Students choose different ways to create the longest paper chain out of one sheet of construction paper in this easy to prep and complete STEM Challenge.
Question stems can be used as thinking prompts for class discussions, prompting, and various forms of assessment.
Fun kids activities to learn coding without a computer. Unplugged STEM activities for Hour of Code, computer porgramming class, elementary school students.
Share with your friends!4 3 The demand for STEM careers continues to grow in the Technology Age. Yet, companies struggle to find qualified engineers and scientists to fill the jobs openings. I decided to research why there isn’t a pipeline of engineers for the available jobs, and found that kids lose interest in STEM careers around middle […]
Can you tell a flawed STEM project from a true STEM project? Use this handy checklist as a reference. Start-to-finish instructions...
What can run but can't walk? Reveal the answer to this clever riddle by cracking the number code in this Riddles and Codes worksheet.
It is intimidating for many of us homeschooling parents to teach STEM subjects to our kids, but this free STEM Curriculum for K-12 will help! TeachEngineering covers many STEM subjects, from geome…
This easy science experiment is a fun way to demonstrate the concept of gravity to young children. You’ll just need a few supplies, including paperclips and magnets, to take part in this cool science activity! This activity correlates with NGSS: Disciplinary Core Idea PS2.B. Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board! Here’s a fun …
A few days ago, I posted a picture on my Instagram account that got a really positive response. You guys saw my self-directed learning progression and you all said you wanted it! Since you wanted it, it's up for free in my Teachers Pay Teachers store, so grab it now before you forget!! Click here or on the picture below to grab your copy. I like this learning progression because it helps the students to assess where they are in three areas: academics, problem-solving capabilities, and social-emotional development. The rubric is also growth mindset-friendly because it moves from "Not Yet" all the way to "Wow!!!" I used my school's poster maker to make a big copy of this progression. It hangs on our wall next to our class rules. We refer to it often. I also use these with students sometimes--they just circle the one they feel best describes where they are at a given moment. I have two versions of the rubric, one that mentions "CARES" (a Responsive Classroom idea) and one that just mentions "good classroom citizenship." Pick the one that works for you and start using it! If you don't discuss CARES in your classroom, I absolutely recommend introducing it at the beginning of the year. These social skills are all-encompassing. If you've got these 5 qualities under control, you're in a really good place! I always mention these to my students and say that one of our class goals will be to develop these qualities as individuals. Did you download the learning progression yet? If not, what are you waiting for?! Click here to grab it! By the way, if you haven't already subscribed, we'd love to have you! Join our community by signing up in the box right under my bio to the right. That way, you won't miss any blog posts. I promise not to clutter your inbox! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more classroom ideas than I put on my blog.
Explore our comprehensive collection of classroom resources, including classroom posters, engaging activities, classroom management techniques, and more. Enhance your teaching and inspire your students with these valuable insights.
Hola: Una infografía sobre 7 estilos de aprendizaje. Un saludo
If you need STEM projects ideas, this is THE place to go! This is a collection of over 200 STEM projects and activities that kids love!
-This issue we focus on our thinking touchstone Having a range of thinking tools available to us is very useful. They help ensure the engagement and stimulation of a wide variety of students. But, …
Project based learning has been a part of teaching forever. It’s nothing new, but we’ve seen a resurgence within the past few years and it's a buzzword we all like to use. I get quite a few questions from teachers asking how they can start and what they can try. That’s why I’ve put together some of my favorite tips for getting started and what to expect when you decide to take the plunge…and I think you should. Sure, some of these might be simple, but they're worth repeating and thinking about. Pick a Topic You Like If you’re excited about a topic, there’s a pretty good chance your students will be too. That’s why I suggest finding a topic you really like. Maybe you want to do something that involves animals or building/designing a city. Whatever it is, make sure you’re invested. Your students will follow your lead. Full article here. Start Small To Find Your Comfort Zone When it comes to PBL in your class—do what makes you most comfortable. This might mean beginning with a small project or just a sample with your students. No one knows your classroom better than you and no one knows your teaching better than you. Don’t worry about scale, length of time, and complexity. Just start small and find your comfort zone. Full article here. Paper Projects Are Excellent Options Sometimes the best PBL only includes paper. Sometimes