Incorporating the 5 Key Principles of Effective Professional Development into STEM Odyssey:

1. Duration and Ongoing Support:

   • The STEM Odyssey PD plan spans a school year workshop, ensuring a significant duration for deep learning. However, it doesn't end there. The program includes post-workshop ongoing support mechanisms, such as virtual forums, bi-weekly newsletters, one-on-one coaching sessions, and an online repository. This structure allows teachers to grapple with the implementation challenges over time and receive continuous support as they integrate STEM projects into their classrooms.

2. Support During Implementation:

   • A dedicated session, "Implementing with Impact," is designed to address the specific challenges teachers face during the implementation stage. By modeling effective strategies through the "Egg Drop Challenge" and facilitating group discussions on potential challenges and solutions, the plan provides targeted support for teachers as they navigate the complexities of changing classroom practice.

3. Active Engagement:

   • STEM Odyssey prioritizes active engagement by incorporating hands-on experiences, such as the "Paper Roller Coasters" project. The plan deliberately avoids passive exposure to new concepts, instead encouraging teachers to actively participate in making sense of new practices. The interactive nature of the workshop, coupled with collaborative activities and discussions, ensures that teachers are actively engaged throughout the learning journey.

4. Modeling:

   • Recognizing the effectiveness of modeling, the STEM Odyssey plan includes live demonstrations and case studies to showcase the successful implementation of STEM projects. By modeling a STEM project, the "Egg Drop Challenge," educators have the opportunity to witness and participate in the application of new practices. This hands-on modeling approach enhances understanding and fosters confidence in teachers.

5. Discipline-Specific Content:

   • Tailoring content to the specific needs of teachers is a foundational principle of STEM Odyssey. The plan acknowledges the diverse disciplines within STEM and addresses this by creating subject-specific modules for middle and high school teachers. Additionally, for elementary school teachers, grade-specific modules are developed. This approach ensures that the content is not generic but directly aligns with the discipline or grade level of the participants, making it more relevant and applicable to their teaching context.

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By incorporating these principles into STEM Odyssey, the PD plan is designed not only to impart knowledge but to facilitate a transformative learning experience for educators. Through ongoing support, active engagement, modeling, and discipline-specific content, STEM Odyssey aims to empower teachers to confidently integrate technology-enhanced STEM projects into their classrooms, creating a lasting impact on student learning and engagement.

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BHAG: The overarching BHAG for STEM Odyssey is to empower educators with the skills and confidence to transform their teaching practices through technology-enhanced STEM projects. This BHAG will guide the development of specific objectives for each session.

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Objective: Empower educators with sustained skills and strategies for implementing engaging STEM projects, integrating technology throughout the academic year.

Specific Objectives:

• Participants will understand the importance of STEM education and its impact on student learning.

• Participants will actively engage in hands-on STEM projects to experience the transformative power of project-based learning.

• Participants will develop a deep understanding of the 5 key principles of effective professional development.

 

Duration: August 2024 - May 2025

Phase 1: Preparing for the Odyssey (Summer Institute - August 2024)

• Week 1: Setting Sail (August 1-5)

  •  Welcome and Overview

  • Icebreaker: "Bridge to the Odyssey"

  • Introduction to STEM education and the year-long program

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• Week 2: Deep Dive into STEM (August 8-12)

  • Exploring research-based insights on hands-on learning

  • Collaborative planning for the year's STEM projects

  • Hands-on experience with a comprehensive STEM project

 

Phase 2: Navigating the STEM Seas (Academic Year - Monthly Sessions)

• Month 1-2: Laying the Foundation (September - October)

  • Session 1 (September): Understanding STEM: A Deep Dive

  • Session 2 (October): Designing Effective STEM Projects: BHAG and Objectives

• Month 3-4: Crafting Engaging STEM Projects (November - December)

  • Session 3 (November): Project-based Learning in Action

  • Session 4 (December): Integrating Technology Tools

• Month 5-6: Sailing Through Challenges (January - February)

