The refreshed site provides educators with an easy-to-navigate, step-by-step
approach to authentic applications of STEM and project-based learning
approach to authentic applications of STEM and project-based learning
(CHICAGO, IL) June 20, 2017 — Defined STEM, a web-based curriculum resource by Defined Learning that supports project-based learning, today announced the launch of its newly redesigned website. “Our goal is to make project-based learning extremely easy for educators to implement in their classrooms by providing video, multimedia, and text resources that can be easily differentiated to meet the needs of students with diverse abilities,” said Joel Jacobson, the co-founder and chief operating officer of Defined Learning. “This website renovation was inspired by our users and will save educators valuable time on lesson planning or searching for credible resources.”
Upon logging on, Defined STEM users will experience a refreshed, easy-to-navigate homepage where they can filter lessons by grade level, Common Core focus, curriculum unit, standard, and literacy task. Educators can also search for performance tasks based on the 16 standard career clusters.
The meaningful and authentic tasks presented by Defined STEM support students’ development of 21st-century skills. In these projects, students take on the role of a real-world job and solve problems while collaborating with their peers. These tasks increase engagement by showing how the material learned can be applied to a future career, which allows students to imagine themselves in that career path.
Performance tasks are now broken down into four easy steps: Set the Stage, Explore the Background, Do the Research, and Create the Product. Newly added to the Set the Stage step are open-ended questions to provide context and encourage critical thinking. The Design Process section is completely new and lays out all the steps students need to follow to reach their goals.
“The new step-by-step format is designed to increase student engagement by teaching them the process of taking a project from the idea and research stage to the final product,” concluded Jacobson.
To see the new format of Defined STEM for yourself, sign up for a free trial here.
About Defined Learning
Defined Learning is a K-12 educational media company that combines technology, creativity, and curriculum expertise to provide useful and relevant products to schools. Defined Learning's flagship service, Defined STEM, is a platform that enables teachers to provide application of knowledge to students through the use of project-based learning, real-world careers, and meaningful reading and writing activities. To learn more, visit DefinedLearning.com.
The meaningful and authentic tasks presented by Defined STEM support students’ development of 21st-century skills. In these projects, students take on the role of a real-world job and solve problems while collaborating with their peers. These tasks increase engagement by showing how the material learned can be applied to a future career, which allows students to imagine themselves in that career path.
Performance tasks are now broken down into four easy steps: Set the Stage, Explore the Background, Do the Research, and Create the Product. Newly added to the Set the Stage step are open-ended questions to provide context and encourage critical thinking. The Design Process section is completely new and lays out all the steps students need to follow to reach their goals.
“The new step-by-step format is designed to increase student engagement by teaching them the process of taking a project from the idea and research stage to the final product,” concluded Jacobson.
To see the new format of Defined STEM for yourself, sign up for a free trial here.
About Defined Learning
Defined Learning is a K-12 educational media company that combines technology, creativity, and curriculum expertise to provide useful and relevant products to schools. Defined Learning's flagship service, Defined STEM, is a platform that enables teachers to provide application of knowledge to students through the use of project-based learning, real-world careers, and meaningful reading and writing activities. To learn more, visit DefinedLearning.com.
