Secondary Curriculum
Secondary STEAM2 Pathways
STEAM2 activities can be found in every content area. Below you will find integrated STEAM2 activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Medicine.
| STEAM2 ACTIVITY | WHY IT IS STEAM2 | COURSE | CAREER LINK | RESOURCES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUILD-A-BABY FROM THE GENES UP | Students identify genetic qualities (phenotypes and genotypes) of parents to determine the possible and probable appearance and genetic make-up of an offspring. Students will simulate the genetic combinations in Meiosis that lead to the development of the fertilized egg and present their results in a birth announcement. | 7th grade science, 9-12 Biology | Medical | |
| GENETIC DISORDERS PROJECT | Students research a genetic disorder and Identify affected chromosome, symptoms and facts. They will teach other students about the disorder using a technology source of their choice (presentation, video, etc.). | 7th grade science, 9-12 Biology | Medical, Technology | |
| CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION | Student analyze a simulated crime scene and must run samples of DNA from victims and suspects, in addition to STR analysis to determine who committed the crime. | Biology | Medical | |
| pGLO PLASMA TRANSFER LAB | Students transform bacteria to take up the genes for bioluminescence (glowing). Students use biotechnology to perform this experiment. | AP Biology | Medical, Technology | |
| p53 GENE | Students use gel electrophoresis to detect the p53 tumor gene to detect cancer in a patient | AP Biology | Medical | |
| MERCY SHIP UP THE AMAZON | Teams of students are given patients to diagnose, using Chief Medical Officer from the NIH through video conference and computer interface. (program must be purchased) | Club Med, Anatomy/ Physiology, AP Biology | Medical, Technology | |
| PRINCIPAL I SHRUNK THE KIDS | To learn about parts of the cell, students build "a shrinking a machine" and create extra large plants and animal cells, along with unicellular organisms. These cells are found in places around the room and ceiling. Students use flashlights and sit on beach towels and identify cell parts. They write songs and skits and perform for other classes. | 7th grade science | Medical | |
| SCIENCE FAIR/ PJAS | Students conduct experiments following the scientific method and related these experiments to real world experiences. PJAS and Lehigh Science and Engineering Fair are outside competitions where students can compete on a local, state and national level. | 6th - 12th grades | All STEAM2 fields | |
| EXPLORAVISION | Students create an invention that could exist within the next 25 years. They prepare a proposal and a website for the invention. Outside scientists and others working in various fields meet with students to assist them with their ideas. Content is varied from nanorobotics to medicine. Exploravision is a national competition for students grades K-12. (exploravision.org) | 7th and 8th grade | Engineering, Technology | |
| COASTER QUEST | Students create and test types of rides, including rollercoasters, by implementing Laws of Physics. This includes a trip to a local amusement park. | 8th Grade Science | Engineering, Technology | |
| BALLOON FEST | Balloonfest is an interdisciplinary team activity that is based on scientific principles of density, buoyancy and flight. Students work in mixed groups to construct a hot air balloon made of tissue paper and Elmer's glue. The activity takes 5 science classes to complete and the finished product is a 6 foot tall hot air balloon that is tethered, filled with air and sent aloft for math students to calculate altitude, lift and wind speed. The true benefit of the project is the work and team building required to complete the project in a timely and quality manner. | 8th Grade Science | Engineering, Technology | |
| Self- Propelled Vehicle Engineering | Students research, design and construct a self-propelled vehicle. Students begin with a prototype and are able to test their design and obtain feedback from teachers and peers utilizing what they have learned about the Laws of motion, conservation of momentum and friction and how they relate to the transfer of energy and eventual movement of the vehicle. The project culminates with a “race-off” where students test their final product. | 8th grade Science | Engineering and Technology | |
