Blog - i Heart STEAM

3D Printing in the Classroom

3D printing in the classroom for most teachers is NOT something they think about. I didn't really... then I saw a 3D printer in person for the first time about 4 years ago. Not only did I see one, but I saw one being presented as a useful tool for educators and how to use it in the classroom. From that moment on, it's all I could think about. HOW can I get this for my classroom? Here is my story.....3D Printing in the Elementary ClassroomSo what finally got me to get on board with 3D printing in the classroom with zero background knowledge? This by the way... is something I typically do.... setting out to become an expert in something merely from interest all the time. Running into a vendor at a STEM Expo presenting the printer ... read more

See Think Wonder: Redesigned for the Virtual Classroom

See, Think, Wonder: Have you used this as a strategy in your classroom? If you haven't, it's AMAZING and so SIMPLE! It's officially considered a visual inquiry strategy. It's very similar and basically the same strategy as using phenomena as inquiry before instruction promoted in the Next Generation Science Standards. I love the Wonder of Science NGSS bank for phenomenon. It's totally a great resource, and it can be used with See, Think, Wonder.See, Think, Wonder StrategySo what is the See, Think, Wonder strategy? All you have to do as a teacher is utilize a picture, a work of art, a scientific phenomenon, artifact, object.... just something to look at. Next, you simply ask 3 questions: What do you see? What do you think? What do ... read more

50+ STEM Resources for Virtual STEM (and they’re FREE!)

STEM resources are out there! Virtual STEM resources... well, that's where I find them... online. When delivering STEM instruction, if you have a starting place for merely an idea..... that's all you need to start. Here you will find a list of OVER 50 STEM resources that can be used to begin STEM lessons, activities, and projects. Many of these STEM resources are already in the project format, just apply a design process! Take a look at a few of them!STEM resource project ideasHere you go! This amazing resource, Purple Plow, is a compilation of driving questions for STEM projects. WOW... that's all I can say! Each project includes direct NGSS standards that are correlated and provides background knowledge for students to begin ... read more

9 Distance Learning Tips for STEM Instruction

Distance learning tips are coming at us from all places. There are SO MANY! As I read more and more of them, I see the constant question of how can STEM instruction be delivered through distance learning? Well... really?How can we give the best instruction through distance learning period? If we can teach a distracted Kindergarten student anything through distance learning..... we can deliver STEM instruction, too! So here we go... my 9 distance learning tips for STEM instruction. First of all..... get rid of that word... you know.... impossible? Or can't. Or No. Get rid of all of them. Be who you are, an educator SUPERHERO, the one who let's nothing stand in your way!The biggest thing to remember about STEM/STEAM in general is ... read more

STEM Teacher Evolution

STEM Teacher? That was never in my plan. The plan I had when I got my teaching degree and my very first job. It wasn't even a thing in 2003. What I have come to realize... I actually was always a STEM Teacher. Now...presently, I consider myself a STEAM teacher. I am more refined with technique and have integrated the Arts with impact. This Ultimate Guide for creating a STE(A)M classroom is something I wish I had many years ago!So I started out teaching first grade, seriously, I was going to do it forever and NEVER change. I simply loved when it was time to teach a new set of science standards. Weather... oh that was my favorite time of the year!I would decorate with umbrellas and raindrop words. During my morning meeting, we had a ... read more

7 Project Based Learning Ideas That Will Rock Your School Year

Project based learning ideas are numerous, but what makes them successful? There will be no success for project-based learning without student buy-in. When I say buy-in, they have to be all in. Your students need to care about it deeply, and feel compelled to do the work. Once you get the buy-in, a design process must be implemented for students to work through during the project. The Engineering Design Process and Design Thinking are wonderful for project-based learning. I want to share with you 7 project-based learning ideas that have been successful year after year at the school where I work at in south Georgia. When you are ready to start with STEM/STEAM and PBL at your school or in your classroom, download my FREE ... read more