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Good science teachers capitalize on the "aha" moments and work hard to help students not only understand science, but also foster a lifelong learning in science. Why is this so important? Because science is the one subject that encompasses everything in life and helps students be curious, ask questions, and make connections as to why the world exists as it does. It is the backdrop for understanding our world, and helps us to explain and appreciate it in new ways. 1 Science is the "S' in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. We define STEM education as the preparation of students in competencies and skills in the four disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and math). A successful STEM education provides students with science, math, and engineering/technology in sequences that build upon each other and can be used with real-world applications. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. Innovation leads to new products and processes that sustain our economy. This innovation and science literacy depends on a solid knowledge base in the STEM areas. It is clear that most jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math and science-10-year employment projections by the U.S. Department of Labor show that of the 20 fastest growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation. - See more at: https://www.isa.org/standards-and-publications/isa-publications/intech-magazine/2010/september/why-stem-education-is-important/#sthash.WOLuwEXC.dpuf

As always, you delivered a good definition.

Do any of these fit our needs? Chart is interesting.

This video is long, but it breaks down all parts of TPACK and provides examples. This video stresses the importance of using the TPACK model to solve "wicked" problems. The presenter also discusses the importance of creativity in this process. There are many great examples provided in the video. My favorite example was about the third grade teacher who used technology to enhance students understanding of maps. The class took a trip to DC and used cameras and mapping software to record their journey. The main points of the video are: teaching with technology is a wicked problem, wicked problems require creative solutions, and that teachers are the designers of the Total PACKage, and that solutions need to be novel, effective, and whole,

I have shared this with my technology integrated group, since we has cited TPACK as the basis for our school's program. This video does a beautiful job of conveying this information and I hope we use this to assist our staff as we struggle to implement technology uses for learning. I particularly like the acknowledgment of the difficult nature of this. The humorous nature of the presentation along with depth of scholarly foundation contained is excellent!

Great video that explains the concepts of TPACK in a more simplistic manner. I think is does a great job of showing how not integrating such a model could harm our current/future learners- learners of the 21st century.

This is a beautiful presentation, and I know it's purpose is not to teach you everything about TPACK, but you also don't want to dishearten learners or veteran teachers with overloading them with what they should be doing. If I told everyone right now that by next Friday you all should be playing golf and be good at it, most of you would look at me and say no way or I cannot. If I said I want to show you how to putt a golf ball one day, then the next day we are going to work on chipping a golf ball... I am slowly building the foundation of playing golf. For TPACK to work with teachers who are not tech savvy, you have to slowly build the foundation. Maybe designate one piece of technology, and for some it might be something as simple as a digital camera, and properly work that into a lesson. If you want all teachers to be successful using the TPACK model, baby steps might be needed for some, just like some of our students need baby steps and others hit the classroom running in full stride.

The video "TPACK Framework" definitely portrays the most important message of TPACK which is successful implementation of TPACK is not an easy process; rather it is a process that will require creativity from teachers. I really like what Stephen stated with his golf analogy and I feel like the video is great for teachers who are new to the framework by explaining TPACK in a very simple format: you need to have knowledge of the content you are teaching, knowledge of how to effectively teach as well as creative ideas of how you will use technology to tie in the content effectively. Through this video, I can see how the subject being taught can be considered as a resistant force to the framework. It is absolutely possible to apply TPACK in every content area however I feel that it is easier or more obvious to apply it in science curriculum as oppose to language arts (I am in no way saying that it is impossible). In order to make TPACK successful introducing teachers to this framework and ensuring them that is okay if they run into a brick wall because this not a 1-2-3 fix and it will require creative solutions.

National Science Teachers Association - NSTA

I do not think I am doing the sticky note correctly. Can someone please comment on this and let me know if I am getting it correct?

I liked reading this article. The author reminded me of Lantz.

Resources, links, legistative information

STEM defenders

I liked this so much, I was planning to post it, too.

The President concluded that the future of the United States depends upon our ability to encourage young people to "create and build and invent."

Innovation with implications in currciulum areas of Physics, Chem, and Env. Science

I really like how the website provides "featured articles" that are very current and pertain to "hot issues" going around currently. It's great to have a wide variety of information in terms of subject so that student's can learn more; however, being able to read up on something more recent might intrigue them a bit more because they are familiar with it.

