Introduction to Secondary STEM

This course will help you understand the essential foundations of STEM teaching and learning and provide opportunities to help build knowledge, skills and confidence to take on STEM in your classroom. You’ll learn:

• • • • What STEM is and how to use STEM to develop 21st Century learning skills in Secondary years.
      • How to identify STEM problems and challenges in real world contexts.
      • Practical suggestions to guide you through the principles of STEM teaching and learning, including:
        • Incorporating a multidisciplinary approach;
        • Making connections to students’ world and interests;
        • Taking risks and learning from mistakes;
        • Encouraging collaboration and teamwork.

Download your course brochure here.

• Learning areas: Science, Technologies, Mathematics.
• General capabilities: Numeracy, Information and Communication Technology, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability.

This course is mapped to the Professional Standards for Teachers. It is accredited for teacher professional development hours in the following states and territories:

Graduate Teacher – all states and territories
2.1.1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
3.1.1 Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.3.1 Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1 Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.

Proficient Teacher – all states and territories
2.1.2 Apply knowledge of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area to develop engaging teaching activities.
3.1.2 Set explicit, challenging and achievable learning goals for all students.
3.3.2 Select and use relevant teaching strategies to develop knowledge, skills, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.
3.4.2 Select and/or create and use a range of resources, including ICT, to engage students in their learning.

Highly Accomplished Teacher – all states and territories except for NSW
2.5.3 Support colleagues to implement effective teaching strategies to improve students’ literacy and numeracy achievement
3.3.3 Support colleagues to select and apply effective teaching strategies to develop knowledge, skills, problem solving and Critical and Creative Thinking
3.4.3 Assist colleagues to create, select and use a wide range of resources, including ICT, to engage students in their learning.

    This course is accredited by TQI for 2 hours professional development for teachers in the ACT.

In NSW, Cool Australia is endorsed to provide NESA Registered Professional Development for teachers accredited at Proficient Teacher.

Leanne Vastbinder is a Victorian Science teacher of over 9 years who has created and taught a range of science courses including biology, environmental science and integrated STEM programs. With a passion for all things science, Leanne views STEM education as a vital component of 21st century learning. In her teaching she nurtures curiosity and innovation, incorporates relatable, engaging content and aims to create independent learners.

Gabrielle Munro has worked in the education sector for over 12 years as a classroom teacher and tertiary educator of pre-service teachers. She loves working with teachers to develop practical teaching skills while challenging them to think creatively about how best to teach their students.