One of the many benefits of STEM education is the integration and application of cross curricular content. This allows students to understand the relevance of content learned in other subjects studied in secondary school. To be effective, a STEM program needs to be fully integrated. The easiest and best way demonstrated so far is with a comprehensive project based curriculum. This helps students answer the questions “Why do I need to know this” and “Where will I ever use this”. The framework used by Tom White & Associates combines Problem Based Learning with the Design Process to create contextual curriculum.

Problem based curriculum allows for deep exploration of a problem. Each project is designed to allow different student groups to develop several and distinct solutions to the same problem. The problem presents the student with an opportunity to plan, organize, and conduct research. Enabling activities can provide students with needed skills and knowledge “just in time”. Students utilize their research in the design, prototyping, testing, evaluation, and redesign of a solution.

The term “engineering” implies a mathematical evaluation of a design. This analysis allows students to create mathematical models that can inform decisions and increase the speed at which a solution can be put forth. Once the initial analysis is done, a prototype can be created and evaluated. The data is gathered and organized. Flaws are further analyzed and the design improved.

Once an acceptable design solution is reached, students create final documentation. This documentation includes sketches, drawings, notes, research reports, data analysis, and anything else utilized in the creation of the final design. Students craft explanatory or argumentative writing to detail the merits of their solutions. The writing is “glue” for the integration of the learning. Requiring the explanation of the solution elevates the learning to higher levels. Employers and colleges indicate the ability to communicate is critical to future success.

One of the biggest impediments to successful preparation for careers in STEM fields is the need for remediation before true college work can begin. Project based STEM education provides students with the preparation necessary for successful entry into college programs. Several colleges studying those students who participated in STEM programs in high school, have found higher GPA, improved retention, and better preparation for the rigors of college study.

The following courses were developed for Siemens. They are good examples of curriculum designed for student teams.  They engage the students in developing unique solutions to design problems.  For more information about curriculum development services email tom@tomwhitestem.com. 

 Perfect introductory curriculum for middle, high school, two year schools and maker spaces, this course challenges students to work in teams to solve complex design problems. Students research, design, develop, and communicate design solutions Teams use engineering software to prepare and evaluate designs and make extensive use of 3D printing to prepare models for presentation to authentic audiences. The goal of the course is the application of the tools to address unique problems allowing the students to rapidly create and analyze proposed solutions. Siemens’ software and hardware are tools frequently used by industry and understanding how these tools are used in problem solving is critical.  

  ​This course is designed for students who have experience with the Engineering Design course, providing students with experience in the creation of a design, preparing the design for machining and designing the automation necessary to control processes. This course in manufacturing that will challenge the students to collaboratively solve design problems by working in teams, require  research and report findings, and prepare students to obtain Siemens PLC and Solid Edge certifications.  The Siemens manufacturing course will utilize the various Siemens’ software as a tool for problem solving and preparing solutions. The goal of the course is the application of the tools to address unique problems allowing the students to rapidly create and analyze proposed solutions.