1. Research and Define STEM
What is STEM?
STEM is an integrated, interdisciplinary approach connecting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, STEM brings them together through real-world applications and problem-solving.
Growing Demand
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects STEM careers to grow 10.8% by 2032, significantly faster than other occupations. This growth highlights the importance of preparing students with future-ready skills.
3. Create Core Values + Mission
The Elementary STEM Teacher Mission
Align with District Goals
Your STEM mission should complement existing district priorities and educational philosophy. This alignment ensures administrative support and integration with broader educational initiatives.
Address Community Needs
Consider local industries, community challenges, and family expectations when crafting your mission. A relevant program connects classroom learning to students' lives and future opportunities.
Document Values & Goals
Example mission: "Empowering all students to innovate and solve real-world challenges through integrated STEM learning that builds confidence, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills."
Below is an example of my (Sandra Ramirez The Founder of The Elementary STEM Teacher) mission within my own classroom:
4. Research STEM Across Grades
Example Scopes of STEM Across Grade Levels
Early Childhood (PreK-2)
Focus on exploratory learning, sensory experiences, and basic problem-solving. Introduce simple engineering challenges using familiar materials and encourage curiosity-driven investigations.
Elementary (Grades 3-5)
Develop foundational STEM skills through hands-on projects. Incorporate basic scientific methods, introductory coding concepts, and team-based design challenges.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Deepen subject integration with more complex projects. Introduce career connections and develop technical skills through extended problem-based learning experiences.
High School (Grades 9-12)
Focus on specialized pathways, advanced concepts, and career preparation. Incorporate industry partnerships, internships, and college-level skill development.
In Depth Break Down (Detailed)
Pre-K to CTE (Simple)
5. Decide on Subjects
Commonly Taught Elementary STEM Subjects
There 100s of lessons and subjects that can be considered STEM. As a STEM teacher it is essential that you identify which subjects will benefit your students the most. Keep these things in mind, you are preparing your students for middle school, CTE Pathways, and the 21st century workforce. Which subjects will give your students the most transferable skills and encourage them to be critical thinkers given the time and resources you have?
Example of subjects that I (Sandra Ramirez, Founder of The Elementary STEM Teacher) use in my classroom. All of my subjects are intentionally chosen based off of the CTE Pathways that my district currently offers.
6. Evaluate Time & Resources
What barriers might you face when creating your STEM program?
45+
Minutes Per Session
How many minutes per session will you have to teach?
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Planning Ratio
Hour of planning per hour of instruction
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Budget Allocation
How much do you have for materials and professional development
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Storage Solutions
Do you have dedicated spaces for organizing materials and teaching?
This is quite possibly the most important step. Conduct a thorough resource audit to identify available space, technology, materials, and staff expertise. Create a sustainable budget plan that accounts for initial setup costs, ongoing material replenishment, and professional development.
Go back and re-evaluate that subjects that you chose. Do you have the correct space, time, and resources, to actually teach all of your chosen subjects.
Example Scenario:
Previous School:
I (Sandra Ramirez) used to teach at a school where I had 430 students. Each grade level had 3-4 classroom teachers. I got to see each class for one full week for 45 minute class periods. Throughout the year I saw each rotation (or classroom teacher) 10-12 times a year. Meaning I taught 10-12 different units throughout the year to each rotation
Current School:
Now I work at a school where I have 800+ students. Each grade level has 5-6 classroom teachers. I get to see each class for one full week for 45 minutes each class period. Throughout the year I see each rotation (or classroom teacher) 5 times a year. Now each grade gets 5 full units throughout the year.
Although I have the financial backing of my school and I have an amazing space; I had to throw out SEVERAL of my units in my new school simply because there was no TIME to teach all of my units with fidelity. We have enrichment days (purple) where get to teach our students one day lesson plans throughout the school year to accommodate for this.
Here is an example of my rotation schedule for kindergarten:
Think about what other barriers you might face:
No Classroom Space
Teaching off of a cart with limited space.
Unexpected Curriculum
Bound to a curriculum that wasn't planned for.
Zero Budget
Having no budget for resources or materials.
7. Identify Standards & Skills
What Standards Should I Use?
What ever path you choose, it's important to align your program with established educational frameworks and standards. This helps integrate career readiness benchmarks that prepare students for future STEM opportunities.
There is no single, nationwide STEM curriculum or framework adopted by every school in the U.S. Instead, most STEM programs are site-based—meaning schools and districts design their programs in ways that best fit their students, staff, and community resources.
While there isn’t a universally adopted curriculum, many schools align their STEM instruction with widely recognized standards. The most commonly used include:
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Among these, the NGSS is the most frequently used in elementary STEM education, particularly for its emphasis on engineering, inquiry, and hands-on science.
8. Create a Yearlong Scope
See examples of year long scopes here:
Map Core Concepts
Identify essential concepts and skills to be covered throughout the year. Organize them into logical progression that builds student competency over time.
Design Themed Units
Develop 3-5 major project units that integrate multiple STEM disciplines around engaging themes like "Sustainable Communities" or "Health Innovation Challenges."
Schedule Assessments
Plan formative and summative assessment points throughout the year. Include opportunities for student reflection, portfolio development, and demonstration of learning.
Create Resource Timeline
Map out when specific materials, technology, or expertise will be needed to support planned activities. Ensure resources are available when required.
9. Choose an EDP (Engineering Design Process)
See examples of the Engineering Design Process here:
Research shows that implementing a structured Engineering Design Process increases student engagement and learning retention. Choose a consistent model that can be adapted across grade levels and complexity.
The Engineering Design Process (EDP) is a vital part of STEM education—not just because it supports hands-on projects, but because it builds transferable skills students can use far beyond the classroom. Whether they’re designing a rocket ship, developing a business plan, or solving a real-world challenge, the EDP teaches students how to think critically, organize their work, and iterate through problems with purpose. It provides a clear structure for problem-solving that can be applied to any discipline, making it one of the most important tools we can give young learners. After all, the ultimate goal of STEM isn’t just technical knowledge—it’s preparing students to be adaptable, creative thinkers in any future they choose.
An example of my Engineering Design Process is below which is directly correlated with all of my student worksheets:
