If you’re here, you might already know how passionate I am about STEM challenges. I just don’t know a surer, quicker, more enjoyable way to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and growth mindset skills like persistence, resilience, and self-reliance. But these, and other, benefits of STEM Challenges are only realized when you set up and run […]
The Delights & Dangers of Parent Volunteers
Parent volunteers can be such a help, but if you aren’t careful, they can also distract, detract, or even derail your STEM Challenges! It’s very important to take just a few minutes to help parents — and any other adults in your classroom — understand the student benefits of challenges and how to properly facilitate. […]
Top 10 Reasons to Start the School Year with STEM Challenges
As the summer winds down, and you’re planning to begin another school year, the feelings are usually mixed, aren’t they? The anticipation of a fresh start is energizing, but the end of wearing pajamas all day just ’cause you can feels like a loss to be mourned! My advice: focus on the positive. The beginning […]
STEM Challenge: Card Towers
If you’re looking for a straight-forward challenge with the simplest of materials, Card Towers will be right up your alley! This one is a classic, but I’ve got a few ideas to make some tweaks to fire up the imagination and engagement! And this is a special post for the blog/vlog because it means I’ve finally caught […]
Apollo 13: The Ultimate STEM Challenge
As I look back on my life, there were several seminal moments that lead to me becoming completely obsessed with the power of STEM Challenges. We’re nearing the 47th anniversary of one of those moments. While I wasn’t actually alive for the Apollo 13 mission (launched April 11, 1970), the 1995 movie that dramatized it […]
How I Became a STEM Challenge Fanatic
I started my career teaching 5th grade in 2000. Any classroom teacher will tell you that first year is a killer. Hanging on for dear life, I decided not to pursue a master’s degree, or in fact any hobbies or social life outside of teaching; there simply wasn’t time. Fast-forward to 2008: Since I kept coming […]
Spring STEM Challenge: Nice Nest
This STEM challenge is a perfect Easter or spring activity! (?Note: I recently changed to a new platform for my website. This has caused some wonky formatting & spacing. I’m working on updating everything as quickly as possible. I know it’s looking a little crazy; thanks for your patience!?) Premise Working against a criteria […]
3 Critical Factors for Quality STEM Challenges
Have you been considering trying STEM Challenges with your class, but you’re not sure where to start? You want to be sure you’re using your limited instructional minutes well, but maybe you’re not convinced STEM Challenges fit the bill. There’s really no reason to be intimidated, but you’re right to seek out some information! Like […]
#KINDNESSNATION Campaign
No matter where you stand politically, if you are in the classroom, you have undoubtedly noticed signs that the world is sorely in need of a littlemore kindness, empathy, and willingness to listen and learn from each other, even if (or maybe especially if) the other person holds opposing views and beliefs. I was so pleased […]
December 2016 Update
I know you are going to miss some of the things going on in my blog, YouTube channel and TpT store. Who has the time to keep up with their own lives, let alone someone else’s whole deal?! Hopefully, these monthly updates will make it easier to catch all the updates and teaching tidbits to make your […]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- …
- 7
- Next Page »
