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.

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

Computer Science Education Week (CSEd Week)

The 2023 CSEd Week is December 4-8. The theme of this year’s CSEd Week is Computer Science (CS) Everywhere!, highlighting the impact computer science has on our students’ world.

If your school would like a visitor to share in the excitement and fun of your activity please complete this form.

Please use the following social media tags so we can help celebrate your event: @LABelieves, @LACSEdWeek, @CSLA, and @LASTEM.

If you have questions please contact STEM@la.gov.

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3-5 Computer Science Education Week Resources	Download
6-8 Computer Science Education Week Resources	Download
9-12 Computer Science Education Week Resources	Download
K-2 Computer Science Education Week Resources	Download

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

File	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

Archived

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Archived STEM Pathway Briefs	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.