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STEM Explore, Discover, Apply - Elective courses that use the engineering design process to foster excitement for STEM in middle school students

Engaging students early in meaningful STEM experiences will help them maintain a level of interest in STEM fields later in life. However, the key is developing meaningful courses in STEM for K-12 students. These students not only need to have a “fun” experience, but a meaningful one, where they connect with, and develop deep understanding of the material being presented. STEM Explore, Discover, Apply (STEM EDA) is being created by the Cyber Innovation Center, a 501c not-for-profit as a middle school elective course. STEM EDA is designed as a three course progression through topics that foster excitement for STEM. The curriculum is designed to enhance the core science and math classes taken in middle school. STEM EDA begins by exploring STEM concepts (STEM Explore, 6th grade) then transition to discovering fundamental concepts (STEM Discover, 7th grade), followed by the application of the concepts (STEM Apply, 8th grade). This work in progress will outline the framework for STEM EDA, including the various modules of the courses. Additionally, this paper will discuss how the engineering design process is integrated into the modules, how other disciplines are highlighted, and showcase a specific module in this innovative middle school elective curriculum.