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STEM Resources and Support

Region4 - Science ConferenceFind out the latest information regarding our annual science conference. Region4 - Region 4 Science–Professional Development CalendarCheck out our upcoming trainings! Region4 - Science ProductsFind resources to help you in the classroom. Region4 - STEM Resources and SupportCheck out our STEM related resources and professional development. Region4 - Science ContactsWe'd love to hear from you! Region4 - Social MediaConnect with us! Region4 - Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Professional OrganizationsFind updates from TEA and other professional groups. Region4 - Science Leadership NetworkFind information about upcoming Leadership Network meetings. Region4 - CAST — Region 4 ScienceCome visit us at CAST!
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STEMulating DESIGN CHALLENGES IN SCIENCE

Guides to implementing design challenges in the science and CTE classroom

 

These TEKS-aligned teacher resources:

  • provide background knowledge on concepts;
  • offer the opportunity to practice skills related to collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking;
  • support the development of time management, adaptability, and innovative thinking;
  • connect to careers and real-world content applications;
  • outline the basic components of a STEM classroom;
  • present guidance on how to use an engineering notebook; and
  • scaffold the engineering design process using facilitation questions and sentence stems.​
 
All of these foundational pieces support student growth and achievement to successfully complete design challenges.
 
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Grades K-2 Grades 3-5
   
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Grades 6-8 - NEW! Grades 9-12 - NEW!

 

Design challenges encourage students to think about real-world issues and how students would solve them using available tools and materials. Some challenges even include a budget component. Each challenge is aligned to the TEKS, which are listed in the teacher guide portion of the challenge. The appendix sections provide more information and tips about implementing critical skills, setting up engineering notebooks, and establishing student expectations and roles. The appendices also include reproducible masters and sample rubrics.
 
Digital access to downloadable content, including the product and accompanying suggested resources, is provided through R4Hub.esc4.net with a user license set up at time of purchase.
 
 
STEMulating Design Challenges in Science
$75 per grade band
 
Order at region4store.com using the product IDs below:
 
  • Kindergarten–Grade 2: 460-1995
  • Grades 3–5: 460-1996
  • Grades 6–8: 460-2058  - NEW!
  • Grades 9–12: 460-2061 - NEW!
 
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For questions about this resource, or to set up customized professional development, e-mail science@esc4.net.
 
 
 

 

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

 

STEM Implementation

Date Time Session Virtual F2F
September 29 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Fostering STEM Thinking in the Classroom   X
October 18 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Exploring Scientific and Engineering Practices    X
December 8 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The Engineering Design Process   X

 

STEMulating Design Challenges in Science

Date Time Session Virtual F2F
October 12-13 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. STEMulating Design Challenges in Science for Grades 9-12   X
November 1–2 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. STEMulating Design Challenges in Science for Grades 6-8   X
November 3-4 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. STEMulating Design Challenges in Science, Grades K-5   X

 

K–12 Statewide STEM Trainings

Date Time Session Virtual F2F
October 27 8:30-11:30 a.m. Supporting Teachers with STEM Planning and Implementation   X
January 11–12 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. K-12 Statewide STEM Leadership Training (Two-day)   X
January 25–26 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. K-12 Statewide STEM Teacher Training   X

 

 

View the full calendar of Science workshops available from Region 4 Science here.  For customized professional development, e-mail science@esc4.net.

 

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ONLINE COURSE LEARNING

Interested in taking Region 4 Science courses when it's most convenient for YOU? We offer several online courses that can be taken over 30 days, at your own pace. Earn as many as 6 CPE from the comfort of your computer! For more information, follow the links below. For more information about these sessions, e-mail science@esc4.net.

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STEM Literacy

Define and discuss STEM literacy and its importance. Explore strategies that can be used before, during, and after reading that allow for independent and collaborative student work. Examine how to safely research on the Internet using various search engines and tools to curate information. Complete the course by putting new skills into practice. Learn more and register here.

 

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Getting STEM Ready

Explore what having a STEM ready classroom entails. Define STEM and discuss what a STEM classroom looks and feels like. Consider materials, where to find them, and then how to manage and design makerspaces. Experience STEM in practice and conclude by mapping out how to embed STEM into your classroom. Learn more and register here.

 

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The Engineering Design Process

Explore the engineering design process (EDP). Learn how STEM experiences are supported and explore the key components of the EDP through the lens of teacher and student actions. Participants will leave with a design challenge and ideas for implementation, including supporting students as they develop their STEM thinking. Learn more and register here.

 

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REGION 4 TEXAS EcosySTEM

The Region 4 Texas EcosySTEM is a part of Texas Education Agency's (TEA) statewide Texas EcosySTEM. This collaborative effort unites various stakeholders to work towards the common goal of increasing access for young people to STEM-rich learning environments so that they are engaged and have mastered the necessary skills for success in STEM careers.

 

The Texas EcosySTEM has created a statewide STEM steering committee as well as regional STEM hubs (such as the Region 4 EcosySTEM) with representation from:

  • Formal and informal K-12 educators
  • Workforce Development Boards
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • STEM Business/Industry professionals
  • Education Service Centers
  • Post-secondary institutions
  • Non-profits
  • Other relevant stakeholders

Learn all about the Region 4 Texas EcosySTEM Collaborative here.

 

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