STEM in the Classroom

Recently, our district had a STEMposium.  In our school, each teacher was tasked to try at least one STEM project in the classroom during the two-day event.  For those of you not familiar with STEM, it stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  During STEM lessons, students engage in problem solving activities, using critical thinking skills and navigating through the steps of the Engineering Design Process.
  

The biggest difference is that students are given guidelines on what the finished product should include but are not given specific step-by-step instructions on how to get there.

While researching ideas, I came across a wonderful website:  http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/.  There are lesson plans, activities, and many other resources for students of all ages.  We decided to try the "Rubber Band Racers."

• First, I separated the class into teams of 2 or 3 students, and we defined the problem.  They were able to ask questions, and we read some research that was included with the lesson plans.
• Next, students discussed the problem and possible solutions with their team members.
• Then, each group came up with a plan.  They drew a picture and listed materials they would need.  (We had some basic materials that they could choose from, and they were able to ask for other materials that we could easily acquire.)

• Teams were given the materials on their lists, and they began to create their Rubber Band Racers.
• After testing, each group communicated about what was working and not working, then began improving/redesigning.
• After a designated amount of time, teams tried their designs on a "track" made from the floor and masking tape.  :) 

• We then discussed all of the designs and watched videos of designs that worked.

This was a great experience for the students...and for me! They absolutely amazed me! The team work, the problem solving, the failing and trying again...it was so satisfying to watch them figuring it out on their own.  Whether their racers worked like they were supposed to in the end or not, they all took a lot of pride in what they had built.

It's scary to step back when you are used to teaching them how to do something, giving them directions, and guiding them through following those directions.  But, it's a good scary, and I challenge you to try it!