Jarrauri Wayne Currys History, STEM & PBL Proposal

Please tell us the organization/institution you are representing:

Olle STEM Academy - Alief Independent School District

Please provide a title for your presentation:

Got 99 TEKs but a PBL Aint One: STEMifying History

Please provide a description of your presentation/activity (10,000 character

maximum):

Title

Got 99 TEKs but a PBL Aint One: STEMifying History

Abstract

Enthusiasm is heightened. Curiosity is peeked. How can we get these students to

learn all these history TEKs? The appetite for problem-based learning (PBL) is
widespread, but there are very few resources that provide a guide to STEMifying
history. PBL is an effective method that can be used to breathe life into history. The
new age of history must be taught in a manner that is rigorous yet captivating. This
presentation will allow educators to formulate a process that will get students to
brainstorm how ideas from the past are relevant today. Attendees will have the
opportunity to participate in a hands-on PBL process from start to finish.

Welcome & Introduction (5 minutes)

This portion of the demonstration will include a brief biography of the presenter,
showcasing their expertise. The presenter will also provide data to show how
incorporating PBLs into Social Studies classes produces substantial student growth and
enhances student learning outcomes.

STEM PBL: Activity (25 minutes)

This portion of the demonstration will include a warm up activity that will encompass
brainstorming how each historical point of reference in U.S. History to 1877 is related to
today (preferably within the last year). Participants will then be asked to work in groups
to develop answers to the following question: Where do you see examples of the insert
unit topic today?

The next process consists of the group narrowing down the examples to 5 themes that
are evident across all historical points of reference. From this point, the participants will
get into groups based on one of the 5 themes.
STEM PBL: Handout and Explanation (20 minutes)

This portion of the demonstration will include a sample STEM PBL lesson, a handout of
the process, and further explanations of the of the PBL process: developing idea,
generating the driving question, developing essential understandings, inclusion of
content standards, deciding what 21st century skills will be assessed, developing
individual and group products, identifying authentic audience, and the crafting the
reflection and feedback process.

STEMP PBL: Q & A (10 minutes)

This portion of the demonstration will include opportunities for reflection, questions and
answers as it relates to implementation of PBLs in Social Studies classes.

Please provide learning objectives/expected outcomes (TEKS alignment):

Participants will be able to implement a STEM History/Social Studies PBL lesson at

their perspective schools.

Participants will be able to understand traditional historical points of reference in U.S.

history through 1877 (TEK 8.1), and describe their causes and effects through
participation of an interactive STEM demonstration.

Participants will be able to apply critical-thinking skills to organize and use information
acquired through established research methodologies from a variety of valid sources,
including electronic technology (TEK 8.29).

Participants will be able to use problem-solving and decision-making skills, working

independently and with others, in a variety of settings (TEK 8.31).

Participants will be able to utilize differentiated instruction, scaffolding techniques and

21st century skills to develop current socioeconomic systems that help progress
American standards of living.

Please provide short presenter bio/s (1,500 character maximum):

Jarrauri Wayne Curry is an emerging leader in education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts

Degree in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Tulsa, a Master of
Business Administration from Webster University, and a Master of Public Administration
from Texas Southern University. Mr. Curry has obtained several teaching certifications
and is working on his Educational Leadership Certification from St. Thomas University.

As a Social Studies Instructional Specialist with Alief Independent School District, Mr.
Curry coaches his teachers with the same passion he taught with within the classroom
for student growth and success. Prior to his two years in Alief, Jarrauri served on
various Social Studies and campus committees for 5 years in Houston Independent
School District. As a former US History STEM teacher, he developed multiple cross-
curricular and content PBLs with a specific focus on including Social Studies and social
issues.

Mr. Curry was honored as a White House All Star Scholar, accepted to the Teaching
American History Grant Cohort, and has received awards for his outstanding
instructional lesson design and pedagogy expertise by campus and district
administrators.

Jarrauri wholeheartedly believes that all students can learn even through different paths
and at different rates. He believes that a positive atmosphere allows students to realize
and grow their talents, and be 21st century innovators.

Please indicate which track you are targeting with your presentation:

Secondary STEM

Please provide 5 key words or short phrases that apply to your presentation:

History, Social Studies, TEKs, PBL, STEM

Or

STEMifying History, Tackling the TEKs through PBL

Please indicate the best room setup for your presentation:

Round tables

Primary speaker information: please provide first and last name, title, e-mail
address, and the best phone number for the primary speaker to be contacted.

Curry

Jarrauri

Social Studies Instructional Specialist

Jarrauri.curry@aliefisd.net

832-584-5679

Do any of the presenters require special assistance?

No
Please let us know if you need any of the following:

Electricity - Yes

Internet access - Yes

Do you give STEM Education Day permission to post information about your
presentation and related materials on the STEMTx.org website and to publish
them in printed STEM Education Day materials?

Yes