Melanie Dolifka and Tracy Barron

Dolifka’s and Barron’s innovative teaching idea, “STEM Matters,” is designed to utilize a series of kits to increase interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-related careers among 52 third graders who currently have very few science/STEM resources. An “Engineering is Elementary” kit will be used for the physical science unit on states of matter; a “Life Cycles” kit will be used for the life science unit on life cycles; and a “FOSS” kit will be used for the Earth science unit on rocks and minerals. All kits contain highly engaging STEM activities that are aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards for Science as well as the Common Core Math Standards. The physical science students will be able to move from learning by reading to learning by doing with the engaging, interactive kits.