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Free STEM Lesson Plans for K-12 Teachers - ORISE

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Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

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curriculum and classroom resources for teachers

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Free STEM Lesson Plans for K-12 Teachers - ORISE

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ORISE offers free lesson plans and STEM resources for K-12 teachers to help their students embrace science, math and technology subjects.

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An approach to defining and designing the right space for your school.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Cooper

Makerspaces, STEAM labs, and fab labs are popping up in schools across the country. Makerspaces provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering.

A makerspace is not solely a science lab, woodshop, computer lab or art room, but it may contain elements found in all of these familiar spaces. Therefore, it must be designed to accommodate a wide range of activities, tools and materials. Diversity and cross-pollination of activities are critical to the design, making and exploration process, and they are what set makerspaces and STEAM labs apart from single-use spaces. A possible range of activities might include:

Cardboard construction

Prototyping

Woodworking

Electronics

Robotics

Digital fabrication

Building bicycles and kinetic machines

Textiles and sewing

Designing a space to accommodate such a wide range of activities is a challenging process. Educators and administrators can help guide the process and generate the space that works best by researching, brainstorming and clearly articulating their needs, while keeping in mind inevitable changes in the future.

Some schools have chosen to incorporate makerspaces within multiple classroom spaces. This works well for many activities, particularly in elementary schools. As maker activities expand to require more tools, it makes more sense to create a dedicated makerspace that includes appropriate tools, work areas and materials. The following design approach focuses on creating dedicated makerspaces and STEAM labs.

Ask the Right Questions

Because of the constantly evolving activities that a makerspace accommodates, a flexible design is critical from the outset. Therefore, the first moves should be the right moves to result in a space that's as usable as possible. Project leads must ask critical inquiring questions to guide and inform the design process.

What range of subjects will be taught in the space? What types of activities and projects could be done there? Determine the needs and desires of all teachers in the school who will or could possibly use the space. Imagine what projects they might initiate with their students. Ideally a science, math, technology and/or art teacher would lead or participate in the brainstorming. The Makerspace Playbook is a helpful guide to envisioning the projects and activities that could happen in the makerspace. The new book Invent to Learn is a great resource for making, tinkering and engineering project ideas. The main point here is to clarify the types of activities that the space would ideally accommodate.

Which tools are most needed? Will digital fabrication tools such as CNC routers, laser cutters or 3D printers be included? Which materials will be used? The Makerspace Playbook and Makerspace's Tools & Materials PDF document are both very useful tools for addressing these questions. They provide detailed lists of the diverse tools and materials that you might consider. Many types of equipment have special requirements, including ventilation and other elements to ensure a safe working environment. The list of tools and materials will naturally grow as specific projects and programs generate new needs, so it's good to allow for flexibility and expansion. Depending on the projects and activities, the space required for materials and project storage can be significant.

Who are the kids that will be using the space? Will others use the space as well? Who is staffing and managing the space? Having a space that is functional for a range of ages is key in school settings. Additionally, the space might be used for maker activities outside of class time, such as clubs (like Young Makers groups) or parent groups, as makerspaces grow into popular community hubs. At some point, the school may hire a part- or full-time makerspace teacher. In fact, some see this as critical from the outset.

When will the space be used? Students will use the space during the school day, perhaps in a dedicated class time or with their teacher. Other opportunities may arise to maximize utility of the space after school or evenings and weekends. In this case, the design would need to accommodate access outside of school hours and for multiple users.

Where in the school or on the campus would be ideal? What considerations are important? To accommodate the need for access to materials and tools, it's useful for the space to be easily accessible by cars and trucks, ideally during school day. A location close to or including outdoor work areas allows for larger or messier projects. Access to plumbing and electricity are critical. The space should be located where noise won't disturb classroom learning. Given the need for flexibility, it's good to find a place where the space could expand in the future. Finally, the makerspace would be centrally located so that it can be accessible to students, and visible so that work can be seen.

How will it be built? Is a new or separate structure needed, and if so what type? What is the budget? Will the design and construction team be a combination of contractor and volunteers, all-volunteer or fully contracted?

If you're lucky, there is a large space, classroom or portable just waiting for a new use, and building out the interior will be the main project. If space is at a premium, however, a new structure, portable or shipping container could potentially provide the space or some portion of it. Knowing your budget range will help determine the best way to proceed and whether you'll be able to employ contractors or need volunteers for some of the work.

