{"id":60205,"date":"2026-01-22T10:49:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T15:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/starr.org\/?p=60205"},"modified":"2026-01-22T10:49:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T15:49:43","slug":"stem-sel-the-overlooked-connection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starr.org\/2026\/stem-sel-the-overlooked-connection\/","title":{"rendered":"STEM + SEL: The Overlooked Connection\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_5f5e03-82\"><strong>The joyful, powerful connection between STEM, SEL, and resilience<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_ae7640-c6\">Picture this.\u00a0<br>A group of students is huddled around a table.\u00a0<br>There\u2019s cardboard, tape, rulers, tablets\u2014and a whole lot of laughing.\u00a0<br>Something falls over. Someone groans. Someone else says, <em>\u201cWait\u2026 what if we try it this way?\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4cffd5-9c\">No one is stopping to ask, <em>\u201cIs this SEL?\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<br>And yet\u2014<strong>it absolutely is<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_8168b8-1b\">This is the overlooked magic of <strong>STEM + SEL<\/strong>. When learning is hands-on, playful, collaborative, and meaningful, social-emotional growth is happening naturally, moment by moment. From a trauma-informed, resilience-focused lens, this kind of learning doesn\u2019t just build academic skills, it helps students thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_6fa4cc-3c\"><strong>Learning Lives in the Body, Not Just the Brain<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_615123-1b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_615123-1b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_615123-1b\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_615123-1b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_615123-1b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_615123-1b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_615123-1b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_615123-1b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_615123-1b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_615123-1b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_615123-1b\">Students\u2014especially those impacted by stress or trauma\u2014don\u2019t learn best by sitting still longer, listening harder, or being told to \u201cfocus.\u201d\u00a0They learn when their <strong>bodies, senses, and brains are invited in together<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_973da9-69, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_973da9-69[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_973da9-69\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_973da9-69 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_973da9-69[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_973da9-69\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_973da9-69 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_973da9-69[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_973da9-69\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_973da9-69 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_973da9-69\">STEM does this almost effortlessly:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Measuring, building, testing, redesigning\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moving materials, touching textures, manipulating tools\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watching cause and effect play out in real time\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_13ebfd-54\">This kind of <strong>sensory, hands-on learning<\/strong> supports regulation. It gives restless hands something purposeful to do. It gives overwhelmed brains something concrete to anchor to. Abstract ideas become tangible. Learning becomes active instead of threatening.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_3a4525-63\">When the nervous system feels safer, the brain becomes more available for curiosity, problem-solving, and persistence. In this way, STEM doesn\u2019t just support cognition\u2014it supports regulation, which is foundational for both learning and healing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_8c3f44-6e\"><strong>Every Step of STEM Is Also an SEL Skill<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_b294c7-ac\">When we slow down and really look, STEM is a full SEL experience\u2014without needing a separate lesson, block, or worksheet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_58e60f-f0\">It begins with <strong>asking questions<\/strong>. Curiosity, wonder, and risk-taking are at play when students say, <em>\u201cI don\u2019t know yet, but I want to find out.\u201d<\/em> That willingness to try is a social-emotional skill.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_872e26-c0\">As students <strong>plan and collaborate<\/strong>, they practice communication, perspective-taking, flexibility, and compromise. They learn how to share ideas, listen to others, and navigate differences\u2014often with guidance, modeling, and repair along the way.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_d635e1-de\">Then comes <strong>building and testing<\/strong>, where frustration tolerance, emotional regulation, and perseverance are practiced in real time. Designs fail. Data surprises them. Materials don\u2019t cooperate. Students learn to pause, problem-solve, ask for help, and try again.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_6e9d4a-7c\">Finally, through <strong>reflection and revision<\/strong>, students build self-awareness and confidence. They name what worked, what didn\u2019t, and what they learned\u2014not just about the project, but about themselves as learners.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_e09eaa-aa\">This is <strong>SEL in motion<\/strong>. Not scripted. Not forced. Lived.