Developing Stem Talent in Secondary Gifted Education Programs

Integrated STEM education is a transformative approach for nurturing the potential of gifted students by connecting academic concepts to real-world problems. This chapter explores how secondary education contexts can provide access to advanced integrated STEM opportunities, with a particular focus on engineering for its natural connections to other STEM fields. We argue that designing solutions for modern global challenges is an essential task for STEM professionals and should be reflected in curriculum for advanced learners. The chapter discusses how instructional practices such as problem- and design-based learning can be used to engage students in authentic, iterative processes that mirror professional work. Additionally, the chapter addresses the critical issue of equity, recommending that educators consider access, representation, and outcomes to ensure all students have opportunities to participate in STEM. By fostering authentic engagement in and out of the classroom, this approach prepares students to be innovative thinkers who can contribute to a more diverse and skilled STEM workforce.