Researchers in the iSTEM4ToYS project are exploring how to best prepare Pre-kindergarten to grade 4 (PK-4) teachers for Integrative STEM (iSTEM) teaching and learning. The project is based on the premise that early childhood educators who are enthusiastic and confident in integrating STEM into their teaching are crucial to engaging students early and motivating them along a path to become the next generation of STEM innovators, workers, and knowledgeable citizens. The grant targets Millersville University (MU) undergraduates enrolled in the Integrative STEM Education Methods minor as part of their PK-4 teacher preparation program. The overarching goal of this project is to determine which component(s) of the iSTEM minor at MU have the greatest impact on these future teachers. Investigators are exploring which research-based features of MU’s iSTEM program are the most significant transformational elements that may increase the likelihood that undergraduates who complete the minor will effectively integrate iSTEM techniques in their future classrooms. By evaluating which features have the maximum impact, researchers will be able to improve their teacher preparation program and make recommendations on how to replicate these outcomes at other teacher preparation institutions, thereby contributing to an understanding of how to better prepare PK-4 teachers as competent and passionate iSTEM educators. This video provides an overview of the iSTEM4ToYS project which kicked off in August 2016.

NSF Awards: 1611652