ABSTRACT

10 Performance-Based STEM Projects for Grades 6-8 provides 10 ready-made projects designed to help students achieve higher levels of thinking and develop 21st-century skills while learning about science, technology, engineering, and math. Projects are aligned to national standards and feature crosscurricular connections, allowing students to explore and be creative as well as gain an enduring understanding. Each project is linked to national STEM education goals and represents one of a variety of performance assessments, including oral presentations, research papers, and exhibitions. Included for each project are a suggested calendar to allow teachers to easily plan a schedule, mini-lessons that allow students to build capacity and gain an understanding of what they are doing, as well as multiple rubrics that can be used to objectively assess the performance of students. The lessons are laid out in an easy-to-follow format that will allow teachers to implement the projects immediately.

Grades 6-8

chapter |9 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|11 pages

Communicate Effectively

chapter 2|12 pages

Focus on Inquiry and Collaboration

chapter 3|14 pages

Understand Multiple Content Areas

chapter 4|11 pages

Explore Contemporary Issues

chapter 5|15 pages

Use Technology, Math, and Reasoning

chapter 6|26 pages

Use and Analyze Models

chapter 7|12 pages

Record and Analyze Data

chapter 8|8 pages

Investigate Change Over Time and Patterns

chapter 9|10 pages

Use Computer Models or Simulations

chapter 10|13 pages

Construct and Explain Systems

chapter |6 pages

Develop Your Own Stem Projects