STEM Course Descriptions

STEM Core Courses

STEM 220: Methods of Engineering and Technological Design (3 credits)
This course engages students in STEM content with special emphasis on the nature of engineering, the nature of technology, and methods/strategies for communicating and teaching about STEM. Students apply these interrelated knowledge bases to interrogate sociotechnological issues and develop instructional/communication materials to instruct and inform learners and/or the public. (3 credits)

STEM 235: Mathematical Practices for Every Student
In this course, pre-service and practicing teachers learn how to engage all students in the Mathematical Practice Standards in the Common and Iowa Core State Standards. In particular, we will focus on how to design and enact instruction that elicits and builds on children’s thinking in all content domains as well as how to use curriculum materials, family and community-based resources, and other supports to help facilitate mathematical practice development in children.  (3 credits)               

STEM 274: Science Methods and the Natures of Science & Mathematics
This course engages students in science content, the nature of science, and methods/strategies for communicating and teaching about science. Students apply these interrelated knowledge bases to interrogate socioscientific issues and develop instructional/communication materials to instruct and inform learners and/or the public.  (3 credits)

STEM 289: School Improvement through Coaching
This course will focus on the role of a coach in managing and leading school-wide change. Through video demonstrations, real-life scenarios, and a study of related research, participants will gain a deep under- standing of how to successfully communicate with and coach fellow educators. After gaining an understanding of the attributes of a successful coach, participants will have an opportunity to lead colleagues in change in order to apply this knowledge.  (3 credits)

STEM 290: Capstone Independent Study (2 credits)