GISU STEM EXPO

The Second Annual GISU STEM EXPO will be held on 21st April, 2018 at GISU.

GISU STEM is a rigorous, interdisciplinary, standards-focused, and engaging STEM teaching approach that is teacher-facilitated, student-centered and directed through sets of project- and inquiry-based (P&IBL) projects. The GISU PBL approach is to maintain the focus on standards-based teaching while enriching and extending the learning of students through PBL projects. The goal is to promote not only collaborative skills and student ownership of learning but also to promote student success in state and national standards.

What is STEM?

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

Students from year 6 to year 10 with more than 70 projects will be showcased their STEM projects to students, teachers and parents. Visitors will have an opportunity to visit every single project with hands-on activities on the STEM event day.

What is Project Based Learning (PBL)

Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. In Gold Standard PBL, Essential Project Design Elements include:

• Key Knowledge, Understanding, and Success Skills – The project is focused on student learning goals, including standards-based content and skills such as critical thinking/problem solving, collaboration, and self-management.
• Challenging Problem or Question – The project is framed by a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer, at the appropriate level of challenge.
• Sustained Inquiry – Students engage in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, finding resources, and applying information.
• Authenticity – The project features real-world context, tasks and tools, quality standards, or impact – or speaks to students’ personal concerns, interests, and issues in their lives.
• Student Voice & Choice – Students make some decisions about the project, including how they work and what they create.
• Reflection – Students and teachers reflect on learning, the effectiveness of their inquiry and project activities, the quality of student work, obstacles and how to overcome them.
• Critique & Revision – Students give, receive, and use feedback to improve their process and products.
• Public Product – Students make their project work public by explaining, displaying and/or presenting it to people beyond the classroom.

The First Annual GISU STEM EXPO

The Second Annual GISU STEM EXPO will be held on 21st April, 2018 at GISU.