Engineering

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education. STEM Learning is an interdisciplinary approach that helps students succeed in future learning and in their career path. The focus of a STEM learning is generally hands-on, problem or project-based learning.

The National Science Teaching Association explains, STEM is not a curriculum, but rather a way of organizing and delivering instruction. It is not another “ingredient” in the lesson “soup,” but the recipe for helping learners apply their knowledge and skills, collaborate with their peers, and understand the relevance of what they are learning.

Minnesota Integrates Engineering Standards with Science Standards

In the 2009 revision of Minnesota’s Academic Standards for Science, MN decided to integrate engineering standards into the science standards in all grades (K-12). As such, the integrated standards (including the engineering standards) are now required for all K-12 MN public school students. School districts have the autonomy to determine which teachers or departments will be assigned to teach the standards and in which courses, but the engineering standards will be assessed in the next iteration of MCA science tests at grades 5, 8 and 10. The decision to integrate the engineering standards with the science standards is consistent with the direction that many other states have taken and is also the direction that the Next Generation Science Standards have taken. The integration of these two topics moves MN in the direction of a true STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) model. Key aspects of Minnesota’s engineering standards  include:
Integration with Science: The engineering standards are not taught in isolation but rather are integrated into science education, reflecting a broader trend of STEM education.
Assessment: Engineering concepts and practices are assessed through the MCA science tests at grades 5, 8, and 10.
Focus on Engineering Design: The standards emphasize the engineering design process, which involves identifying problems, developing solutions, and testing those solutions.
Real-World Applications: The standards encourage students to explore how engineering impacts society and to apply engineering principles to solve real-world problems.

The MN State Engineering Center of Excellence

The Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence provides resources for educators, including a project/problem-based curriculum aligned with national standards. This includes free or low-cost experiential-based programs and curricula explicitly designed with the needs of Minnesota K-16 educators and future workforce demands in focus.

Learn more about the curriculum and professional development resources available.