M/J STEM Astronomy and Space Science

This course is an integrated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) course for middle school students.  M/J STEM Physical Science includes an integration of standards from science, mathematics, and english/language arts (ELA) through the application to STEM problem solving using physical science knowledge and science and engineering practices.  Physical sciences through applications such as aeronautics, robotics, rocketry, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, are emphasized in this course.  Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures are an integral part of this course.  The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) recommends that at the middle school level, all students should have multiple opportunities every week to explore science laboratory investigations (labs).  School laboratory investigations are defined by the National Research Council (NRC) as an experience in the laboratory, classroom, or the field that provides students with opportunities to interact directly with natural phenomena or with data collected by other using tools, materials, data collection techniques, and models (NRC, 2006, p. 3).  Laboratory investigations in the middle school classroom should help all students develop a growing understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills to calibrate and troubleshoot equipment used to make observations.  Learners should understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data (NRC, 2006, p. 77; NSTA, 2007).