Monday, June 10, 2013

Free Videos Bring Real-World STEM to the Classroom

A new free online resource called Spark 101 features interactive videos made by industry professionals on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics. Teachers can use these brief (about 10 minutes long) videos to engage students in solving real-world problems during one or two class periods. The content is directly connected to national curriculum from the College Board's Advanced Placement, the National Academy Foundation, and Project Lead the Way, making it easy for teachers to integrate the videos in their classrooms. The videos have a three-segment format, with pauses for student dialogue.

Spark 101's partners are employers from business, government, academic, and nonprofit sectors, who create and contribute videos highlighting real-world applications of STEM coursework. These partners include Lockheed Martin, NASA, Proctor and Gamble, PepsiCo, Deloitte, and the University of California, Berkeley. In addition to helping teachers bridge the gap from the classroom to the workforce, the videos are intended to inspire students to consider STEM careers.

While the website is free to all teachers nationwide, some regions are using Spark 101 locally to serve targeted student populations. For information on upcoming educator or industry training webinars, e-mail Spark101@114th.org.

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