QUALITY STEM EDUCATION EXPERIENCES...

1. are designed to engage the minds and imaginations of students of diverse academic backgrounds.
   
   
2. are carefully designed to help students integrate knowledge and skills from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
   
   
3. help students connect STEM knowledge and skills with academic standards from other non - STEM disciplines.
   
   
4. are content-accurate, anchored to the relevant content standards, and focused on the big ideas and foundational skills critical to future learning in the targeted discipline(s).
   
   
5. challenge students to develop higher-order thinking skills through processes such as inquiry, problem solving, and creative thinking.
   
   
6. place students in learning environments that help them to better understand and personally consider STEM careers.
   
   
7. often require students to work and learn independently and in collaboration with others using effective interpersonal skills.
   
   
8. require students to demonstrate knowledge and skill, in part, through performance-based tasks.
   
   
9. require students to demonstrate knowledge and skills fundamental to the engineering design process (e.g., brainstorming, researching, creating, testing, improving, etc.)
   
   
10. provide students with hands-on experience in using multiple technologies. (Examples: computer hardware and software, calculators, probes, scales, microscopes, rulers, hand lenses and more.)