ABSTRACT
The engineering design process gives students a good, solid model to follow, which can be applied throughout science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) areas as well as to social studies, art, and even gym class. STEM-based PBL naturally lends itself to the formation of 21st-century skills, which are crucial to students' development in school and beyond. STEM learning engages students and equips them with critical thinking, problem solving, creative, and collaborative skills. STEM education is much more than the mashing together of these subject areas. The chapter discusses the students will utilize STEM principles to engage in project-based learning through performance-based projects. STEM-based PBL provides students with authentic learning experiences. Through such experiences, students understand the context of how what they are learning fits into the real world. Projects are also based on and aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards and the Common Core State Standards for the target grade levels.
