Teacher Case Study: Dave Mendell

1st-5th grade Gifted Education teacher Dave Mendell used the Earth Scientist: Alternative Energy, Egyptian Museum, and Design Architect performance tasks.

A Defined STEM Learning Experience From:

Dave Mendell

1st-5th Grade Gifted Education Teacher

Nether Providence Elementary School (PA)


Performance Tasks:

Clean Energy

Ancient Egypt

Architecture


Here’s What We Did:

I gave my 2nd graders a choice of doing one of three projects. They spent time reading articles and watching videos in Defined STEM and also reading books on related topics that I got from our school librarian. After collecting all of their information, the kids looked at the different project options for each topic and chose one that was interesting to them. They can work either in pairs or individually to organize their ideas.


The kids respond very positively to these projects. Defined STEM gives students a chance to learn about a topic that they are personally interested in. The personal connection helps make the learning relevant. Many kids also like the independent learning aspect of the projects. They are able to work and learn at a pace that suits them.


Why Defined STEM Was the Perfect Fit:

Defined STEM is a great way for students to work through the challenges of research, learning and completing a task.