STREAMing with Butterflflies: A Whole School STREAM Project

University of Notre Dame. 4110 Jenkins Nanovic Bldg, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Tel: 574-631-1861; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/ce

Y

17

Art Education; STEM Education; Religious Education; Entomology; Active Learning; Student Projects; Interdisciplinary Approach; Teacher Attitudes; Instructional Effectiveness; Climate; Sustainability; Elementary Schools; Middle Schools; Religious Schools

2164-0246

This study explores the commitment of a school faculty to use the pedagogical practices needed to employ a project-based unit of Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM). The unit of study concentrated on environmental sustainability of butterflies through project-based learning (PBL). Teacher interviews were analyzed to reveal the similarities and differences, strengths and weaknesses in the teachers' reactions to implementing a cross-curricula content unit designed for a pre-kindergarten (PK) to eighth grade school. Analysis of teacher data and classroom artifacts provided evidence of: content mastery at the student levels; implementation of scaffolding for developmental levels; and the need for flexibility in scheduling. As a result of the study, the school leadership gained new perspectives regarding how the faculty understood and implemented STREAM programming. This study contributed to the knowledge base by informing teachers and educational leaders about the level of effectiveness STREAM can have within an K-8 school.

As Provided

2024

EJ1411020