| Student Designed Experiments- (Scientific Method, Measurement, Graphing and CC writing) | Students apply the concepts of the scientific method to design an original group experiment. Materials are provided to students, Ideas are generated by looking at those materials, brainstorming together, and ultimately “designing” their own experiment. Students develop and test their experiment, as well as investigate and observe their findings. The final product includes organizing and interpreting their data and eventually communicating their findings to their peers | 8th Grade Science | All STEAM2 fields | |
| POLYGON CHIPS - CREATING AND DESIGNING SHAPES 2D & 3D | Math curriculum & Tech Ed curriculum- Creating shapes and defining angles in polygons - students will demonstrate a greater understanding of shapes and angles | Technology Education & 6th grade mathematics chapter 7 | Engineering, Technology | |
| WEATHER FORECAST - PREDICITING AND FORECASTING THE WEATHER | Science curriculum and tech ed curriculum, math curriculum, engineer, technology - students will graph, present, and discuss current weather patterns | Technology Education & 6th grade science,10-12th Meteorology | Meteorologist, videographer, camera operator, writing, video analyst, storm chasers, graphics designer, news reporters | |
| I MOVIE SS CONCEPT - MUMMIFICATION PROCESS | Social Studies and tech ed curriculum - using technology to grasp a better understanding of concepts taught in 6th grade social studies | Technology Education and 6th grade social studies | Camera operator, video processing, video editing, photographer, crime scene education | |
| Checkerboard Game | Students apply several geometric concepts through the CADD design and construction of this checkerboard play game. They learn the concepts of measurement/coordinate systems need to complete the manufacturing process. They also use principles of geometric construction and geometric net forms to transform 2 dimensional parts into a 3 dimensional form(the casework). | 8th grade Tech-Ed | Engineering, Manufacturing Technician, Designer | |
| Magazine Cover | Lay out a magazine cover around a specific theme. This assignment develops graphic design and layout skills in the technology realm. | 7th grade | Technology, Graphic Design | |
| Rebound Game | Students construct a wooden pinball like game. They read and generate blueprints, follow specific measurements, estimate material sizes and in a smaller part, use higher order problem solving skills to design portions of the project so that the game can function properly. | 7th grade | Manufacturing, Engineering | |
| PUZZLE DESIGN CHALLENGE | Students follow a 6 step engineering design process to create and build a 5 piece cube puzzle that is challenging and fun. The project begins with a statistical analysis exercise to learn about quality control. Through this project, students also learn about degree of accuracy in linear, vernier, and digital measurement, how to properly document their intellectual property in an Engineer's notebook, and to use CADD software to model the parts and create appropriate blueprints. | 991 Intro to Engineering Algebra 1 Pre-Requisite | Engineering, Engineering Technology | Project Lead the Way PUZZLE CUBE |
| VIDEO ANALYSIS | Students, using special software, import videos of amusement park rides and then analyze their motions by curve fitting the rides' position and time data. Concepts like apparent weight and centripetal acceleration are reinforced. | Honors Physics Algebra 1 Algebra 2 College Algebra | Mechanical Engineer Sports Medicine Amusement Ride Design Aerospace Engineer | |
| DATE OF BIRTH | Students are tasked with designing and building a circuit that displays their birthday. Students use Truth Tables and K-maps to derive equations that they can then turn into circuits. A simulation program is utilized to test function of the circuit. | 994 Digital Electronics Algebra 1 Algebra 2 Geometry College Algebra | Electrical Engineer IT TroubleShooter Systems Designer | Project Lead the Way |
| BALLISTICS - KINEMATICS | The Ballistic Activity requires students to design and build a ball launching device that is capable of accurately hitting targets that vary in range from 1 to 20 feet. Students must calculate the velocity of their launcher and create a spreadsheet indicating expected ranges for differing launch angles. Students will need to use kinematic equations for all calculations that will involve variables such as gravitational constants, vector analysis of varying angles using trigonometry functions, and initial velocity based on propulsion forces. | 992 - Principles of Engineering Algebra1 Algebra 2 Geometry | Coaster Design Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering | Project Lead the Way |
