Curriculum model to increase fourth grade STEM interests using sports analogies

2018-07-25In 2015, the Programme for International Assessment found a substantial academic decline in US schools compared to their global counterparts with the slump being most prevalent in the fourth grade. The purpose of this curriculum is to address the loss of interest in STEM and reading comprehension in the fourth grade by providing a professional development program to prepare teachers to increase situational interest in STEM subjects by incorporating analogies into the fourth-grade curriculum. Applying social cognitive and constructivism theories as theoretical approaches, the curriculum consists of a four-unit online course. While completing the course, educators will confer with their peers within their individual learning communities and will be encouraged to use the tools provided in the training in their classroom. Upon the completion of the program, educators will also be able to teach students how to create analogies by providing students with the tools to think critically when attempting to comprehend complex subjects. The summative evaluation will consist of teachers incorporating the use of analogies within weekly lesson plans and using the resources provided in the professional development program. It is important to engage fourth-grade students to increase critical thinking skills and interest in STEM subjects to educate the next generation of students to compete academically within the global marketplace