STEM in ESL

Empowering Multilingual Learners through Hands-On Discovery

English as a Second Language (ESL) programs play a vital role in helping multilingual students succeed academically. Integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) into ESL instruction promotes language acquisition while building confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Hands-on STEM activities provide real-world contexts that make abstract language more tangible and allow ESL students to thrive across both content and language domains.

In this page, you can find:

→ Three Key Benefits

→ Success Stories

→ Grant Opportunities

→ Meet the Account Manager

Why Implement STEM?

Three Key Benefits of STEM in ESL

There are many reasons to implement STEM within ESL but we've highlighted three primary reasons below including supporting language and development through contextual learning, encouraging engagement and confidence in learning, as well as fostering collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.

Main Reasons to Implement STEM:

Supporting Language Development Through Contextual Learning

What we know:

  • STEM activities provide concrete visuals and shared experience, which support vocabulary acquisition and language comprehension.
  • Students practice academic language through collaborative projects, guided discussions, and written reflections.
  • Research shows that integrating ESL within STEM promotes language and science learning for ESL students.

Fostering Collaboration and Cross-Cultural Exchange

What we know:

  • STEM activities emphasize teamwork, offering ESL students opportunities to collaborate and share their perspectives.
  • Diverse backgrounds enrich STEM learning as students bring unique problem-solving strategies and cultural approaches.
  • STEM engagement, particularly involving collaborative learning can improve academic success of ESL students, according to research.

Encouraging Engagement and Confidence in Learning

What we know:

  • Hands-on STEM challenges allow ESL students to demonstrate understanding non-verbally while developing verbal expression over time.
  • Engaging in group-based activities promotes risk-taking and participation without the fear of linguistic errors.
  • The effects of collaborative learning on young ESL students create an environment that reduces anxiety about making linguistic errors according to research.
Success Stories

STEM-Driven ESL Departments

Strawbees has collaborated with various districts to implement hands-on STEM learning in ESL.

By using Strawbees tools in coding challenges and computational thinking exercises, schools have transformed traditional instruction and education into interactive learning experiences.

Strawbees Disruptor: Abigail Yancey

Abigail Yancey immediately saw the potential for Strawbees to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and practical understanding within her ESL student population. Students who previously struggled relying on textbooks and traditional lessons, embraced scientific concepts.

“Once the students got to that hands-on learning, the language and the learning came to life. They were able to talk about the science concepts we'd been reading about.”

Read Abigail's Story
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What Educators Say

Here’s what teachers and administrators are saying about their experiences:

"We have a high ESL department and over 30 languages. Strawbees is universal and all students can work on whatever the item is together. STEAM is that way. We do everything inclusion here."
Andrew Harvey
Andrew Harvey

Pre-K-12 Teacher

“In the STEAM Lab we can do projects where all students including ESL students can just go wild with Strawbees. I can't even tell you how many times I tear up when we're doing our projects.”
Tiffany Pace
Tiffany Pace

K-5 STEAM Teacher

“Our ESL population is increasing and the schools where we have the most ESL populations have standard exploratory courses and those students get to take advantage of the opportunity.”
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Chaundra Creekmur

Science and STEAM Coordinator

Strawbees Classroom

Strawbees Classroom includes a variety of lessons for different grade levels, including anything from building basic shapes to using micro:bit to code. All of them can be adapted to learners of different levels.

Strawbees Classroom is free to sign up for and explore, whether you have Strawbees just yet or not. Explore the lessons and teacher resources, you can join today.

Learn more
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Grant opportunities

STEM in ESL

Finding funding for STEM and STEAM education can be challenging, but there are a range of grants and funding sources to support hands-on learning initiatives for ESL.

Key Grants for STEM Programs

Many organizations offer funding to support STEM programs that can also suppost ESL students. These grants help schools and programs provide specialized resources and support to make STEM education more accessible.

Some useful resources include:

Other Funding Opportunities

Local businesses and foundations can support STEM initiatives for ESL students, helping increase accessibility and foster inclusive learning environments.

Examples include:

How We Can Help with Grant Applications

If you're looking for funding to bring hands-on STEAM learning to your students, we do have a grant writing webinar you can watch to help support you.

Learn more →

Strawbees in ESL

Next Steps

STEM education offers ESL students the opportunity to develop critical skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

By incorporating STEM into ESL programs, schools can provide more inclusive learning experiences that foster problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity.

At Strawbees, we offer specialized STEM solutions that are accessible and adaptable, empowering educators to meet the needs of all learners. Discover how our resources can enhance ESL programs today!

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Ellen Florberger
School Partnership Manager
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