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_520bf9-bb\"><strong>STEM as Project-Based Learning in Action \u2014 Through the Circle of Courage<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4e293c-41\">STEM doesn\u2019t <em>borrow<\/em> from project-based learning\u2014<strong>it lives it<\/strong>.\u00a0At its core, STEM invites students to ask questions, design solutions, test ideas, revise their thinking, and explain their learning. This process naturally creates learning environments where students feel connected, capable, empowered, and purposeful\u2014the very conditions described in the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/circle-of-courage\/?srsltid=AfmBOorLUDdnQ0zjQ7nc59TMV2-uzWgi_NNA3DU0-h2-OZR0x2p9tPeF\">Circle of Courage<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_61d2c0-88\"><strong>Belonging<\/strong> grows first. STEM learning is rarely solitary. Students work side by side, sharing materials, ideas, and responsibility. They talk through problems, learn from one another\u2019s perspectives, and experience what it means to be part of a team working toward a common goal. For students who may struggle with trust or connection, these structured, shared tasks provide a safe way to belong without needing to have all the answers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_aa995d-9a\">As students engage in building, testing, and revising, <strong>mastery<\/strong> begins to take shape. STEM normalizes trial and error. Designs fail. Data surprises. Hypotheses change. Instead of perfection, students experience growth through effort, feedback, and persistence. Over time, they begin to internalize a powerful belief: <em>I can learn by doing. I can improve.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_9f6069-69\">STEM also nurtures <strong>independence<\/strong> by honoring choice and creativity. There is rarely a single correct path to a solution. Students make decisions, take risks, and own their learning process. This sense of agency is especially important for learners who have experienced trauma or chronic stress, as it restores a feeling of control and competence.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_bd95a2-0f\">Equally important, STEM naturally embraces <strong>multiple learning styles and modalities<\/strong>. Visual learners see models and diagrams take shape. Kinesthetic learners build, manipulate, and test. Verbal learners explain and reflect. Analytical learners organize data and refine solutions. Students can demonstrate mastery in many ways\u2014through prototypes, presentations, drawings, data analysis, or reflection\u2014reinforcing that there is more than one way to be successful.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_786c99-7b\">Finally, <strong>generosity<\/strong> emerges when STEM learning connects beyond the classroom. Whether students are designing solutions for real-world challenges, improving accessibility, or addressing community needs, they experience how their learning can benefit others. Purpose transforms effort into meaning.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_4c6038-73\">Through this STEM-centered, project-based approach, resilience is built quietly but powerfully. Students learn to persist through frustration, adapt when things don\u2019t work, collaborate through differences, and take pride in growth over time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_635f34-a9\">They aren\u2019t just completing projects.\u00a0They are developing belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity\u2014<strong>one design, one revision, one breakthrough at a time<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_9fed67-da\"><strong>Why Fun and Play Matter More Than We Think<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_b786a3-95\">Let\u2019s say it clearly: <strong>fun is not fluff, and <a href=\"https:\/\/starr.org\/2024\/embracing-joyful-learning\/\">play is not a break from learning<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0Play lowers stress. It deepens engagement. It strengthens relationships. It helps learning stick. For students carrying trauma, chronic stress, or adversity, moments of laughter, creativity, and shared success can be profoundly regulating.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_5b0409-27\">Joy sends a powerful message to the brain:\u00a0<br><em>I am safe. I am capable. I belong.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_dcefe7-38\">STEM doesn\u2019t have to be rigid or high-pressure to be rigorous. It can be curious, messy, playful, and deeply human. When STEM is taught through connection, sensory engagement, collaboration, and meaning, it becomes more than preparation for future careers.\u00a0<br>It becomes practice for life\u2014learning how to try, fail, adjust, collaborate, and keep going.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading60205_29e5c1-c0\">That\u2019s not just learning.\u00a0That\u2019s <strong>resilience in action<\/strong>.\u00a0And the most beautiful part? Students don\u2019t even realize they\u2019re building it\u2014because they\u2019re too busy creating, experimenting, and playing their way forward.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The joyful, powerful connection between STEM, SEL, and resilience\u00a0 Picture this.\u00a0A group of students is huddled around a table.\u00a0There\u2019s cardboard, tape, rulers, tablets\u2014and a whole lot of laughing.\u00a0Something falls over. Someone groans. Someone else says, \u201cWait\u2026 what if we try it this way?\u201d\u00a0 No one is stopping to ask, \u201cIs this SEL?\u201d\u00a0And yet\u2014it absolutely is.\u00a0 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36233,"featured_media":60212,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[473,607,606],"coauthors":[478],"class_list":["post-60205","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","tag-circle-of-courage","tag-sel","tag-stem"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.9 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>STEM + SEL: The Overlooked Connection\u00a0 - 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