the difference between controlled and independent variables as well as document these findings in a logistical and legible way. This skill finds use beyond the science lab.
What’s more, jobs in STEM pay extremely well as well as being extremely abundant and growing. They allow room to rise in the ranks and offer the opportunity to help better the lives of others.
However, some schools face the challenge of the increased cost of incorporating STEM into the classroom. This is where Gooroo Clubs come in…
Standards-Based Learning in Gooroo Clubs
As you may know, Gooroo Clubs bases its curriculum off of NYS Education Standards. While we offer a range of clubs (in an ever-expanding range of subjects), both Eco Club and STEM Maker Club focus specifically on the Sciences.
Gooroo Clubs is an excellent way to expand your interests and turn your passions into projects. We believe strongly in accessible project-based learning and want our education to be fun, innovative, and meangingful!
Eco Club
Eco Club uses science to teach real-world issues and how to discover and implement the solutions. Our Gooroos Payton M. and Ellie B. empower you to take an active role in conservation, preservation, and restoration in your own life. Advocate for your community by learning what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint through small changes or long-term projects! Protecting our planet has never been more important, learn about life while taking an active role in bettering your community.
STEM Maker Club
Following the principles of Maker Education, this club is the perfect place to explore your designing, innovating and tinkering affinities. Gooroos Ariella F., Max S., and Joyce S. challenge you to think outside the box and continuously level up your skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through a hands-on approach. Develop your problem solving and logic skills by joining this club and be inspired to create something you’re proud of. Most of all, gain the confidence to be creative!
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