| PROJECTILE MOTION | Students must 1. calculate, using photogates, the various velocities of a professionally made precision launcher, 2. use kinematics to come up with a way to predict the angle needed to hit an unknown target, 3. create a spreadsheet to quickly calculate the launch angle needed to hit the target that will be revealed during the evaluation portion of the activity, 4. use kinematics to predict the time of flight, 5. |
AP Physics 1 | Engineering | |
| SEA TURTLE PROJECT | In conjunction with our new science program, we incorporate math and science in the study of sea turtles. We learn about sea turtle nesting habits and how temperature affects the gender of sea turtles. Using video and pictures of my own experiences in Costa Rica, we go on a mock sea turtle nest hunt and discover a ʺturtleʺ and several nests. Data is collected on the turtle and the nest eggs are collected and studies. Using various temperatures, students learn about mean, median, mode and range, and also use graphing skills to determine gender of the eggs. We communicate with a representative from Tortuguero and get the latest results on nesting sea turtles. In the past we have also researched the affects of the Gulf oil spill on these creatures. We look at the new technologies available to track turtles over thousands of miles and the current research to preserve some of our Earth's most endangered creatures. | 7th grade science | Marine Biology | |
| DESIGNING A GOLF COURSE | Students learn about the design process from two Lehigh University students. They research how a patent is obtained and the steps of technological design. They learn the importance of building a prototype and testing it. Students then work in teams and each team designs a miniature golf course in the room. This golf course is tested and troubleshooted until it is exactly what the team envisions. Their teamwork and processes are then communicated to the group. Students then design a golf course theme and discuss marketing strategies and problems that arise with this type of business. | 7th grade science | Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering | |
| STATICS | The Truss Design Activity requires students to research, design, build, and destructively test a truss. The goal is for the students to predict and verify the point of failure. To make accurate predictions, the student must use equilibrium and moment equations to calculate all external reaction forces at the truss supports and all internal stress forces occurring on each member of the truss. They must also use calculations to determine if those stress forces are in tension or compression. Using the developed information, students can analyze the data and predict the point of failure. Testing the final truss in a stress analyzer machine until the point of failure enables the student to prove or disprove mathematical accuracy. | 992 - Principles of Engineering Algebra 1 Algebra 2 Geometry | Engineering | Project Lead the Way |
| BLOOD SPATTER | Students use algebra and geometry skills to determine blood drip rates and the angle at which blood fell. Students also learn to determine velocity and determine of blood loss. During this activity students also take DNA samples and look at fibers under a microscope. All this analysis allow students to draw conclusions about the nature of the crime. | 996 - BioTechnology Algebra 1 Algebra 2 Geometry College Algebra | Forensics | Project Lead the Way |
| GUITAR | The guitar is a valuable teaching tool, since the mechanism producing sound depends on the interaction of acoustics and structural dynamics. Structurally, the guitar must be strong enough to withstand string tension, while flexible enough to produce sound when the strings vibrate. Topics such as Design, CAD, CAM and CNC manufacturing, electronic circuitry, harmonics, gear ratio’s, scale length and intonation are learned through this applications based project. When possible, the course is team-taught with a technology teacher as well as a physics teacher. This initiative was introduced to Parkland through a National Science Foundation supported Grant for STEAM2 Education. | 913 Manufacturing Systems 911 PreReq Production Materials and Processes Algebra1 Algebra 2 Geometry College Algebra | Instrument Design Rock Star | Project Lead the Way |
| VOLCANO MODEL DESIGN | Students will incorporate 2-D design skills, CAD angles, and circles, diameter and circumference that they acquired in 6th-8th grade Tech Ed and in their Math classes. Each student will be expected to design a 2-D volcano including a side/profile view displaying the correct slope, and a 2-D design of a flattened volcano, before assembly. Lastly, students will assemble their volcano into a 3-D model. | 6th-8th grade Tech Ed 6th-9th grade Math6th grade science,9th grade Earth Science | Science, Technology, Engineering, Math |