I use the website all the time for student independent research idea generation! For our students seeking to enter ISEF, Siemens, and other science competitions new & exciting ideas energize them and get them to push to the next level - find mentors and perform high caliber science.

A brief 10-minute video describing the importance of STEM education and its implications. Posted by Chesterfield County Public Schools (ccpsva). 19 Dec 2008

I completely agree with Tristan, it is always awesome to see stuff that we talk about in our coursework being implemented in the field. I feel like sometimes important topics to me are forgotten when we translate them into teaching in the classroom, but this proves me wrong. And makes me feel great about the future of STEM education.

I had never heard of "STEM" until a Chesterifield CPS principal mentioned it. I had to stop her and ask what "STEM" was, which, as a scientist, was very embarrassing. I think it is great that CCPS has embraced the synergistic effect of STEM subjects functioning together. Awesome!

The mission of the NEED Project is to promote an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs. NEED works with energy companies, agenciesand organizations to bring balanced energy programs to the nation's schools with a focus on strong teacher professional development, timely and balanced curriculum materials, signature program capabilities and turn-key program management.NEED Quick Links Check out the photos, slideshow, and winners from the 32nd Annual Youth Awards Program on our Youth Awards page.

10 of the best apps for education As iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches become included in curriculum, here are several education apps you might enjoy As iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches become more integrated in classrooms, educators and students are looking for new ways to apply them to the learning process.

Ipads and Ipods are becoming a huge part of education. Unfortunately there are a limited amount of devices in my school, but whenever I can get them, my students love playing and creating on IOS devices. At the EdTech conference this year, they discussed BYOD (bring your own devices). I thought this was an interesting way to keep students up to date without stressing the schools budget.

This definitions draws a lot on the history of TPACK with Shulman but breaks it down very nicely at the end of the article. Excerpt: "Doering, Scharber, Miller and Veletsianos (2009) reference a doctoral paper produced by Cox (2008). Through this paper, Cox identifies over 89 definitions of TPACK. Through these definitions, Cox creates an expansive definition of the true nature of TPACK: TPACK is the knowledge of the dynamic, transactional negotiation among technology, pedagogy, and content and how that negotiation impacts student learning in a classroom context. The essential features are (a) the use of appropriate technology (b) in a particular content area (c) as part of a pedagogical strategy (d) within a given educational context (e) to develop students' knowledge of a particular topic or meet an educational objective or student need. (p. 317)"

The article "What is TPACK" most certainly gave me a better grasp on the framework as well. What stood out to me the most was the following statement: "The essential features are (a) the use of appropriate technology (b) in a particular content area (c) as part of a pedagogical strategy (d) within a given educational context (e) to develop students' knowledge of a particular topic or meet an educational objective or student need." I think this statement beautifully ties all the concepts and shows how important it is to connect these concepts. This reminds me of our STEM discussions and how in order for it to be effective all four disciplines had to be integrated, not isolated. I think TPACK is making the same statement loud and clear. We need to develop ideas to connect all three components as oppose to focusing on them individually. I think the "Tpack(age)" can strike some teachers as very inspirational and others with a feeling of change and overwhelming. I am glad to see that more and more districts are starting to introduce and rely on this framework, which will definitely help it become a future trend. However, in some cases it upsets me that some teachers are so close-minded to change. Don't get me wrong-I know that in some instances it may be a huge learning curve but having an open mind to the concept can at least instigate more support for the TPACK framework (which could include funding, proper training, etc.).

Pretty cool demonstrations of the size of our solar system and universe with some fun little interactive "games." Also, amazing pics.

This website is a brief overview of the TPAC model. Basically TPAC is a framework that incorporates technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge. According to the website, "As teachers, we understand intuitively the layers of complexity that technology adds to our work with students but the TPCK (also TPACK) framework makes these layers of complexity explicit. It captures the kinds of knowledge required for the effective integration of technology in the classroom."

This article defines STEM education and explains why it is important.

This a very good article. It is very informative.

The writer of this article mentions a concern that her and her teacher colleagues have about preparing their students to be "independent thinkers and problem solvers" ahead of "good standardized test takers". I really feel this should be a very important emphasis with regards to effective STEM education.