all the problem solving, designing, and hard work is contained on a couple of sheets of paper. It can be simple. Many of the PBLs I create use this paper-based frame work because it works well in the classroom. Ease-of-use is your friend. Full article here. Students design a zoo using while focusing on area and perimeter. See It Here. Use Materials You Already Have Make it simple on yourself and focus on using classroom materials that are readily at your disposal. Do not go and buy the latest gadgets or drop a hundred bucks at Target. Most simple PBLs can be conquered with classroom items, a little ingenuity, and the recycle bin. Let Go (of some control) Ana and Elsa are correct—Let it go. You’ll have to give up some of the control. You can’t control every aspect of PBLs because each student (or group) will have different results. This doesn’t mean it’s classroom chaos—it just means we have to hand the reins over to the students. Let them learn how to learn. Be Open-Ended With The Students Many times students will want definitive answers for EVERYTHING! I tell my students that if they ask me what they can do (within a project) I will always say “YES”. I don't like to limit options and thinking. Too many times kids are told to hide their imagination inside (sadly)—not with PBL. This can be difficult concept for kids (which make sad), but we're working on it. Share Awesome Ideas With Your Class When You See Or Hear One When I walk around the room checking in (and spying) I hear and see the coolest things and thinking taking place. Those ideas need to be shared with everyone. All the kids need to hear about them because it'll spark other students' imagination. It might seem simple—but it works. Kids need to use each other as jumping-off points, without always having to rely on teachers. A third grade class created an entire city using only geometry skills, paper, glue, and scissors. See Geometrocity here. Include All Levels Of Learners Project Based Learning IS NOT just for talented and gifted students. It's for EVERYONE! In fact, I’d argue it’s just as important for lower leveled learners. Why is that, you ask? Well, many of our struggling learners have learned incredible strategies for staying afloat in the classroom. They apply these same strategies here and it works in an incredible way. These projects are incredible engagement tools for reluctant/hesitant learners. Multimedia is the Best Hook Videos, images, music, Netflix, YouTube--use them all. Show students the multiple avenues of ways to learn. These are all hooks for the students and they love them. When my students build their ski resorts, I like to show them an 8 minute movie on ski resorts around the world. They are amazed and excited to start. When we learn about the rainforest I play an 11 hour loop of jungle sounds (found on Youtube). It’s filled with rain showers, buzzing bugs, monkeys playing the in trees. Get Physically Comfortable When Working Let students move wherever they need to in the classroom. Floor, tables, small groups. A quiet room means NO ONE is really learning/discussing/collaborating. I want my kids intermingling, sharing ideas, and stealing ideas to create better ones. Those are some of my top tips for getting started. If you have questions, just let me know. Or if you’re a just a fan of PBLs, I’d love to hear what you do. To see more just click the images below.
Commutative, associative, distributive... the math property terms can be a bit intimidating for elementary students being introduced to the addition and multiplication properties. I know some teachers
Virtual dissections can be a huge help in teaching science, biology, physiology and anatomy. Here are some of the best resources for your lessons and labs.
When studying the integumentary system, why not make a skin diagram collage? This art activity will help your students to remember the different parts
Virtual dissections can be a huge help in teaching science, biology, physiology and anatomy. Here are some of the best resources for your lessons and labs.
Build a marshmallow and toothpick tower for a fun and budget-friendly way to explore STEM with kids. Free printable.
window.addEventListener('LPLeadboxesReady',function(){LPLeadboxes.addDelayedLeadbox('w5B9CVVpZM3VM42aCMGWwh',{delay:'5s',views:0,dontShowFor:'3d',domain:'thescienceduo.lpages.co'});}); Let’s get right down to business. As a teacher, you are constantly searching for tools to help engage ALL of your students within your daily lessons. Unfortunately, many of you are also often faced
These notes are sure to add some color to your lesson! They are a perfect way to get students engaged in learning about the structure of DNA. ...
Oh no!! It looks like the page you’re seeking isn’t available any longer! I’m so sorry!! BUT- don’t fret, I’m sure I have something else to fit your needs! Were you looking for a free homeschool resource? You’ll find hundreds here! Looking for homeschool encouragement and inspiration? That’s here! Are you looking for a new ... Read More about
Download an 11X17 version of the Developing 21st Century Critical Thinkers Infographic by Mentoring Minds.com. Via Tom D'Amico (@TDOttawa) , ManufacturingStories, Ann Vega
Novel Quick Write Anchor Chart
Are you searching for an illustrative math blog to inspire you? Tunstall's Teaching’s blog tidbits are inspiring for teaching math & young learners! Learn more!
