A Defined STEM Learning Experience From:

Alexis Fissel

8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher

Ballenger Creek Middle School (MD)

Performance Task:

Baseball Bat Analyst

Here’s What We Did:

Students could choose from a selection of Defined STEM performance tasks. Many students interested in sports chose to work on the Baseball Bat Analyst task that revolves around whether or not young baseball players should be allowed to use metal/composite bats. Students read the articles and watched the videos at their own pace. It was really helpful that each article’s Lexile was provided so I knew in advance before assigning the tasks if it would be too challenging or too easy. I liked how this allowed for their learning to be individualized as well.

Being able to choose a topic that interested them motivated students. They found the topics interesting so they actually enjoyed learning about them and completing the research.

Why Defined STEM Was the Perfect Fit:

In 8th grade Language Arts, a main focus is writing argumentative research essays. Students have to be able to form a claim and support it with viable and extensive evidence. At this age, empowering students with choice in what they learn is really important. I was referred to the Defined STEM website where I found that there were already tons and tons of argumentative tasks created! There are topics of relevance to all my students, whatever their interests.