STEM Lessons - Model Eliciting Activity

A collection of realistic problem-solving activities aligned to multiple subject-area standards

MEAs are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in these realistic activities. MEAs resemble engineering problems and encourage students to create solutions in the form of mathematical and scientific models. Students work in teams to apply their knowledge of science and mathematics to solve an open-ended problem, while considering constraints and tradeoffs and clearly documenting their thought process. The MEAs found in this collection include MEA-specific sections for the problem statements and data in addition to containing components for a lesson plan, such as learning objectives and assessments.

This collection of MEAs was written by educators across the state of Florida who participated in the Model Eliciting Activities Initiative. The goal of the initiative was to provide a rich professional learning experience for participants resulting in original published MEA lesson plans on CPALMS for use by teachers across the nation. All MEAs are aligned to standards in at least two subject areas, including mathematics, English language arts and Science. The MEAs in this collection range from grade levels K to 12.

The CPALMS review process ensures that MEAs meet the requirements for high-quality pedagogy, contain accurate subject area content, and fulfill the principles of an MEA. To accomplish this, MEAs are reviewed by peer teachers, subject area experts in math, science, or English language arts, and MEA experts. Scroll down for a list of published MEAs or see http://www.cpalms.org/cpalms/mea.aspx for more information about the CPALMS MEA initiative.