This year, I revised the materials in my reader's notebooks. I'm using a combo of a binder and a notebook for reading workshop this year, and I'm not 100% happy with it. I thought I would share some of what I've been doing. Maybe you can help me tweak. Let me first tell you how I've been working it. In their binder, they have a section for anchor charts and handouts. There's an index where they write the title of the paper so they can see at a glance what they have. It' sort of like a mini version of my anchor chart binder, but they have only the few charts I give the entire class and the ones I give specifically to them as needed during conferencing. There's also a section in their binder to keep track of books they have read, books they want to read, and a genre tracker. Now, the notebook is more of our workhorse. The notebook is where they take notes during mini-lessons, jot their thinking about their independent reading, and write their weekly letter to me for assessment. These are the notebooks I use. I got them at Staples during the ten cent sale. My friends turn their notebooks in one day a week. This way I only have to read 4 or 5 a day rather than all 24 at once. As you can see, orange notebooks are due on Tuesdays. When you open the notebook, you will first find this page: I think the note is pretty clear. Our focus this year is all about thinking deeper about our reading. The next couple of pages give an example of friendly letter format and how to edit/proofread their letter. We edited "idea chart" to read "thinking stems" Next, there are facing pages that have the "thinking stems" we use. A reader had asked me to post a link to these, but I just can't find it. I pulled these pages from a file I've had for a few years. I know I originally found them on the web, but when I tried to find them again this year I couldn't. If you have ever run across these, please let me know where so I can credit the author. This is glued on to the left page of the notebook. The other pages is on the right side. I like them facing each other so they can see it all at once. For some reason, I took two half-page pictures of the other page, Update! (7/22/12) Special thanks to Marilyn who emailed me the link she found for these Thinking Stems. This link should take you to a Word document you can print out. I believe they are from the Calhoun School District, but again not sure. CLICK HERE TO GO TO DOCUMENT. These thinking stems are good for helping my friends who have difficulty coming up with something to write. I used them as a springboard when I modeled writing a reading response letter not just once, but twice for my friends. I will do more modeling of this as time goes on and I expect more from their letters. After these pages, I still have two blank pages. One is for a rubric that I have yet to put in their notebook. That's one of the things I've not yet figured out to my satisfaction. While the kids know what I'm looking for, I want a rubric in their notebook. The problem is I can't find one that fits exactly what I want and I've been too lazy busy to just sit down and make my own. I guess I'm going to have to just do it this weekend. The rest of their notebook is filled with notes from our mini-lessons, their independent writing about their reading, and their weekly reading response letter to me. It's actually all working pretty well so far, but I just have this gnawing feeling that I'm missing something. So, I'm throwing it out there to you! What are you doing with your reading notebooks? What do your friends do with their notebooks? Do you use a rubric? What and how are you assessing them? What's worked for you? By the way, don't forget to ENTER MY THANK YOU GIVE AWAY! There are only about 22 or so entries thus far, so the odds are pretty good! You have also been leaving some great ideas for picture books to use in mini-lessons. Click over and check out the comments. Even if you don't enter, you will get some great picture book suggestions.
Get access to the best STEM resources! Are you a teacher or a parent and want to know more about STEM, check out our ultimate STEM guide.
Our Forces Poster is a great educational resource that will help you create relevant and engaging Science classrooms.
I recently attended a conference about teaching students with executive functioning challenges. Executive functions are a set of essential cognitive capabilities and skills typically encompassing t…
Disclaimer: I am so excited to share this post with you. It is sponsored by Plasma Games. This is a new company with the goal of instilling passion for STEM
If you need STEM projects ideas, this is THE place to go! This is a collection of over 200 STEM projects and activities that kids love!
Our Friction Poster is a great educational resource that will help you create relevant and engaging Science classrooms.
It wasn’t until my Assistant Director of Schools tweeted a picture I sent out with the caption, “Mrs. Bible using STEM in ELA,” that I realized I was even doing STEM at all. I just thought I was doing a really fun tiny house project! Ha! After that, I was all like: If this is ... Read More about STEM in English Language Arts Class
John Larmer of the Buck Institute for Education clears up any confusion on the difference between project-based learning, problem-based learning, and whatever-else-based learning.
STEM Family Nights are awesome! They generate excitement for STEM in your school and community by allowing students, teachers, and families to explore STEM together in a fun way! I planned my first STEM Night this past November, and after a big success, we planned three more! We worked with each mid
Easy at home science experiments using simple materials: salt and water experiment, egg in salt water, salt and ice. No-prep quick STEM activities kids love.
Grab a set of marshmallow and toothpick geometry cards to print and build with your kids. It is such a fun way to learn geometric shapes!
