The STEM IT Series Overview
The STEM IT Series Overview
The STEM IT Series Overview
WWW.STEMFUSE.COM
© STEM Fuse 2017 2
© STEM Fuse 2017 3
WHAT IS STEM:IT?
The STEM:IT series is a K-12 library of digitally interactive projects designed to reinforce
core subject matter through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
practices and project-based learning activities.
We understand the questions you might have when selecting a digital curriculum solution
for your institution and we’re ready to field those questions. To make the process even
simpler, we’ve created this resource to lay out some of the questions your district or
school may have. To navigate the document, scroll or click on the tabs below to discover
the following about the STEM:IT program: research behind the program, alignment and
scope of the content, case studies and testimonials, and frequently asked questions.
Foundational
Research Behind
the Program
The STEM Fuse Curriculum Development Team, comprised of former teachers,
curriculum writers, and STEM industry professionals, spent years researching
and identifying proven educational frameworks and digital curriculum design.
Take some time to learn more about what all went into STEM:IT’s design.
ENGAGE
During this phase, EXPLORE
students will make During this phase,
connections with past students actively
experiences and be explore their
introduced to a novel environment or
idea or situation. manipulate materials.
This may involve
experimentation or
outside classroom
experiences.
EVALUATE
During this phase,
students
demonstrate their
understanding
through projects or
other assessments.
EXPLAIN
During this phase,
students have time
to demonstrate their
knowledge and
ELABORATE skills. This should
During this phase, students involve verbalization
practice their skills and of knowledge or
behaviors on the major concepts. processes.
Alignment &
Scope of STEM:IT
Curriculum
The STEM:IT curriculum is currently being implemented into K-12 classrooms
across the United States and around the world! To accomplish this, we’ve
aligned each STEM:IT Challenge specifically to state and national standards. In
addition to core standards, challenges also contain other bodies of standards.
GRADES K-2
➔ K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a
simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
➔ K-2-ETS1-2. Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as
needed to solve a given problem.
➔ K-2-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and
weaknesses of how each performs.
GRADES 3-5
➔ 3-5-ETS1-1. Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and
constraints on materials, time, or cost.
➔ 3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the
criteria and constraints of the problem.
➔ 3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify
aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
GRADES 6-8
➔ MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution,
taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit
possible solutions.
➔ MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria
and constraints of the problem.
➔ MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the
best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
➔ MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process
such that an optimal design can be achieved.
GRADES 9-12
➔ HS-ETS1-1. Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that
account for societal needs and wants.
➔ HS-ETS1-2. Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems
that can be solved through engineering.
➔ HS-ETS1-3. Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem-based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for
a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental
impacts.
➔ HS-ETS1-4. Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with
numerous criteria and constraints on interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.
1. Empowered Learner
➔ Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and demonstrating competency in their learning
goals, informed by the learning sciences. Students:
a. Articulate and set personal learning goals, develop strategies leveraging technology to achieve them and reflect on the
learning process itself to improve learning outcomes.
b. Build networks and customize their learning environments in ways that support the learning process.
c. Use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety
of ways.
d. Understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and
troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies.
2. Digital Citizen
➔ Students recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital
world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical. Students:
a. Cultivate and manage their digital identity and reputation and are aware of the permanence of their actions in the
digital world.
b. Engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology, including social interactions online or when
using networked devices.
c. Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the rights and obligations of using and sharing intellectual property.
d. Manage their personal data to maintain digital privacy and security and are aware of data-collection technology used to
track their navigation online.
3. Knowledge Constructor
➔ Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and
make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. Students:
a. Plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative
pursuits.
b. Evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and relevance of information, media, data or other resources.
c. Curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts that
demonstrate meaningful connections or conclusions.
d. Build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing
answers and solutions.
5. Computational Thinker
➔ Students develop and employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of
technological methods to develop and test solutions. Students:
a. Formulate problem definitions suited for technology-assisted methods such as data analysis, abstract models and
algorithmic thinking in exploring and finding solutions.
b. Collect data or identify relevant data sets, use digital tools to analyze them, and represent data in various ways to
facilitate problem-solving and decision-making.
c. Break problems into component parts, extract key information, and develop descriptive models to understand complex
systems or facilitate problem-solving.
d. Understand how automation works and use algorithmic thinking to develop a sequence of steps to create and test
automated solutions.
6. Creative Communicator
➔ Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles,
formats and digital media appropriate to their goals. Students:
a. Choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or communication.
b. Create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.
c. Communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as
visualizations, models or simulations.
d. Publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.
7. Global Collaborator
➔ Students use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working
effectively in teams locally and globally. Students:
a. Use digital tools to connect with learners from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, engaging with them in ways that
broaden mutual understanding and learning.
b. Use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members, to examine issues
and problems from multiple viewpoints.
c. Contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a
common goal.
d. Explore local and global issues and use collaborative technologies to work with others to investigate solutions.
➔ RI 5, RI 7 Evaluate teacher-selected or self-selected Internet resources in terms of their usefulness for research.
➔ RI 5, RI 7 Use age appropriate technologies to locate, collect, organize content from media collection for specific
purposes, citing sources.
➔ RI 7 Use content specific technology tools (e.g. environmental probes, sensors, and measuring devices, simulations)
to gather and analyze data.
➔ W 6 Work collaboratively with other online students under teacher supervision.
➔ W 6, W 10, SL 2, SL 5 Create projects that use various forms of graphics, audio, and video (with proper citations) to
communicate ideas.
➔ F, SMP 5, RI 7 Use spreadsheets to calculate, graph, organize, and present data in a variety of real-world settings
and choose the most appropriate type to represent given data.
➔ G, SMP 5 Draw two and three dimensional geometric shapes using a variety of technology skills.
➔ EE, A, F, SP, SMP 5, W 8, SL 5 Explain and demonstrate how specialized technology tools can be used for problem
solving, decision making, and creativity in all subject areas (e.g., simulation software, environmental probes, CAD,
GIS, dynamic geometric software, graphing calculators).
➔ SL 5 Strategically use digital media to enhance understanding.
➔ RI 5, RI 7, SMP 3 Explain how technology can support communication and collaboration, personal and professional
productivity, and lifelong learning.
➔ W 6, W 10, SL 5, SMP 5, RI 7 Use a variety of media to present information for specific purposes.
➔ W 6, W 10, SL 2, SL 5, SMP 3 Demonstrate how the use of various techniques and effect can be used to convey
meaning in media.
➔ RI 5, RI 7 Identify probable types and locations of Web sites by examining their domain name.
High School
9-12 problem-based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that
account for a range of constraints, including cost,
learning by collaborating with others
and working effectively in teams
information for specific purposes.
W 6, W 10, SL 2, SL 5, SMP 3
safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible Demonstrate how the use of various
locally and globally.
social, cultural, and environmental impacts. techniques and effect can be used to convey
HS-ETS1-4. Use a computer simulation to model the meaning in media.
impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world RI 5, RI 7
problem with numerous criteria and constraints on Identify probable types and locations of
interactions within and between systems relevant to Web sites by examining their domain name.
the problem.
STEM:IT Program
Case Studies &
Testimonials
STEM:IT was officially released in the fall of 2016 and it’s taken off in
classrooms around the world! Students and teachers alike have provided
positive feedback and our pilot case studies have continued to demonstrate
program effectiveness and student results.
STEM:IT in Action
Case Study Blog Discovery Case Study
Video STEM:IT and 3D printing
(Case Study Blog and Video were conducted by VariQuest - a STEM Fuse partner)
STEM:IT in Action
Ballinger STEM Website Ballinger STEM
Testimonial See Page 3
Frequently Asked
Questions About
the STEM:IT Series
We understand choosing a STEM program is a big decision, so all questions are
good questions! Here you’ll find a compiled list of questions provided by
teachers, administrators, and districts alike. If you’re still harboring a question
specific to your district, contact us at sales@stemfuse.com.
STANDARDS: Is the curriculum developed based on state and national standards such as
the Common Core State Standards?
Yes. STEM:IT aligns with all state and national standards. (See Pg.4 of this document.)
ENGAGEMENT: How does the vendor address varied learning styles and ensure students
are actively engaged with — and motivated by — the instructional content?
The STEM:IT digital content includes a variety of colorful visuals, text, animations, videos, clickable links,
and video/audio instruction providing many ways for students to learn. Students navigate through the
digital presentations and actually interact with the instruction. Other aspects of gamification like
onboarding with a tutorial, a progress bar, game show style review questions and congratulation slides
upon completion are included.
FLEXIBILITY: Does the vendor meet the needs of the district’s current programs? Is the
vendor capable of helping the district expand existing programs or start new programs?
STEM Fuse was founded to help generate student engagement in STEM. Our reason for success and growth
comes from our innate way of working with our teachers to fulfill their classroom needs. STEM:IT will
integrate seamlessly into existing courses, and prepare students for other STEM/CTE courses.
COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION: Is the LMS and formative assessment integrated with the
digital content? Does the solution allow for a variety of implementation models (e.g., from
virtual to in-classroom instruction, from complete courses of study to modular content to
enhance classroom instruction)?
Every STEM Fuse course or resource is digital (working with any device with internet connection) and
downloadable / printable, offering flexible solutions for different classroom technology and teaching styles.
The flexibility of delivery allows for use in every kind of learning environment.
EASE OF IMPLEMENTATION: How much effort is required by district technical staff for
implementation? What impact will the solution have on existing network infrastructure?
The STEM:IT Series requires no experience to teach, and uses digital curriculum and software making
implementation as easy as accessing an internet browser. Suggested browsers are Google Chrome, Mozilla
Firefox or Microsoft Edge.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: How will the vendor ensure programs are set up for
success on day one? What type of professional development and ongoing support is
provided to the district?
Every STEM:IT Subscription includes a detailed webinar training and year-round support. The training
provides an overview of the delivery platform, STEM:IT content and STEM:IT software. After the online
training, teachers will understand how to access the content, how to add student accounts, how to use the
software, how to use the teacher's solutions and how to contact STEM Fuse support for questions that arise
throughout the school year.
COST OF THE PROGRAM: How does the cost of the vendor’s proposed solution relate to the
value the solution will bring to the district?
STEM:IT Elementary, Middle and High School are priced separately at $1,999 per site/ per year. Price
includes unrestricted access to the program, professional development/support, teacher connection and
student competitions.