STEM learning is most powerful when students see how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) work together in the real world rather than as separate classroom units. In response, we created a multiweek integrated STEM unit for third-grade learners centered on sea turtles. The unit engages students in learning about six sea-turtle species while intentionally aligning activities with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) and Common Core ELA and Mathematics standards. The lessons themselves include a combination of writing, reading, sensory, and engineering-based activities. This comprehensive unit concludes with a multi-day, narrative, game-based summative, in which students will complete challenges and make choices using their knowledge to help their small groups of turtles survive throughout their entire life cycle. This presentation will showcase the process and final lesson plans created to explain to attendees.
