about the program

The Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) program, spanning grades preK–16, offers a diverse portfolio of projects that enhance teaching and learning across all STEM subjects, including the less commonly addressed fields of technology and engineering education.

Through cutting-edge research, evaluation, curriculum development, and professional development, STEM increases understanding on issues such as technology literacy, the use of simulations to enhance student learning and assessment, and science and mathematics learning.

Program staff conduct many projects funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), including an NSF study exploring how new technology can help students visualize and interact with key concepts in molecular biology.

STEM's Making Sense of SCIENCE project published two professional development courses for middle school science teachers, and was awarded a multi-million dollar grant through IES's Effective Teachers research program.

2011 Year in Review

This two-page 2011 program overview (PDF) contains key services, projects, and resources; highlights; and the proportion of program work by function and by funding source.