STEM and it’s counterpart STEAM are becoming buzz words throughout educational circles, but what exactly is it and how does it look in your typical classroom or school? Whether you looking for beginning steps of STEM integrate, support data, or additional resources and ideas, you have come to the right place!
Are you ready to play?
The “Ready to Play” section takes you through the basics while providing additional resources to dig deep into your integration of STEM. First, we will take a look at one avenue to integrate STEM in education through Makespaces with the below LACUE webinar. Many libraries across the nation are transforming to include Makerspaces. Whether or not this fits your situation, you will enjoy a glimpse into Diana Rendina’s Makerspace Journey while she was at Stewart Middle School http://renovatedlearning.com/our-makerspace-journey/
Makerspaces are but one avenue for STEM integration. My integration actually started with a sprinkling of activities in various units and then grew to full PBL, Project Based Learning, units and later a weekly Makerspace in which students were 100% in charge of their own learning. STEM is NOT a stand-alone course but instead can be integrated into any subject aligning with your existing standards. It is focused on the 4 Cs of 21st Century Learning and relies on a shift from teacher to student control. This, of course, does not mean the learning is never guided, in fact task cards, engineering process forms with key skills/terms, as well as other resources are often used to help direct the learning while still providing room for students to create their own directional path through exploration.
Makerspace Handbook
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1zuCrpFVwGdyydOGEaeTY7laHk6vhkdYI
STEM Lab Example
Forms of Energy https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XKuLaIHFIPB2U-Myuwy2akiJQwO8kahu
STEM Padlets
What page would be complete without a Padlet of resources? Below is the Padlet I use for my workshop resources. It is a great place for those that like to dig through a lot of fabulous bits of information.
Discover the Treasures of STEM https://padlet.com/pencilbox/STEM
Makerspace Madness https://padlet.com/pencilbox/makerspace
Breakout EDU https://padlet.com/pencilbox/breakoutedu
STEM Pinterest Boards
Do I have any Pinterest fans out there? The below boards are a collection of STEM favorites from myself and a few of my friends.
STEM in Math and Science https://www.pinterest.com/lisaspencilbox/stem-in-math-and-science/
STEM Task Cards https://www.pinterest.com/lisaspencilbox/stem-task-challenge-cards/
AXI STEM https://www.pinterest.com/lisaspencilbox/axi-stem/
STEM Task Cards
Are you looking for some ready to print task cards? I LOVE making Task Cards and will continue to update the files found here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wTWPg62dkbRmRwOXNraGpVUFE
Please feel free to print and use with your students:)
TI Calculator – STEM Hollywood site
https://education.ti.com/en/activities/stem/stem-behind-hollywood
Want more? Check out AXI’s PD spot on the web! The foundation skills library is open to everyone. To access the PRO library simply complete the form to be emailed a password. We will SOON have full online courses!