Going Forward

Answering these questions will allow schools to create a design program for their makerspace, defining the specific needs and requirements. Because makerspaces and the activities they accommodate can vary so much, the design program is one of the most critical steps in ensuring the space will be functional and well used. The school could work with designers or architects to articulate the best ways of meeting those needs. Visits to other makerspaces or labs can be valuable and insightful during this phase, as educators envision what their space could be. A subsequent blog post will provide more information about design patterns typically found in makerspaces.

Resources

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An approach to defining and designing the right space for your school. Photo Credit: Jennifer Cooper Makerspaces, STEAM labs, and fab labs are popping up in schools across the country. Makerspaces provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering.

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Why Your Students Need a Makerspace - The STEM Maker Lab

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Makerspaces have become a hot topic in education. While not a new concept, makerspaces are gaining traction for the many benefits they provide students as these spaces are integrated into classrooms and schools.

Makerspaces are designed to challenge students to create and learn through hands-on, personalized experiences throughout elementary, middle and high school. Here are a few of the many benefits of makerspaces.

Providing the opportunity to innovate

Makerspaces foster innovation through hands-on experimentation. Participants have the opportunity to be creative and apply personalized learning strategies to make changes to existing concepts or develop their own ideas, methods or products.

Creating real-world applications for classroom concepts

Hands-on learning takes the concepts taught through lecture, video or textbooks and allows participants to move from an abstract concept to a real-world understanding. Participants are then able to practice creating solutions to real-world problems.

Learning to take failure in stride

In experimentation, testing, evaluating and modifying are part of the process. Participants learn how to make failure into a learning experience and not become discouraged or frustrated when something doesn't go as planned.

Exposing students to new opportunities

Makerspaces provide the opportunity to learn something new, whether it is an alternate way to approach learning or utilizing new tools and resources to reach a solution.

Building critical thinking and problem-solving skills

The ability to think critically and effectively problem solve should be established at a young age and cultivated over time. These skills are fundamental to and enhanced by the learning experiences in a makerspace.

Developing a wide range of 21st century skills

21 st century skills go beyond critical thinking and problem solving skills. These important skills include flexibility, collaboration, adaptability, oral and written communication, information literacy, technology literacy, productivity, social skills, leadership, initiative and more. These in-demand skill sets help to develop young minds for future success.

Interested in learning more about helping students prepare for the future?

Download our white paper, " How to Prepare the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs," to learn how to cultivate innovative risk takers who can embrace ambiguity and failure.

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Why Your Students Need a Makerspace - The STEM Maker Lab

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The National Inventors Hall of Fame discusses how to help your students excel by creating a makerspace at your school.

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What is a Makerspace? Is it a Hackerspace or a Makerspace?

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What is a Makerspace? Is it a Hackerspace or a Makerspace?

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A makerspace is a collaborative work space inside a school, library or public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing. Maker Education

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It's a new year and you likely have new goals, grant money to spend, or maybe just a renewed enthusiasm for inspiring and instructing young minds! Whatever the case, there has never been a better time to gear up your classroom or home with the latest and greatest STEM gadgets and tools. We are have compiled a list of "must haves" to enhance your STEM space!

Before ordering supplies, consider first the layout and organization of your classroom or learning area. A successful STEM space allows room for building, testing, and collaborating. For Stage 1 STEM, this may involve manipulating objects to build something. For stages 2 and 3, there will be building and testing of designs that may require ample space per group. Consider using modular student stations or large tables for team meetings and building sessions along with an open space for testing (or a nearby hallway). Ideally, a flexible space will also accommodate individual work. Finally, STEM lessons are often introduced with real-world videos or followed by student presentations so a projector and good sound system are optimal. We use this JBL speaker for our classroom presentations.

And now the bigger challenge, where to store all that tape, robot parts, and recycled materials? How will you keep materials easily accessible and organized for students to get what they need? For items that are commonly used such as scissors, glue, tape, and other building materials, we recommend a movable storage cart with open bins like this one. For storing heavier items and bins, an affordable and durable option is this storage rack. Additional options are available here.

Check out our Pinterest board on Classroom Organization for more ideas.

