Three Take-Aways from STEM Cross-Curricular Research and Planning

1. STEM cross-curricular education is a holistic approach to teaching and learning that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts with other subject areas. This approach allows students to see how STEM concepts are interconnected and relevant to the real world.
2. STEM cross-curricular education can help to address equity concerns by providing all students with access to high-quality STEM learning experiences. When STEM concepts are integrated with other subject areas, students who are struggling in one area may be able to find success in another.
3. There are a number of resources available to help teachers implement STEM cross-curricular education in their classrooms. These resources include lesson plans, activities, and curriculum materials that are specifically designed for STEM cross-curricular learning.

How to Encourage Other Teachers to Adopt STEM Cross-Curricular Education

Here are some tips on how to encourage other teachers to adopt STEM cross-curricular education in their classrooms:

• Share your own experiences with STEM cross-curricular education. Tell other teachers about the benefits that you have seen in your own classroom, and share examples of successful STEM cross-curricular lessons and activities.
• Provide resources and support to other teachers. Help other teachers to find STEM cross-curricular lesson plans, activities, and curriculum materials. You can also offer to mentor or coach other teachers as they implement STEM cross-curricular education in their classrooms.
• Advocate for STEM cross-curricular education at the school and district level. Talk to your school administrators about the importance of STEM cross-curricular education, and encourage them to provide support for teachers who are implementing this approach.

Here are some specific things that you can do to encourage other teachers to adopt STEM cross-curricular education in their classrooms:

• Organize a STEM cross-curricular workshop or PD session. This is a great way to introduce other teachers to the concept of STEM cross-curricular education and to provide them with resources and support.
• Create a STEM cross-curricular community at your school or district. This could be a formal or informal group of teachers who are interested in learning more about and implementing STEM cross-curricular education.
• Share STEM cross-curricular lesson plans and activities with other teachers. This could be done through online forums, social media, or by simply sharing lesson plans with your colleagues.
• Showcase STEM cross-curricular student projects at school events or in the community. This is a great way to show other teachers and the community the benefits of STEM cross-curricular education.

By sharing your knowledge and experience, and by providing support and resources to other teachers, you can play a key role in promoting the adoption of STEM cross-curricular education.

Example from My Geographic Area

Here is an example from my geographic area about which inequities could most benefit from a systems-based approach:

In the city of Chicago, there is a significant disparity in the quality of education that students receive in different neighborhoods. Students in low-income neighborhoods are more likely to attend schools with fewer resources and less qualified teachers. This disparity can lead to significant achievement gaps between students from different neighborhoods.

A systems-based approach to addressing this inequity would involve working to improve the quality of education in all schools, regardless of the neighborhood. This could include providing more resources to low-income schools, investing in teacher training, and developing and implementing high-quality curriculum materials.

One specific example of a systems-based approach to addressing this inequity is the Chicago Public Schools’ One Network of Schools. This program provides additional resources and support to low-income schools. The program has been shown to improve student achievement in these schools.

Another example is the STEM Equity Project, a collaboration between the University of Chicago and the Chicago Public Schools. This project is working to improve STEM education for all students in Chicago, regardless of their background. The project is providing STEM enrichment opportunities for students from low-income schools, and it is supporting teachers in implementing STEM cross-curricular education in their classrooms.

These are just two examples of how a systems-based approach can be used to address health inequalities/disparities at the system level. By working to improve the quality of education for all students, we can help to create a more equitable society.