STEM School Data Visualizations

Our research team at the University of Chicago and Ohio State University has been studying the implementation, spread and sustainability of STEM schools. As part of our work studying the Ohio STEM Learning Network and their platform schools, we have developed a way to specifically and clearly describe STEM schools - a taxonomy, or way to codify them so that when people say "STEM School," we can unpack that a bit to better understand what they are really talking about.

We have created data visualizations on STEM schools. Looking at data differently can help illustrate important information about STEM schools that we otherwise might not see. We are experimenting with different ways to communicate what a STEM school is.

To learn more about this project visit our Understanding STEM Schools Researchers Without Borders Project and the project description.

  • Infographic

    Stem_infographic_screenshot

    What is a STEM School?

    There is a lot of talk about STEM schools today, but there is no agreed upon definition of what a STEM school is. STEM schools vary widely, and although each is unique, they do share some common characteristics. Here is a visualization of those characteristics, or what we call, the "critical components" of STEM schools. Critical components are the essential elements of a school's design that make the school what it is.

    Go to Infographic

  • US Map

    STEM School Locations

    This map shows the locations of STEM schools in the US with links to each school's website and its critical components.

    Go to Map
    Stem_map_screenshot

  • Wordles

    Wordle_screenshot

    Wordles show the frequency of words in a body of text. The more often a word appears in the text, the bigger it's displayed.

    The first Wordle shows commonly used words in STEM school mission statements.

    The second Wordle shows commonly used words students at Ohio STEM schools in our study used to describe what STEM is during focus groups.

    Go to Wordles

  • Student Data

    As part of our research looking at five STEM schools in Ohio, we administered questionnaires to about 750 students. These graphs present a snapshot of students' perceptions of the importance for learning STEM.

    Go to Student Data
    Student_data_screenshot

To update the critical components we have listed as present at your school or to add your school to our list, please contact Sarah Rand.