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2 min read
Penn State STEM Educational Specialist shares her teaching strategies.
Dave and Stephanie explore the evolving landscape of STEM education in elementary schools, emphasizing the new STEELS standards in Pennsylvania and the unique challenges that early-grade teachers face when teaching science. They discuss the importance of technology integration, hands-on learning, and fostering curiosity to make science more relevant and engaging for young learners.
A key theme of the conversation is the role of failure in STEM learning—how embracing mistakes can lead to creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They highlight the need for professional development and administrative support to help teachers feel confident in delivering inquiry-based, active learning experiences.
The discussion also touches on:
✅ The impact of coding and technology in early STEM education
✅ How controlled chaos in the classroom fosters deeper learning
✅ The importance of teacher advocacy in shaping better science education policies
✅ Strategies to equip young students with scientific literacy skills for the future
NSTA 2025 Philadelphia workshop Stephanie is hosting:
Department of Navy's Seaworthy STEM: From PreK-12 to STEM Careers
Friday, March 28 • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center - 120 A
Seaworthy STEM in a Box revolutionizes PreK-12 STEM education with Dept. of Navy and NGSS activities, fostering science sensemaking and engineering skills. Designed for versatility, these kits and curriculum accommodate various grades and settings. Session lead by DON staff & STEM educators.
TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will discover how to integrate Navy-aligned STEM activities into diverse educational environments. With expert-led workshops and comprehensive resources, educators can cultivate problem-solving skills in students, empowering them for future success in science and engineering.
Attendees will discover how to integrate Navy-aligned STEM activities into diverse educational environments. With expert-led workshops and comprehensive resources, educators can cultivate problem-solving skills in students, empowering them for future success in science and engineering.
SPEAKERS:
Melissa Thompson (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship: No City, No State), Stephanie Klixbull (Penn State University: No City, No State), Debbie Reynolds (Commonwealth Charter Academy: Homestead, PA), Tom Jenkins (National Museum of the United States Air Force: Dayton, OH), Nathan Diehl (Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division: Bethesda, MD)
Melissa Thompson (Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship: No City, No State), Stephanie Klixbull (Penn State University: No City, No State), Debbie Reynolds (Commonwealth Charter Academy: Homestead, PA), Tom Jenkins (National Museum of the United States Air Force: Dayton, OH), Nathan Diehl (Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division: Bethesda, MD)
ABOUT STEPHANIE
Stephanie Klixbull is an elementary educator who spent over nine years in the classroom, educating students in science, math, and engineering. Stephanie taught a special STEAM class called IDEA Lab to students in preschool through fifth grade in South Carolina. In 2018, Stephanie received the Max E. Lundquest Outstanding Young STEM Educator Award from the International STEM Educator Association for her work in early childhood STEM curriculum. She was also awarded as the state’s Teacher of the Year from the state of South Carolina Independent Schools Association, 2019. Recently, Stephanie completed a national fellowship through the Department of Energy in Washington D.C. as a Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, 2021-2022. Stephanie was placed with the Department of Defense at Carderock Naval Surface Warfare Center. During her fellowship, Stephanie developed hands-on elementary science lessons and directed educator professional development relative to DoD STEM careers and the realistic engineering solutions centered around the Navy. At Penn State University Stephanie's current role as the Elementary STEM Educational Specialist, (K-8) is to work with research science and engineering faculty to develop and implement professional development opportunities for K-12 STEM educators. Stephanie is thrilled to also be contributing to support elementary science practices and enhance professional development opportunities for all teachers.
BS - Elementary Education - Music & Special Education - University of Northern Colorado
M. Ed. STEM Education - Citadel College
