Connecting Science to Problem-Solving in the Real World
32Tackling authentic problems in science class helps students see the link between the lab and the challenges facing our world—and builds problem-solving skills along the way.
At Barbara Morgan STEM Academy, an elementary school in Meridian, Idaho, students approach nearly every subject through a STEM lens. As fifth-grade teacher Jamie Schildknecht explains, “So many of the problems in the world—and [the ones] that we’re going to solve in the future—are going to be solved through scientific thinking. Even if the students are not becoming scientists, those ideas of collaboration, critical thinking, and communication are going to tie into anything they end up doing.” This perspective is particularly powerful for elementary students, whose natural curiosity drives them to learn about the world around them. Teachers at Barbara Morgan harness this curiosity and create meaningful projects for the students by pulling in real-world challenges.
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