Design is a central activity within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Within enacted practice, design can feature within intended learning outcomes, for example in learning to design, and it can feature within pedagogical methodologies, for example by learning through design. Often holding differing disciplinary interpretations such as design as cyclical problem solving, iterative design, conceptual design, or design with or without make, understanding the educational merits of the ill-defined and open nature of authentic designerly activity is paramount. This Research Topic sets out to gain a more nuanced understanding of the value and role(s) of design within STEM educational contexts. This Research Topic focuses on design within STEM educational contexts, particularly in terms of teaching, learning, and assessment. The aim is to contribute to the evidential basis which can be used to guide the incorporation of design into educational practice. The topic has two central research objectives. The first is to generate evidence regarding what design is in STEM education. For example, is the ability to design a singular or manifold construct? Is the capacity to design, or are factors of this ability, both learnable and teachable? How transferable is designerly knowledge between contexts? How do different disciplinary contexts influence the interpretation of design? The second is to further our understanding of how best to incorporate design within STEM education contexts. For example, how much emphasis should be placed on learning to or through design in school? How should design be assessed within formal education? Where and when is design best incorporated into education? In posing these questions, the goal of this research topic is to provide scholarly discourse which supports critical reflection and the challenging of assumptions regarding design in education.

Computational thinking is a lifelong skill important for succeeding in careers and life. Students especially need to acquire this skill while in school as it can assist with solving a number of complex problems that arise later in life. Therefore, the importance of teaching computational thinking and coding in early education is paramount for fostering problem-solving and creativity. Teaching Computational Thinking and Coding to Young Children discusses the importance of teaching computational thinking and coding in early education. The book focuses on interdisciplinary connections between computational thinking and other areas of study, assessment methods for computational thinking, and different contexts in which computational thinking plays out. Covering topics such as programming, computational thinking assessment, computational expression, and coding, this book is essential for elementary and middle school teachers, early childhood educators, administrators, instructional designers, curricula developers, educational software developers, researchers, educators, academicians, and students in computer science, education, computational thinking, and early childhood education.

The education system is constantly growing and developing as more ways to teach and learn are implemented into the classroom. Recently, there has been a growing interest in teaching computational thinking with schools all over the world introducing it to the curriculum due to its ability to allow students to become proficient at problem solving using logic, an essential life skill. In order to provide the best education possible, it is imperative that computational thinking strategies, along with programming skills and the use of robotics in the classroom, be implemented in order for students to achieve maximum thought processing skills and computer competencies. The Research Anthology on Computational Thinking, Programming, and Robotics in the Classroom is an all-encompassing reference book that discusses how computational thinking, programming, and robotics can be used in education as well as the benefits and difficulties of implementing these elements into the classroom. The book includes strategies for preparing educators to teach computational thinking in the classroom as well as design techniques for incorporating these practices into various levels of school curriculum and within a variety of subjects. Covering topics ranging from decomposition to robot learning, this book is ideal for educators, computer scientists, administrators, academicians, students, and anyone interested in learning more about how computational thinking, programming, and robotics can change the current education system.

Empower tomorrow’s tech innovators Our students are avid users and consumers of technology. Isn’t it time that they see themselves as the next technological innovators, too? Computational Thinking and Coding for Every Student is the beginner’s guide for K-12 educators who want to learn to integrate the basics of computer science into their curriculum. Readers will find Practical strategies for teaching computational thinking and the beginning steps to introduce coding at any grade level, across disciplines, and during out-of-school time Instruction-ready lessons and activities for every grade Specific guidance for designing a learning pathway for elementary, middle, or high school students Justification for making coding and computer science accessible to all A glossary with definitions of key computer science terms, a discussion guide with tips for making the most of the book, and companion website with videos, activities, and other resources Momentum for computer science education is growing as educators and parents realize how fundamental computing has become for the jobs of the future. This book is for educators who see all of their students as creative thinkers and active contributors to tomorrow’s innovations. "Kiki Prottsman and Jane Krauss have been at the forefront of the rising popularity of computer science and are experts in the issues that the field faces, such as equity and diversity. In this book, they’ve condensed years of research and practitioner experience into an easy to read narrative about what computer science is, why it is important, and how to teach it to a variety of audiences. Their ideas aren’t just good, they are research-based and have been in practice in thousands of classrooms...So to the hundreds and thousands of teachers who are considering, learning, or actively teaching computer science—this book is well worth your time." Pat Yongpradit Chief Academic Officer, Code.org

Modern society gives great importance to scientific and technological literacy, development of “21st century skills,” and creating individuals who are not passive users of ICT tools but active thinkers and even tinkerers. The learning process is thus constantly evolving to facilitate the acquisition of such skills, such as setting goals and making evidence-based decisions, thinking critically, and solving problems while efficiently managing time as well as using technology, cooperating ethically, and communicating effectively. STEAM is the approach to learning that uses concepts from natural sciences, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to foster critical thinking, computational and design thinking, as well working effectively together, mimicking the process followed by scientists. The end goal is engaged and motivated students who participate in experiential and inquiry-based learning in fun, immersive environments that facilitate learning through a creative process. The Handbook of Research on Integrating ICTs in STEAM Education includes current research focusing on the development of STEAM and ICT educational practices, tools, workflows, and frames of operation that encourage science skills, but also skills related to the arts and humanities such as creativity, imagination, and reflection on ethical implications. Covering topics such as early childhood education, machine learning education, educational robotics, and web-based simulations, this major reference work is an essential resource for engineers, educators of both K-12 and higher education, education administration, libraries, pre-service teachers, computer scientists, researchers, and academics.

This report aims to 'crack the code' by deciphering the factors that hinder and facilitate girls' and women's participation, achievement and continuation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and, in particular, what the education sector can do to promote girls' and women's interest in and engagement with STEM education and ultimately STEM careers.