  • Session 5 (January): Effective Implementation Strategies

  • Session 6 (February): Addressing Challenges in STEM Education

• Month 7-8: Advanced Navigation (March - April)

  • Session 7 (March): Advanced Tech Tools for STEM

  • Session 8 (April): Subject-Specific Modules: Tailoring STEM Projects

• Month 9-10: Reflecting on the Odyssey (May - June)

  • Session 9 (May): Mid-Year Reflections and Adjustments

  • Session 10 (June): Collaborative Project Review and Feedback 

 

Phase 3: Anchoring the Learning (End-of-Year Symposium - May 2025)

• Week 1 (May 23-27): Celebrating the STEM Odyssey

  • Recap of the year's journey

  • Showcase of completed STEM projects

  • Reflections and Future Planning

 

Ongoing Support Throughout the Year:

• Virtual forums for continuous collaboration

• Bi-monthly newsletters with STEM project ideas and updates

• One-on-one coaching sessions for personalized support

• Online repository of STEM resources and project templates

 

Materials Required Throughout the Year:

• Continuous access to crafting supplies, electronic components, and technology tools

• Regular access to laptops or tablets for exploring digital tools

• Projector and screen for presentations during monthly sessions

• Sticky notes, markers, and other workshop supplies

 

Reflection on the STEM Odyssey Professional Development Plan:

The Why:

The motivation behind the creation of the "STEM Odyssey" Professional Development (PD) plan lies in the recognition that STEM education is a gateway to cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation in students. The program is designed to provide educators with tangible, hands-on experiences to understand the essence of STEM learning. The rationale is grounded in research-based insights affirming the transformative impact of hands-on, project-based learning in STEM. The program seeks to address the need for practical skills and strategies that empower educators to create engaging and relevant STEM projects, preparing students for the challenges of the future.

 

The How:

The development of the STEM Odyssey PD plan involved a thoughtful blend of interactive and collaborative elements. The use of an engaging icebreaker, such as the "Building Bridges" activity, sets the tone for collaboration and active participation. The inclusion of a mini STEM project, "Paper Roller Coasters," provides educators with a firsthand experience of the power of hands-on learning. The progression from understanding the 'why' of STEM to navigating the 'how' through project design and implementation ensures a comprehensive learning journey.

 

The strategic use of tech tools in the "Tech Tools for STEM" session aligns with the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the integration of technology in STEM projects. The reflective session at the end of the workshop promotes metacognition, encouraging educators to internalize the experiences and insights gained. The post-workshop ongoing support mechanisms, including virtual forums, newsletters, coaching sessions, and an online repository, aim to sustain the momentum and provide educators with continuous resources for growth.

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Fostering Collaboration: Collaboration is at the core of the STEM Odyssey PD plan. The inclusion of collaborative activities, group project design sessions, and virtual forums fosters a sense of community among educators. The "Reflective Harbor" session encourages the sharing of insights and lessons learned, creating a space for collective reflection and growth. The ongoing support components further extend the collaborative spirit, creating a network of educators who continue to learn and share beyond the workshop.

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Leadership Roles:

Clear leadership roles are identified, with designated STEM Odyssey leaders responsible for coordinating sessions, providing guidance, and overseeing collaborative activities. Mentorship roles are assigned to experienced STEM educators, ensuring a support system for participants.

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Audience and Their Needs:

The PD plan recognizes the diverse needs of educators and tailors the content accordingly. The differentiation between middle school, high school, and elementary teachers ensures that the material is not only relevant but also applicable to the specific context of each group.

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Instructional Design:

The instructional design follows a structured approach, incorporating the BHAG, and a 3-column table. This ensures clarity in goals, content delivery, and assessment strategies.

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Schedule/Timeline:

The timeline for the PD plan is outlined with precision, allowing for flexibility based on participant needs and project progress. The school year workshop format, with the option for extension, provides a balance between intensive learning and ongoing support

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Types of Resources:

The list of required materials for the workshop is comprehensive, ensuring that participants have the necessary tools for a hands-on experience. The inclusion of laptops or tablets for exploring digital tools aligns with the emphasis on technology.