Internet access is a great asset for any STEM lab. Chromebooks or laptops are useful for 3D modeling, research, and programming. IPads are excellent for controlling robotic devices as well as supporting projects in coding, augmented reality, stopmotion animation, and so much more. Check out our resource page or STEM handouts for a list of websites and apps.

STEM education is a hands-on experience, which requires lots of materials for building and inventing. Educators may feel the need to buy the latest high-tech gadget, but cheap or free recycled materials can provide an equally rewarding lesson. More important than the tool is the curriculum driving the lesson.

Below are three classes of STEM construction materials that tend to follow the 3 STEM Stages. *Affiliate Links below

1. Commercial Construction Materials

Commercially available building materials are great for stocking a Makerspace or for various building challenges. LEGOs, Magna-tiles, KNEX, Keva planks, Zoob, or wooden blocks can be used to complete a task card (ex: tallest tower, hold a weight) or mirror architecture. Used in a stage 1 STEM activity, these items provide many opportunities to grow critical thinking skills that lay the foundation for more advanced STEM.

2. Engineering Design Construction Materials

My favorite STEM items are also the cheapest! Many engineering design challenges in Stage 2 STEM require the use of materials that are commonly found around the house like cardboard boxes and tubes, plastic bottles, string, rubber bands, and newspaper. Additional items that we recommend to keep on hand are craft sticks, glue, paper and plastic cups and plates, pipe cleaners, PlayDoh, aluminum foil, ping pong balls, and cotton balls. Ask parents to send these items to school or talk to your local hardware or grocery store to save cardboard boxes.

Another must have for this type of brainstorm, design, and build activities is tape-and lots of it! Masking tape is usually our go-to, and we provide a set amount to each team at the beginning of a challenge. Masking or painters taper is also great for marking testing areas on desks or the floor.

3. 3D Printers

While not a requirement, 3D printers are becoming a staple in many STEM labs. Prices are decreasing and printers are becoming more reliable and user-friendly. 3D printers foster more advanced design skills and quite literally add a deeper dimension to STEM projects. The website www.learnbylayers.com offers a teacher designed STEM curriculum for 3D printing with fully editable lessons and a lifetime license.

How do you choose the right one? We love the FlashForge printer for its reliability. Read more about our experience here.

There is a long list of products out there for robotics and programming, and here are our top picks:

1. Sphero SPRK+ : We love Sphero! This robust little robot is durable and waterproof with an added bonus of a transparent cover that flashes various colors. With a user-friendly companion app that offers a range of activities, we have incorporated SPRK challenges in elementary through high school classrooms. Students are introduced to programming with a draw and drive option, followed by challenges to teach drag and drop block coding, and advanced users can write their own JavaScript to program the robot! Read more at our Sphero blog post. And now there is a Sphero mini! While cute and tiny with little bowling pins to roll over, we have found this cheaper version is not as durable when used with little kids.

2. Makey-Makey: These inexpensive little circuit boards combine coding, invention, creativity, and electronics. Plug them into a USB port of a computer or Chromebook (no software required), and your kids can turn any conductive item into a keyboard. Play a banana like a piano or Pacman with PlayDoh buttons! Another great tool for all grades, advanced students can program their own games using Scratch and solve more complex design challenges.

3. Dash Robot: For elementary aged kids, the Wonder Workshop Dash robot makes learning to code fun by presenting challenges and puzzles kids can solve. It responds to voice commands and can even sing! Dash is great for centers or self-guided learning with task cards.

4. Cubelets Robot Blocks: Another great gadget for beginners, cubelets allow for students to design their own robot by snapping cubes with different abilities together and seeing what behavior happens. With adapters, Cubelets even connect to other building brick materials like LEGOs.

5. Bee-Bot: For the youngest of robot programmers (PreK-First Grade), this little robot can be programmed to move by pressing the arrows on its back. The primary goal of the Bee-Bot is to introduce basic programming and a foundational understanding of how a robot responds to sequential commands. Outside of coding, students can also learn simple addition and subtraction, review sight words, and write simple sentences. The Code & Go Robot Mouse has the same basic functions and comes with a little maze for a fun day of coding.

6. OSMO Coding: Also a great item to have for centers or other independent learning times, the OSMO coding game teaches basic block programming by having kids physically build the code. Using the included coding command blocks and an iPad, kids solve problems and have adventures while learning the basics of programming. OSMO has several different activities including Numbers, Tangrams, and Newton in addition to coding and engages learners of all types!

