STEM Mindsets is a research initiative that will revolutionize how students learn and interact in the world of STEM, making opportunities in the field accessible and equitable for all students.
Personalizing STEM experiences for each learner
One Stone curates an innovative approach to STEM learning through transdisciplinary, integrated, real-world learning that is situated within students’ backgrounds, communities, and passions, and leads to improved mindsets toward STEM learning and careers.
Fostering creative confidence and a desire to grow in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Success in STEM is rooted in a growth mindset and meeting students where they are. Our innovative approach to STEM learning re-engages students who do not believe they have what it takes to grasp science, technology, engineering, and math concepts, while challenging those who instinctively gravitate toward STEM learning.
Providing access to technology, coaching, and real world opportunities.
One Stone believes in connecting students with high-quality technology, relevant application experiences, opportunities for peer collaboration, and supportive coaching. This allows students to develop a rigorous understanding of STEM exploration and principles, while helping them fall in love with the disciplines. That’s how STEM mindsets are born.
Rather than advancing through a predetermined progression of STEM coursework (ie, biology in 9th grade, chemistry in 10th grade, etc.), learners opt in to experiences that align with their passions and provide opportunities for them to grow not only in their STEM knowledge, but also in their mindset, creativity, curiosity, and skills. Students are coached to approach STEM learning with a growth mindset and to contextualize their learning within their passions and purpose. Through this work, we have identified an opportunity to assess student mindset and engagement change in relation to these types of STEM learning experiences. We have found that our innovative approach to STEM learning has re-engaged students who did not believe that they were “STEM people,” in addition to increasing our students’ self-efficacy in STEM fields.
STEM STORIES
Genetics Problem Solving
Alex discovers her passion for genetics and the good it can do in the world.
Using the Teenage Brain to Understand the Brain
Empowering students’ personal curiosities to drive their research and learning.
The Ripple Effect: From Apathy to Passion
Jadon’s journey as a disengaged learner to a future career in science and medicine.
What’s Mine is Ours
Opal’s reflection on a life-changing, multidisciplinary STEM experience.
TINKER Camp
How might we magnify third and fourth graders' passion for STEM through an interactive camp created by high school mentors?
Creating Confidence with Math through the Physics of Ballet
An article from Carnegie Learning explains how Viveca used her passion for ballet to build confidence with math.
“A lot of people don’t do this kind of lab work until they’re in their graduate years. It’s amazing that we have all these resources. For me, discovering that passion, being able to do the lab work, be hands on, and honestly, just realizing how far this passion could go, made me realize it’s something that I want to do. This became what I want to do in life.
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Stem learning partners
Anser Charter School
Berkshire Hathaway Energy
BLUUM
Boise VA Medical Center
Carnegie Learning
College of Education, Boise State University
College of Engineering, Boise State University
Computer Science Department, Boise State University
Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University
Department of Biology, The College of Idaho
Department of Mathematics and Physical Science, The College of Idaho
Department of Psychology, The College of Idaho
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Future Public School
Hawley Troxell and Project 7
Idaho Conservation League
Idaho Department of Transportation
Idaho Power
Idaho Rivers United
Idaho State University Meridian
Kount, Inc.
Micron Foundation
Micron School of Material Science and Engineering, Boise State University
Midas Gold
Ms. Greyhat Organization
Pacific Northwest National Laboratories
STEM Action Center
Tetra Tech
The Nez Perce Tribe
The Peregrine Fund
TINKER Camp
Our vision for STEM Mindsets is to further develop One Stone’s program that is student-driven and -directed, where students are coached to approach STEM learning with a growth mindset and to contextualize their learning within their passions and purpose.
STEM RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Increase equity and access to STEM among learners through integrated, contextualized learning experiences.
Measure and improve STEM mindsets that require a deep understanding of self and social values.
Design a STEM program that is structurally, financially, and methodologically transferable to K-12 schools, higher education, industry, and organizations.
