STEAM = HEAT

  STEAM = HEAT

Research: Week Two

So this week I have done what seems like quite a bit of work, with little reward.

The first few responses from Amy requested lots of citations.  I have found lots of information written about STE(A)M and STEM education - lots of opinion about the lack of competitiveness in the global marketplace, but where is the research?

I'm searching for statistics... the reduction of elective courses (specifically FCS) within the Middle School level.  Where are those numbers substantiated?  Hopefully the American Association of Family & Consumer Science will have those numbers.  If not, I will have my research cut out for me.

Searching for the above: 4 hours

Searching SUMMONS for STEM and STE(A)M resources: 3 hours

APA style - I really need to pay more attention to the book.  Just wondering why I can't make APA the setting for my word document with self-correct?  It would make this so much less cumbersome.

I had an "AH-HA" moment. (where is that KOOSH BALL?) I realized how closely related the PACED decision making process used for Financial Literacy is to the Engineering Design Process - This can be incorporated as I teach decision making in all areas; a basic skill that becomes the centerpiece of the engineering and FCS design process.

The other "AH HA" moment came while covering a Science Class today - I had the opportunity to watch Bill Nye, the Science Guy as he explained heat.  He should have been teaching my course - we experienced cooking, burning, fabrics & clothing, exercise and home heating & cooling systems.  If our students are in a science class that covers this, why doesn't it transfer to my class?

So as I continue down the road on this quest to tie FCS into STE(A)M I have on my punch list:

          1.  Create a rubric that will measure student knowledge of STE(A)M through class comments.

          2.  Create a letter to parents about the research process and student involvement.

          3.  Keep Reference File up to date and in APA format.

          4.  Post Needs Assessment tools.

My reflections on the week - 

There is a tremendous lack of Family & Consumer Science educational research!  This will be a project that will require me to look outside of my field, relate the studies and theories to the real life practice of Family & Consumer Science.  I guess I need to do what I expect my students to do... make the practical transfer of knowledge to create personal success.

The beginning of research

As I move into the final part of this MAIT journey I believe that I actually might be able to create a project that could have some impact on how my discipline is perceived in the educational landscape.  It is my hope that I will not just be letting off steam.

After meeting with Amy in August (I know... just don't comment!) I feel I had a handle on the process of generating some concrete statistics as to the knowledge 8th grade students have of the relationship of Family & Consumer Education with STE(A)M initiatives.  Since I do teach in a quarterly format, it is important to get information early on.  I will be using my 4 quarterly classes, for the first three quarters to analyze learning. Two classes each quarter will be control groups, while the other two will have curriculum adjustments focused on the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

I am looking forward to what I learn, hopefully it will be useful to Family & Consumer Science educators.