Teacher Case Study: Tanya Brenner

Maple Grove Elementary School (WI)

A Defined STEM Learning Experience From:

Tanya Brenner

3rd Grade Teacher plus Grades 3-5 Math Intervention

Maple Grove Elementary School (WI)


Performance Tasks:

Backpack Product Design

Design Architect

Toy Marketer

Ice Cream Company Co-Owner

Composer: Drums

Data Analyst


Here’s What We Did:

In addition to teaching my third graders, I work with students in third through fifth grades who need extra help with math. I wanted to give them practice specifically with problem solving skills. I selected several different projects from Defined STEM and then posted the Defined STEM project codes to my web site. Students looked over the different assignments and then blogged their project preferences.


We had several different groups of students working on the various projects. They followed the Defined STEM rubric closely and each day blogged about what they did or what they needed. Students contacted mentors during their recess time and reached out to various companies about the projects they were working on in class. It was truly amazing the effort, interest and perseverance that every student put into each task. The Defined STEM intervention was wrapped up with a presentation to other students and a guest speaker who is an engineer.


Students were really excited about the projects and never lost interest. However, as the weeks progressed, students began to understand how much hard work goes into STEM. When they finished their projects they were so proud to tell their family and friends about what they learned and accomplished.


Why Defined STEM Was the Perfect Fit:

Defined STEM made is easy to search by grade, subject and skill level to find projects for the students. Everything that the students needed to do and learn was outlined in Defined STEM for the students to follow.