Louisiana STEM Initiative

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) encompasses the knowledge, skills, and ways of investigating and making sense of our world that are essential to each of the STEM disciplines (from National Research Council, 2014):

Science refers to both the body of knowledge that explains our natural world as well as the practices we engage in to build this knowledge.

Key Initiative One-Pager

Technology is any human-designed tool or process that solves a problem.
Engineering is a body of knowledge about the design and creation of technology as well as the process and practices we engage in to solve problems.
Mathematics is the study of patterns and relationships among quantities, numbers, and space, including logical arguments and claims.

Students who engage in quality STEM experiences are better equipped to respond to life’s challenges and make informed decisions as empowered members of society. Engineering design offers students an opportunity to develop their problem-solving abilities, which in turn supports the foundations of math problem solving and algebraic processes. Scientific thinking and understanding are useful tools, not just for scientists and other STEM professionals, but for our students as they approach complex challenges in their everyday lives.

File	Download
Key Features of Quality STEM	Download
Starting a Robotics Club or Team	Download

STEM TEACHER LEADER ADVISORS

STEM Teacher Leader Advisors play an influential role in:

the creation of STEM resources and tools for K-12 educators;

professional learning needs for future work; and
supporting schools and systems to broaden STEM education.

Interested educators can access the application and learn more about the role by visiting the Teacher Leader Advisors page.

Middle Grades (7-8) Robotics Lab Pilot Application NOW AVAILABLE

The LDOE will offer a unique opportunity to engage students in an innovative Robotics Lab Pilot (Grades 7 and 8) for the 2024-2025 school year, blending mathematics and technology to provide exposure to beginning concepts in robotics and computational thinking through hands-on learning. Students will utilize block based coding to accomplish mathematics tasks within a context which fosters a strong connection between abstract concepts and real world applications. Please review the Robotics Lab Pilot Overview to learn more about program details and commitments involved. A two-day in person teacher training will be held at the end of June for participating schools.

Interested leaders are invited to complete the Robotics Lab Pilot Application no later than April 10.

Please contact us at STEM@la.gov with any questions.

STEM Pathways

The Louisiana Department of Education, the Louisiana Board of Regents, the LaSTEM Advisory Council and the Governor’s office have teamed up to ensure Louisiana’s students have exposure to STEM courses and credentials starting in elementary school and continuing through college.

The Louisiana STEM Pathways are part of the Jump Start Initiative, Louisiana’s innovative career and technical education (CTE) program. The STEM Pathways better prepare students to seek a STEM degree in college or enter the workforce having earned certifications in high-wage career sectors. STEM Pathways are designed for students seeking either a TOPS Tech Diploma or University Diploma.

Current

STEM Renaissance Webinar Training

File	Download
STEM Renaissance Computing & Cybersecurity Pathway Brief	Download
STEM Renaissance Digital Design & Emergent Media Pathway Brief	Download
STEM Renaissance Environmental Protection & Sustainability Pathway Brief	Download
STEM Renaissance Pathway Descriptions	Download
STEM Renaissance Pre-Engineering Pathway Brief	Download
STEM Renaissance Pre-Healthcare & Pe-Veterinary Pathway Brief	Download

Archived

File	Download
Archived STEM Pathway Briefs	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Biomedical Sciences	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Computing	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Cybersecurity	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Digital Design and Emergent Media	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Environmental Protection and Sustainability	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Pre-Engineering	Download
STEM Pathway Brief - Pre-Pharmacy	Download

If you have questions about the development of any of these courses, or would like for your school to participate in a pilot, please contact STEM@la.gov.