Teaching STEM by Nicole Coonrod https://padlet.com/ncoonrod/zv6nydlotc7c7e5b How do we effectively engage our students in learning about STEM in a 21st century classroom? Share your STEM related teaching experiences and/or resources! en-us 2022-03-16 00:50:54 UTC 2022-03-18 19:13:00 UTC hello@padlet.com STEM in 1st Grade https://padlet.com/ncoonrod/zv6nydlotc7c7e5b/wish/2098611380 Hello! In 1st grade we do a few different STEM projects throughout the year. A student favorite year after year is our recycled instrument project. After learning about sound, students are given recycled materials to turn into an instrument that can make at least 2 different sounds. We also usually have the students make a bridge for the Gingerbread Man after we read different versions of the Gingerbread Man and realize that his problem could have been solved if he had a bridge! ]]> 2022-03-16 18:24:26 UTC https://padlet.com/ncoonrod/zv6nydlotc7c7e5b/wish/2098611380 Another 1st grade STEM project that we have done in the past is making a basket/container to help carry an apple. We typically go apple picking every year. We discuss how people need to have something to get apples from the orchard back to the farm stand. Students use a variety of materials (aluminum foil, pipe cleaners, tape, paper, string) to create a basket. Then students test their design by carrying an apple a certain distance. If it breaks, they redesign and try again. https://padlet.com/ncoonrod/zv6nydlotc7c7e5b/wish/2099726021 2022-03-17 09:49:27 UTC https://padlet.com/ncoonrod/zv6nydlotc7c7e5b/wish/2099726021 Special Education Modifications https://padlet.com/ncoonrod/zv6nydlotc7c7e5b/wish/2100053357 We will modify science curriculum to the student's cognitive level and learning style. Visuals and predictable formats are used such as storyboards and category grids. An example of learning about animals that live in a variety of habitats include using category grids to sort animals that live in Antarctica, the Arctic, the desert, and the forests. The progression includes sorting, then giving staff the animal picture for each category then naming the animal of each category or being able to complete a visual assessment. ]]> 2022-03-17 13:28:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ncoonrod/zv6nydlotc7c7e5b/wish/2100053357 Marshmallow STEM Challenge https://padlet.com/ncoonrod/zv6nydlotc7c7e5b/wish/2102433058 We kick off each new year in 4th grade with a marshmallow tower STEM challenge. This is a great ice breaker that gets students working collaboratively, planning, creating, revising ideas, and persevering through challenges. ]]> 2022-03-18 19:13:00 UTC https://padlet.com/ncoonrod/zv6nydlotc7c7e5b/wish/2102433058