**7.1 Beginning-define stage**

Two themes that emerged fall within the beginning-define stage of the EbD loop: (1) curiosity and real-world connections and (2) metalinguistic awareness. Within the beginning stage students are identifying the problem. Further, the engage phase of 6 E's of Science Inquiry is connected to the beginning stage as well [6]. The engage phase involves making connections between old and new knowledge. The two STEM challenges included in the research study included Virtual Reality Tour with Nearpod®, an introduction from Robon from RoboKind®, and read aloud. The purpose of the activities that occur during the beginning-define stage involve developing vocabulary and providing an authentic, real-word connection to the challenge.