7. Other recommended electronics: Snap Circuits, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi.

Virtual Reality - Explore Mars or the human brain with Google Cardboard or other VR viewers that take your students on an adventure into educational spaces otherwise impossible. Students can go on virtual field trips, test their skills, and interact with experts all while in the classroom. Read more about VR resources in our previous post here.

Science & Math Tools - A STEM lab can support core curriculum by incorporating science tools and math manipulatives during lessons. Common tools such as microscopes, magnifying glasses, rulers, scales, and calipers are useful for in-depth exploration and testing. You can explore more STEM tools at STEMfinity.

Rocketry - What student doesn't love launching rockets? Start simple with this air powered launcher before moving to a more advanced model rocket kit.

Poster Displays - Create an inspiring learning environment with large bulletin boards to display student work along with posters and anchor charts showcasing the Engineering Design Process, the periodic table of elements, and other important concepts or vocabulary. Posters can also emphasize the real-world aspects of STEM opportunities with jobs or exciting applications. One of my favorites is this poster.

Ordering STEM materials can be overwhelming, especially with lots of misleading advertising claiming products to be a "STEM" necessity. Here are some tips on what to avoid:

Flimsy and fragile STEM kits - Always read reviews before you buy, but be especially vigilant for "complete STEM kits" that may seem like a bargain. Many times you are paying for the curriculum that you can easily find elsewhere, and the hardware is often not rigorous enough to last longer than one demonstration. For example, Pitsco has lots of great products from solar cars to rockets, but do you really need to pay $35 for a bag of straws? Source those wanted items from reputable companies or opt for a DIY project. Better yet, make the project into an engineering design challenge by presenting your students with the problem of creating the kit (bridge, marble run, etc.).

Messy Construction Sets - What is more annoying than losing little Lego pieces that are vital to a robot? When selecting STEM gadgets and materials, keep in mind the clean-up and maintenance of kits. Avoid building materials such as magnetic sticks and balls that have tiny pieces that can easily be lost (or roll away!). They are more frustrating than helpful, especially with little learners.

Too much of the same thing - A STEM lab should emphasize science, technology, engineering, and math as equally as possible. Don't get caught up in Makerspace envy and spend your entire budget on construction materials. We love Stage 1 STEM activities like STEM Bins ™ and they are an important part of the foundation of STEM skills. If your budget is tight, start with only a few basic building materials like LEGOs and Magformers to set the STEM stage, then go for some more advanced STEM gear like a set of Spheros!

Need more ideas or tips from seasoned STEM teachers? Check out our STEM Facebook group, The STEM Space, to connect with educators across the world. What STEM items have you been eyeing for your classroom, program, or home?
Vivify is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links.

Tagged: stem professional development, stem activities, makerspace, stem lab, STEM Resources, engineering, robotics, Coding, Sphero, makey makey, Dash robot, Cubelets, Bee-Bot, Osmo Coding Game, rocketry, STEM curriculum

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It's a new year and you likely have new goals, grant money to spend, or maybe just a renewed enthusiasm for inspiring and instructing young minds! Whatever the case, there has never been a better time to gear up your classroom or home with the latest and greatest STEM gadgets and tools.

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What is a STEM Lab? A Complete Teacher's Guide - ClassVR

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Welcome to the complete teacher's guide to STEM labs! Here you'll discover what a STEM lab is, the different technologies you'd typically find in one, the benefits of learning in STEM laboratories and so much more...

What Does STEM Stand For in Education?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM education is focused on developing students' skills and connecting these subject areas, preparing them for future careers and the real world. It's a key area of teaching worldwide, with thousands of schools now investing in learning spaces specifically designed to support STEM - called STEM labs!

What is a STEM lab?

"A STEM lab is a learning environment where students, irrespective of grade, can come together and actively participate in hands-on or practical STEM learning." @cath_avantis - Educational Specialist, Avantis Education

Simply put, STEM labs are educational spaces that encourage active learning and problem solving! In these STEM laboratories, students can develop their science, engineering and mathematics skills by using technology to create, collaborate and complete projects - learning and applying knowledge to find new solutions. Imagine a technology-enhanced learning environment where everything is student-centred and supports theme and project-based learning. That's a STEM lab!

