STEM and History: Easy Connections

photo by mimica (mirna sentic), via RGBstock.com

Several schools ask how they can integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with other content areas like history, English language arts, and even physical education.

Let's start with history: There are a lot of connections of STEM with history, particularly technology. So many countries gained the upper hand with new technological developments: because of advancements of material technologies (like those who mastered ceramics or metal working) or power technologies (like the steam or internal combustion engine). If you're new to STEM but comfortable with history, you can get some ideas for lessons from these resources.:

Inventing America Did you know that the Conestoga wagons, canals, and railroads inventions impacted American economics, social structure, and geography? You can read more about the engineering and technology that impacted American history in this history book.

Connections  A late 70's BBC television show that shows how different developments in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics are connected concepts that lead to key elements in our modern world. Includes snippets of dramatic reenactment and filming of classic inventions such as water clocks, steam engines, and Jacquard looms framed with plucky British storytelling. Great for history buffs and techies, alike.

Low Tech Solutions For those looking to learn from the past, check out this website on how things were done "in the old days" -- the really old days. Information is part of a larger agenda to encourage sustainability from what we used to know how to do.

As always, more resources can be found on the Pinterest (see: Start Seeing STEM board).

~ until next time, Yvonne