STEM
Explorations in STEM
Explorations in STEM immerses middle school students in the dynamic and interconnected world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Designed for grades 6–8, this self paced online course invites learners to explore how these disciplines work together to solve meaningful real world problems
About the course
Course Overview
Explorations in STEM immerses middle school students in the dynamic and interconnected world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Designed for grades 6–8, this self paced online course invites learners to explore how these disciplines work together to solve meaningful real world problems. Rather than studying each subject in isolation, students discover how STEM fields overlap, inform one another, and combine to drive innovation.
Throughout the course, students engage in authentic problem solving challenges that reflect real scientific and engineering work. They learn and apply the engineering design process, practice mathematical modeling, develop computational thinking skills, and analyze data to draw informed conclusions. Each module builds both conceptual understanding and practical skills, helping students see how STEM thinking applies to everyday life and global challenges.
As the course progresses, students move from strengthening individual STEM skills to integrating them in more complex tasks. Clear cross disciplinary connections are emphasized in every module so students understand not just what they are learning, but why it matters. By the end of the course, students complete a capstone challenge that requires them to apply scientific reasoning, mathematical analysis, technological tools, and engineering design in a unified project.
Explorations in STEM encourages curiosity, creativity, and persistence. As an asynchronous online course, it allows students to work at their own pace while building critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving skills that prepare them for advanced STEM study and future careers.
By the end of the course
Learning Objectives
- Define engineering problems by identifying scientific constraints, mathematical criteria, and technological requirements
- Develop and use mathematical models to represent scientific relationships and make predictions
- Create computational models or simulations to test hypotheses and analyze system behavior
- Collect, transform, and analyze data from design tests using computational tools and scientific reasoning
- Evaluate competing design solutions by applying mathematical analysis across scientific, economic, and social dimensions
- Design and implement algorithmic solutions to STEM problems, recognizing patterns and creating reusable procedures
- Construct and defend claims about scientific phenomena or design solutions using evidence and reasoning
Course contents
What You'll Study
What Is STEM?
Define STEM integration; identify how disciplines connect
The Scientific Method & Inquiry
Apply the scientific method; design and evaluate investigations
Mathematical Modeling Foundations
Build mathematical models to represent and predict real-world phenomena
Computational Thinking & Algorithms
Apply decomposition, pattern recognition, and algorithmic thinking
Engineering Design Process
Use the engineering design cycle to build and iterate prototypes
Data Collection & Analysis
Collect and analyze data using computational tools and statistical reasoning
Systems Thinking & Simulation
Model systems with interconnected parts; simulate outcomes
Evaluating Solutions & Trade-offs
Evaluate competing solutions against criteria and constraints
STEM Integration in Action
Apply all STEM skills to an integrated capstone challenge
Earn your 1.0 credit in Explorations in STEM
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