More than STEM: Connecting students' learning to community through eco-justice
Date
2020
Authors
Paige, K.
O'Keeffe, L.
Lloyd, D.
Editors
Fitzgerald, A.
Haeusler, C.
Pfeiffer, L.
Haeusler, C.
Pfeiffer, L.
Advisors
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Book chapter
Citation
Source details - Title: STEM Education in Primary Classrooms: Unravelling Contemporary Approaches in Australia and New Zealand, 2020 / Fitzgerald, A., Haeusler, C., Pfeiffer, L. (ed./s), Ch.10, pp.151-167
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Abstract
Innovative and community-based science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning and teaching approaches have the potential to contribute to cultural and environmental improvements. After providing some background around eco-justice and sustainability, this chapter presents two case studies that are examples of STEM education in practice, and they were intended to empower students as knowledgeable citizens positioned to influence everyday practice in their local community. One case was developed with community volunteers and the other with teachers. A transdisciplinary approach to STEM education requires a pedagogy that can integrate the STEM disciplines, contribute to students becoming activists in their places of living and hence connect to community. Integral to the instruction for the native bee project was the initial groundwork, focusing on connecting the students with a local 2-acre community garden. Amid the focus on 21st-century skills is a renewed emphasis on STEM education, which is gaining attention through media outputs from sources such as the Australian chief scientist.
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Copyright 2020 selection and editorial matter, Angela Fitzgerald, Carole Haeusler and Linda Pfeiffer; individual chapters, the contributors