Designing a STEM Lab - What STEM Lab Equipment Should You Include?

"It's important when selecting the equipment to include in your STEM lab that you focus on what can help students develop their mathematical and problem-solving skills. Consider how these different technologies can be used in collaboration, this can be anything from simple wooden blocks to 3D printers & virtual reality headsets." - @cath_avantis - Educational Specialist, Avantis Education

To maximise learning in a STEM lab, it's important to consider how applications and technologies can work together as part of project-based learning. Every STEM lab will include devices such as interactive whiteboards, PCs, laptops or tablets. These devices provide a whole suite of online STEM resources to support 3D model creation, develop coding skills, control robotics and more!

Basic Design Materials

Let's start with the basics of STEM. This can include anything from wooden blocks, cardboard, glue, paper, scissors, Playdoh and Lego - basically any objects that students can use to construct and build structures. Although simple, learning with these materials can encourage students to grow their critical thinking and engineering skills.

3D Model Creation Software & 3D Printers

To take these engineering skills further and develop design skills, students can use computer-aided design tools such as Paint 3D, Blender or Tinkercad to get creative and design 3D shapes and objects. These models can then be turned into physical prototypes with the help of a 3D printer (and virtual reality headsets, but we'll get to that later!).

Coding & Robotics

For older students, or those who want to progress beyond the basics of design materials, a great technology to build problem-solving skills is STEM lab robotics. Using solutions like Shape Robotics, students can easily construct their own robots using clickable technology, and then develop their coding skills by getting these robots to move using code!

Another great example of a software that allow students to create virtual spaces and even virtual worlds is CoSpaces! Here students can get creative, practice their critical thinking and work collaboratively with others to create their spaces which their peers can review as a whole class.
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality (VR & AR)
Virtual and augmented reality is at the heart of STEM labs! VR & AR integrates with all the technologies in a STEM lab, enhancing the technology-based learning experience.

Using solutions like ClassVR, the all-in-one virtual reality technology for schools, educators can truly take their STEM teaching to the next level. Teachers can provide additional context, capture students' imaginations, and ultimately develop the teaching & learning experience.

Whether students are travelling the world with virtual field trips, examining AR models to check for mistakes before 3D printing, venturing through virtual worlds they've created in CoSpaces, or simply exploring incredible STEM resources - the possibilities really are endless!

Benefits of Learning in STEM Labs

"STEM labs are designed to help students learn how to work as part of a team, solve problems and apply their knowledge in advanced and creative ways." - @cath_avantis - Educational Specialist, Avantis Education

STEM labs can benefit students in some incredible ways, including:

Encouraging creativity and innovation among students

Promoting teamwork and collaboration

Facilitating the use of technology to support projects

Providing new opportunities and skill sets

Improving critical thinking skills

On top of all of these benefits, STEM labs are exciting and FUN! By actively participating in lessons and learning with inspiring edtech, students are more engaged and motivated with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Examples of STEM Labs & Projects

Initiatives and funding are helping schools introduce STEM labs worldwide. These projects are designed to help encourage students to build STEM skills, knowledge and even consider future careers in the sector.

Over in the US, the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Program is helping fill the digital divide for Title I schools. By providing access to more than 100 innovative STEM labs in schools across the country, Verizon are allowing over 1 million students to learn, discover and build STEM skills in their Innovative Learning Labs!

Another great example is the INACO project introduced in Romania, which has already seen the launch of 20 labs with 1100 to be built by the end of 2025. Similarly, In Poland the Laboratoria Przyszłości program is supporting primary schools across the country by providing funding that can be used to implement STEM technology.

That's your complete teacher's guide to STEM labs! Are you ready to start your STEM lab initiative?
Virtual Reality Technology Virtual Reality Technology

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What is a STEM Lab? A Complete Teacher's Guide - ClassVR

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Welcome to the complete teacher's guide to STEM labs! Here you'll discover what a STEM lab is, the different technologies you'd typically find in one, the benefits of learning in STEM laboratories and so much more... STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

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7 Benefits of STEM Education - The Edvocate

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Spread the loveSTEM education in the U.S. is increasing in popularity—more schools are implementing STEM learning into their curriculum and making it an integral part of what they teach. In this article, we will discuss the 7 benefits of STEM education Fosters ingenuity and creativity: Ingenuity and…