Implementing an issues-based framework to introduce scientific “units” is an effective approach to combining crucial aspects of the nature of science (NOS) with relevant science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts and skills. It is the very nature of current global scientific issues that paves the way for not only a case study approach that allows for the examination of the many viewpoints and stakeholders present, but also allows for the seamless integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts and skills.
In the grade 8 Fluids unit, Sabrina Lorenz chose to use the disastrous BP oil spill in 2010 to frame her unit. The culminating task, based on data from the BP oil spill, was framed around a fictional oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Click the link below for a printer-ready version of her work.