The document summarizes a congressional briefing about integrating STEM education and literacy. It discusses how STEM interest declines in early elementary school and proposes creating a blended learning resource called "The Curious Adventures of Sydney and Symon" to engage students in grades 1-3 with literacy and science through storytelling. The resource would align with national science standards and be available in English and Spanish both physically and digitally.

1. Congressional Briefing March 30, 2011 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 485 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. STEM Education + Literacy = Innovation

2. Using media, storytelling & technology to help ALL learners navigate their full potential

5. Peter H. Reynolds NY Times Best Selling Author/Illustrator Books in over 25 languages Creativity Champion

6. 12 million copies sold 22 languages

7. Judy Moody Movie!

8. Judy Moody Movie!

9. [email_address] “ Make To Learn” Bringing Engineering to the Elementary School Classroom through Digital Fabrication

11. “ Research indicates that elementary school is the critical juncture for maintaining student interest in science and is the point at which girls, in particular, turn away from science and math.” (Sources: 7. D.M. Davison et al., ―What Does Integration of Science and Mathematics Really Mean?‖ School Science and Mathematics, Vol. 95, No. 5, 1995, pp. 226-230. 8. N.G. Lederman and M. Niess, ―The Nature of Science: Naturally?‖ School Science and Mathematics, Vol. 97, No. 1, 1997, pp. 1-2. 9. W.M. Roth, ―Learning to Talk Engineering Design: Results from an Interpretive Study in a Grade 4/5 Classroom,‖ International Journal of Technology and Design Education, Vol. 6, 1996, pp. 107-135.) Student Engagement Crisis in STEM Education And The Problem Starts EARLY

12. “ Elementary-school teachers continue to teach science/math in isolation , grapple with barriers of insufficient content knowledge to better integrate disciplines , have inadequate instructional time , have limited access to or awareness of curriculum resource s that blend disciplines .” (Source: J.W. McBride and F.L. Silverman, ―Integrating Elementary/Middle School Science and Mathematics,‖ School Science and Mathematics, Vol. 91, No. 7, 1991, pp. 285-292.) Educators Need More STEM Infrastructure Support

13. Educators need STEM Curriculum Integration “ Even more pronounced in low socio-economical-status schools, a high percentage of which are not involved in any type of curriculum integration.” (Source: D.E. Arredondo and T.T. Rucinski, ―Integrated Curriculum: Its Use, Initiation and Support in Midwestern Schools,‖ Mid-Western Educational Researcher, Vol. 9, No. 2, 1996, pp. 37- 41.)

17. Our Kids Deserve Better ... NOW

18. Our Kids Deserve Better ... NOW

20. MISSION: Create a STEM-meets-Literacy Blended Learning Resource for Early Elementary

21. Start EARLY to foster creative dispositions toward STEM Grades 1-3 Align to K-4 National Science Standards - read & DO! English & Spanish Support “4Cs”of Partnership for 21st Century Skills (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity) Use blended/digital media to SCALE

22. The Curious Adventures of Sydney and Symon in Water Wonders Book & interactive science/literacy resources Las Curiosas Aventuras de Sydney Y Symon en Las Maravillas del Agua Written & Illustrated by NY Times Best Seller Peter H. Reynolds!

23. MAIN CHARACTERS: Sydney & Symon Brother & sister who love creative problem-solving and sharing what they discover through writing, art & song

24. PLOT: Drought in Wonderfalls ... the window box of flowers is dying & the window is stuck ! How can Sydney & Symon get water to the plants? And what about that dripping faucet? Isn’t that wasting precious water?!

25. PLOT: Drought in Wonderfalls ... the window box of flowers is dying & the window is stuck ! How can Sydney & Symon get water to the plants? And what about that dripping faucet? Isn’t that wasting precious water?!

26. CO-STARRING: Mom & Dad Mr. & Mrs. Starr Adult caregivers who celebrate curiosity in their kids

27. CO-STARRING: Ms. Fractalini, Science Teacher Loves the Arts, “Show What You Know!”

28. CO-STARRING “ Uncle Rusty” at local Water Dept Value of Connecting to Experts Community learning networks

29. Wonder Plan Observe Build Share Results results! Record Design How do we solve this problem?

31. the The Literacy Wheel

32. the The Literacy Wheel Physical

33. the The Literacy Wheel Physical Digital

34. the The Literacy Wheel Physical Digital

35. the The Literacy Wheel Physical Digital 70,000 Copies Distributed via RIF & NWP!

36. The Wonder Wheel Both Scientific Method & Engineering Design Process Require ALL 4 LITERACY SKILLS

37. The Wonder Wheel Both Scientific Method & Engineering Design Process Require ALL 4 LITERACY SKILLS Physical

38. The Wonder Wheel Both Scientific Method & Engineering Design Process Require ALL 4 LITERACY SKILLS Physical Digital

39. The Wonder Wheel Both Scientific Method & Engineering Design Process Require ALL 4 LITERACY SKILLS Physical Digital

40. The Wonder Wheel Both Scientific Method & Engineering Design Process Require ALL 4 LITERACY SKILLS 10,000 Copies to Distribute by RIF & NWP Physical Digital

41. New doors to experience STEM to nurture the next generation of inventors & innovators National Imperative