The Scope, the Official STEMscopes Blog

Buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure all share one key component— individuals who specialized in engineering worked on all of them. Engineering is a branch of science and technology that specifically concerns the design, construction, and use of engines, machines, and structures. Students come into contact or view these structures every day, but do they know how they came to be, or know abut the basic engineering concepts that put them there? Now more than ever, schoolrooms have evolved into 21st century classrooms— settings that use advanced technology and new teaching methods— and teachers are looking for more effective and engaging ways to teach engineering concepts. 

STEM teaching across all grade levels can be a challenge when you're trying to increase student understanding while making sure your lessons are both engaging and demonstrate student comprehension of the lesson. 

Besides helping aid in student understanding, PBLs provide a real-world take on application of STEM principles. Spanning elementary through high school grade levels, project-based learning activities can be flexibly designed and utilized. Smart lessons, like those found in the STEMscopes suite, utilize project-based learning activities and ensure that they are properly aligned to grade level and standard while being a part of an activity continuum.