STEM Curriculum Map

Looking to plan a STEM class or program for grades K - 8? Not sure where to start?

Read below for guidance on the scope and sequence of a STEM class, plus resources, and examples for planning a STEM curriculum map for elementary and middle school grades.

But first, what is STEM?

STEM transforms classrooms into an exciting world of curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. Students take ownership of their learning and become actively engaged in the curriculum. Project-based learning is fundamental to STEM, and it shows how the scientific method and engineering design process can be applied to everyday life. Students gain a critical understanding of solving problems based on real-world connections. Negative connotations of STEM are removed, which not only encourages more students to pursue STEM careers, but it fosters a population more open to analysis and exploration of the world around us. Read on for guidance on planning out a STEM curriculum or click for a specific section.

Scope of a K-8 STEM Class

What exactly should you put in a STEM curriculum? The answer can vary across schools with some focusing on the Next Generation Science Standards that include engineering practices or following the ISTE technology standards. We follow an integrated approach that emphasizes engineering learning. In an engineering context, students apply math and science to solve an engineering problem using technology.

But what exactly are engineering learning goals?

We live in an engineered world—almost everything we touch has been thoughtfully designed by engineers to make our lives easier, healthier, and more enjoyable. Imagine the experience of driving a car, riding a roller coaster, or using a smartphone; each is made possible by engineering innovations that have transformed our daily lives. By understanding how these technologies work and their impacts, students gain the tools to interact more meaningfully with the world around them.

The mission of K-12 engineering education is to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of engineering work and related technologies that impact our world. While K-12 engineering education provides a foundation for students pursuing careers in engineering - this is NOT the only goal. Much like science education aims to spark curiosity and understanding of the natural world, engineering education helps students make sense of the human-made world. By understanding how these technologies work and their impacts, students gain the tools to interact more meaningfully with the world around them, make informed choices about technology use, and contribute to shaping a better world.

The recently released Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning provides standards for engineering courses, and we broke it down in our post here: Understanding a Framework for P-12 Engineering Learning. However, this is for graduating high school students, and more scaffolding is needed for lower grades. We propose the following topics that support: 

  • Accessible topics for younger students

  • Provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for more advanced engineering coursework and pathways 

  • Align with existing STEM classroom subjects

Sequence of a K-8 STEM Class

Now that you have an idea of what to teach, what is the best way to organize a STEM class? We recommend the 3 Stages of STEM, which guides students towards building a foundation of STEM skills and confidence in STEM subjects.

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Vivify’s K-8 Scope & Sequence

Need more guidance on planning your K-8 STEM curriculum? We have mapped out Vivify’s lessons across grades K - 8 below to give you a starting point! To make a copy of this spreadsheet, click here. More resources:

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