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"STEPS (Science Tasks Enhance Process Skills) to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is an inquiry-based science curriculum supplement focused on developing upper elementary and middle students process skills and problem-solving abilities characteristic of how scientists think and act. Students learn key concepts in seven big ideas in science: Electricity& Magnetism; Air& Flight; Water& Weather; Plants& Animals; Earth& Space; Matter& Motion; and Light& Sound. Using simple, readily available materials, teachers facilitate learning experiences using the following structure:

STEP 1: Investigate Hypothesis Test

STEP 2: Observe Record Predict

STEP 3: Gather Make Try 

Once students complete a set of STEP activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), they are ready to collaborate using a STEM Center. STEM Centers provide students with the opportunity for extended investigations focused on a single problem or team challenge. Students utilize science and engineering practices while collaboratively conducting research to gather information. Once a plan is made, the team attempts to solve the problem or complete the open-ended task. In addition, a Science Notebook or Sci-Book serves as an essential companion to STEPS to STEM; students maintain a written record of their completed activities which can serve as a form of authentic assessment. STEPS to STEM aims to help students find enjoyment in science and in the process of problem-solving there are things to do, discoveries to be made, and problems to solve. Ideally, these experiences will lead to more explorations and questions about the world around them."