Problem Based Learning and STEM Model design in a Secondary Biology Curriculum

Abstract

Education in the field of science is designed to prepare students to achieve success and understanding of the science that surrounds them and hopefully train them for a continued education and understanding of the scientific field. When educational content is demonstrated rather than discovered it inhibits a student’s ability to become a lifelong learner and explorer of the sciences. Learning through demonstration also prevents students from experiencing the collaboration between science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The following education plan models education that is designed around discovering how real world body systems function and collaborating to apply knowledge rather than repeat it. The literature review following will explain further benefits of real world discovery based education. Further review explains how problem based learning drives students to approach real world scientific problems in local communities with a scientific and systematic belief that their knowledge is applicable in a real world setting.