ABSTRACT

If you were to peer into a primary school classroom somewhere across Australia and New Zealand, you would be forgiven for thinking that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education is synonymous with coding and digital technologies. However, while these aspects are important, technology alone does not reflect the broad learning opportunities afforded by STEM.

In countering this narrow approach, STEM Education in Primary Classrooms offers a platform for research that innovates, excites and challenges the status quo. It provides educators with innovative and up-to-date research into how to meaningfully and authentically embed STEM into existing classroom practices. It incorporates accurate explanations of STEM as an integrated approach to solving real-world problems, including social issues, along with case studies and stories to bring practice to life in evidence-informed ways.

This book showcases the impact of a broader approach to STEM in the primary classroom through Australian-based and New Zealand-based research that will challenge current teaching practices. Thus, this book will be of interest to pre- and in-service primary school teachers, along with researchers and postgraduate students in the STEM education field.

chapter 1|11 pages

More Than Coding

Positioning STEM education in policy and practice

chapter 2|16 pages

Engaging Diverse Students in STEM

The five dimensions framework

chapter 6|21 pages

Online Citizen Science in the Classroom

Engaging with real science and STEM to develop capabilities for citizenship

chapter 8|16 pages

What Do Primary Teachers Think About STEM Education?

Exploring cross-cultural perspectives

chapter 9|20 pages

The Role of the Maker Faire in Stem Engagement

Messages for teacher professional development

chapter 10|17 pages

More Than STEM

Connecting students' learning to community through eco-justice