This St. Patrick’s Day activity is a leprechaun trap STEM challenge classic almost as old as time, so I’ve added a twist and a few extensions to keep it fresh! Premise of Leprechaun Trap STEM Challenge Working against a criteria & constraints list, and armed with a Leprechaun Lore List, students create a design to […]
Leprechaun Lockdown: Best Leprechaun Trap STEM Challenge for St. Patrick’s Day Read More »
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
3 Critical Factors for Quality STEM Challenges Read More »
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
#KINDNESSNATION Campaign Read More »
The main thing I want to put forward today is that we shouldn’t assess for sake of assessing or out of habit. Assessments should always be thoughtful and serve a worthy purpose. So, before making any decisions about assessments, ask yourself why are you doing STEM challenges in your classroom? What do you hope to achieve? What
STEM Challenges: To Assess or Not to Assess… Read More »
By now, I hope you’re home enjoying a well-earned Winter Break! Maybe you’re sipping on some hot chocolate, looking for some engaging ways to get your kids thinking deeply when you return to school. Keep this winter STEM activity in your back pocket! Wait for one of those tough days when you and your students
Popular Marshmallow Winter STEM Challenge: Frozen Fortress Read More »
How long should a STEM challenge take? Is there more to STEM challenges than just designing & building? How do I plan a STEM challenge? How does it break down into smaller parts? If you’ve found yourself asking any of the questions above, you’re in the right place! Essentially, you’re wondering how to best approach the
The STEM Challenge Cycle Read More »
We don’t like to be the bearers of bad news. Some of us avoid conflict at all costs, but we do our students a gross disservice when we shield them from challenges in a bid to protect their self esteem. Perhaps they will avoid the temporary sting of defeat when we don’t challenge them, but they will
All Students Deserve to Fail Read More »
Kids have the worst time trying to concentrate on school the day of Halloween — and it’s even worse the day after! You’ll need something extra engaging for them in order to keep their brains working at max capacity. Wouldn’t you know it, I’ve got just the Halloween activity: Ghosts in the Graveyard! Premise: Students build
Halloween Activity & Captivating STEM Challenge: Ghosts in the Graveyard Read More »
I’ll be highlighting something special on this page every month. You guys — I have been a fool. An old, silly fool who didn’t want to “do” Instagram because it was another social media thing to keep up with! I didn’t want yet another reason to stare hunch-backed at my phone at ever-quickening intervals during the day…
You know that feeling you get in October, like the grind has begun? All that back-to-school adrenaline that got you through September has waned, and what remains is a looooong month ahead with zero days off. Guess what? The kids feel it too. They’re now firmly rooted in classroom routines, and they know what to expect
The Twilight Zone: “To Serve Man” ELA Activities Read More »
