This video shows the process I use (and mindset) to design project-based (PBL) learning experiences that are optimal for design thinking integration. Thank you so much for checking out this video. If you are interested in learning more please check the link below to receive free resources that can help you start on your journey of equipping your students with design thinking. Learn more about these experiences here: lpbeta.org/book Timestamp 0:35 Start with the Standards 1:81

Learn more about Design Thinking in education here: lpbeta.org/book

What does it actually look like to apply STEM practices in an integrated way? The best way to picture this is to see it in action within the workflow of a professional. Let’s look at architects and how they apply specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to design a structure. Phase 1: Collaboration & Definition The journey begins with collaboration. Architects ask insightful questions to understand the client’s vision and the site’s potential (Asking Questions; TEP-7 Commu

If we dissected the concept of STEM literacy , we would find that it consists of the application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes—collectively known as STEM Practices —within the context of real-world issues. But why use the word “practices”? Is it just academic jargon? According to the National Research Council’s (NRC) Framework for K-12 Science Education , the distinction is intentional and vital. They use the term “practices” instead of “skills” to emphasize that scient

To learn more about design thinking in education, check out my book "Design Thinking in the Classroom."

To learn more about design thinking in education, check out my book "Design Thinking in the Classroom."

We frequently hear that the STEM field is facing a massive talent gap. The common narrative suggests students simply lack interest. However, the data tells a different story: it is not a lack of interest; it is an access crisis. While we champion "STEM for all," systemic barriers continue to keep capable students on the sidelines. How do we move beyond rhetoric to truly redesign K-12 education? The answer lies in the Equity-Oriented STEM Literacy Framework . This roadmap isn'

We talk a lot about the "STEM gap." We look at the data—the underrepresentation of women, racial and ethnic minorities, and students from low-income backgrounds—and we ask, “How do we get more students interested?” But here is the hard truth: It’s usually not an interest problem. It’s an access problem. And more specifically, it’s a systemic problem. "Equality" is giving every student an iPad. "Equity" is redesigning the school culture so that every student—regardless of th

Why is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) important in STEM? To answer this, we must first understand what these terms actually mean in practice. Diversity refers to who is represented in a group, encompassing gender, ethnicity, neurodiversity, and thought. Equity differs from equality; while equality assumes treating everyone the same, equity adjusts treatment to account for disparities and unique circumstances to ensure fair outcomes. Inclusion is about the environment—

Have you ever walked into a massive education conference, looked at a room full of hundreds of strangers, and felt more isolated than inspired? We spend significant time and resources traveling to these events, yet we often spend the whole day sitting in rooms struggling to make genuine connections. I’ve realized that the most impactful networking doesn't always happen in a breakout room; sometimes, it happens on the pavement. My Reluctant Journey to the Starting Line If you

We often ask, “What is the purpose of STEM education?” Is it solely to create more engineers and scientists? While that is part of it, the true goal is much broader. According to Rodger W. Bybee’s The Case for STEM Education , the purpose is to “apply basic content and practices of STEM disciplines to situations they encounter in life.” This application is what we call STEM Literacy . Bybee defines it as the application of knowledge, attitudes, and skills to question the worl

Why embed STEM into the education we provide our students? It is a question that goes beyond curriculum design—it cuts to the core of how we prepare children for an unpredictable world. First and foremost, STEM education is crucial for equipping students to navigate the scientific discoveries and technological advancements that shape our lives (Smithsonian Science Education Center, 2023). We are facing a "skills revolution." According to the World Government Summit and McKins

Why do we need STEM education? It’s not just about robots and coding—it’s about preparing students for a future we can’t fully predict yet. Research from the World Economic Forum suggests that 65% of today’s kindergarten students will work in jobs that don’t exist yet. In this video, I dive into the "Skills Revolution" and explore why embedding STEM into our curriculum is the answer to the "Opportunity Myth" in education. We discuss how Project-Based Learning develops "The

"STEM" is a term we use constantly in education, but if you ask five different stakeholders to define it, you might get five different answers. Originating in 1993 with the National Science Foundation (originally called SMET!), the acronym is well-known, yet "the finer points of this construct often cause confusion" (Breiner, 2012). Some educators argue that teaching a standalone math class counts as STEM. However, research suggests that the true power of STEM lies not in sil

A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of working with a fantastic group of 2nd-grade educators. Together, we designed a social studies project where students became museum curators and exhibit designers , using design thinking to create their own museum exhibits. The team included two homeroom teachers (Shelby and Rebecca), our Tech & Innovation Specialist (Chris), our instructional coach (Jodi), our librarian (Lara), and myself. Looking back, I truly treasure that exper

Biomimicry, they developed nature-inspired solutions to real human problems. This project, co-designed with my colleague Tracy Blair , was an experiment in meaningful transfer of learning—moving beyond just understanding concepts to applying them in new, complex contexts. NGSS & Core Concepts Our unit was anchored in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for 4th Grade, specifically focusing on: Structure & Function: How internal/external structures support survival

"I don't have time to teach my students how to use the techology." This is a challenge I face constantly. I work with about 600 students across 28 classes. Because we don't have a designated "tech lesson," it is up to the teachers and me to find pockets of time to integrate digital skills. Recently, our 4th graders were wrapping up a Social Studies unit on Responsibility . They explored the driving question: How do our choices as consumers affect the world? To move beyond ju

Imagine looking at a local river and seeing the water turn a thick, neon green. That is the image we presented to our 5th graders to kick off their latest science unit. We challenged them to become environmental engineers . In this post, I want to share a STEM project I designed with my colleagues, Jessica Jordon and Courtney Gienapp, where students didn't just study algal blooms—they designed real solutions to stop them. To kick things off, we started with a "provocation." W

I want to share my "Digital Citizenship Integration Model." My goal with this framework is to help you integrate digital citizenship concepts easily and meaningfully into your students’ learning experiences. Ultimately, it’s about developing a culture of compassion, responsibility, and well-being within our digital lives. What is Digital Citizenship? According to Common Sense Education, digital citizenship is "the responsible use of technology to learn, create, and particip

Want to take your students’ conceptual understanding to the next level? I had the incredible opportunity to join the first cohort of Julie Stern ’s “Learning Transfer Endorsed Educator” course . As someone whose school uses a conceptual approach, I couldn’t pass up the chance to learn directly from the expert herself. Here is a breakdown of the key tool I learned—the Learning Transfer Mental Model —and how I used it to design a 4th-grade STEM project. Why We Need This Model