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Techno-Trash Pets: A PBL approach to STEM and digital literacy in elementary classrooms.

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Title: Techno-Trash Pets: A PBL approach to STEM and digital literacy in elementary classrooms.
Authors: Ponder, Jennifer (AUTHOR) jponder@uab.edu, Cramer, Amanda R. (AUTHOR) arcramer@ua.edu
Source: Science & Children. Nov/Dec2025, Vol. 62 Issue 6, p76-82. 7p.
Subject Terms: *STEM education, *Digital literacy, *Active learning, *Science projects, *Inquiry-based learning, *Classrooms, Environmental responsibility, Robotics
Abstract: This article presents an interdisciplinary, project-based learning (PBL) approach to teaching STEM and digital literacy through the creation of "Techno-Trash Pets" using recyclable materials, art, and robotics kits. Grounded in inquiry-based learning, the project engages preservice elementary teachers in exploring the relationship between plants and animals, focusing on internal and external structures that support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. Through sensory-rich field experiences, research, multimedia presentations, and hands-on engineering, students integrate STEM practices, crosscutting concepts, and content from math, computer science, social studies, and the arts. Coding and robotics tools bring animal models to life, reinforcing scientific concepts related to ecosystems and adaptations. The culminating museum exhibit provides authentic assessment opportunities, where students showcase their work to the community, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. This high-impact project demonstrates how PBL can cultivate contemporary skills, promote environmental stewardship, and inspire confidence in teaching integrated STEM lessons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Science & Children is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Techno-Trash Pets: A PBL approach to STEM and digital literacy in elementary classrooms.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ponder%2C+Jennifer%22">Ponder, Jennifer</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<i> jponder@uab.edu</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Cramer%2C+Amanda+R%2E%22">Cramer, Amanda R.</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<i> arcramer@ua.edu</i>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Science+%26+Children%22">Science & Children</searchLink>. Nov/Dec2025, Vol. 62 Issue 6, p76-82. 7p.
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  Data: *<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22STEM+education%22">STEM education</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Digital+literacy%22">Digital literacy</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Active+learning%22">Active learning</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Science+projects%22">Science projects</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Inquiry-based+learning%22">Inquiry-based learning</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Classrooms%22">Classrooms</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Environmental+responsibility%22">Environmental responsibility</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Robotics%22">Robotics</searchLink>
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  Data: This article presents an interdisciplinary, project-based learning (PBL) approach to teaching STEM and digital literacy through the creation of "Techno-Trash Pets" using recyclable materials, art, and robotics kits. Grounded in inquiry-based learning, the project engages preservice elementary teachers in exploring the relationship between plants and animals, focusing on internal and external structures that support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. Through sensory-rich field experiences, research, multimedia presentations, and hands-on engineering, students integrate STEM practices, crosscutting concepts, and content from math, computer science, social studies, and the arts. Coding and robotics tools bring animal models to life, reinforcing scientific concepts related to ecosystems and adaptations. The culminating museum exhibit provides authentic assessment opportunities, where students showcase their work to the community, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. This high-impact project demonstrates how PBL can cultivate contemporary skills, promote environmental stewardship, and inspire confidence in teaching integrated STEM lessons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Science & Children is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1080/00368148.2025.2553380
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: STEM education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Digital literacy
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      – SubjectFull: Active learning
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      – SubjectFull: Science projects
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              Text: Nov/Dec2025
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