STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities in an elementary classroom create an interdisciplinary approach to instruction in an engaging way. STEM activities will create a life-long love of learning and help teach '21st Century' skills that all students need to succeed.
The variety of open-ended, hands-on activities I am requesting will grab the attention of even the most hesitant student and encourage problem solving, communication, and collaboration, which is an overarching goal at my school. I will use these STEM materials including puzzles, games, and activities to create morning Brain Boxes. Every week I will fill five Brain Boxes with different STEM materials. My students will arrive each day, complete their morning responsibilities, and then spend about 30 minutes collaborating and creating with their classmates using the activities found in their Brain Box. Unlike so much that is now expected (and dictated) in the elementary classroom, this morning time of exploration will be completely dictated by the curiosity and creativity of the students.
Because the materials will change often and each task is open- ended and engaging, the use of morning Brain Boxes will lead my students to excitedly and curiously anticipate each new day of learning. The STEM materials I will use will allow all students, regardless of their strengths or challenges, to find ways to be successful. I hope that the use of Brain Boxes will allow my students to work together to find new strengths!
The sky's the limit on how much learning, conversation, and creativity my students can pull from each Brain Box!
About my class
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities in an elementary classroom create an interdisciplinary approach to instruction in an engaging way. STEM activities will create a life-long love of learning and help teach '21st Century' skills that all students need to succeed.
The variety of open-ended, hands-on activities I am requesting will grab the attention of even the most hesitant student and encourage problem solving, communication, and collaboration, which is an overarching goal at my school. I will use these STEM materials including puzzles, games, and activities to create morning Brain Boxes. Every week I will fill five Brain Boxes with different STEM materials. My students will arrive each day, complete their morning responsibilities, and then spend about 30 minutes collaborating and creating with their classmates using the activities found in their Brain Box. Unlike so much that is now expected (and dictated) in the elementary classroom, this morning time of exploration will be completely dictated by the curiosity and creativity of the students.
Because the materials will change often and each task is open- ended and engaging, the use of morning Brain Boxes will lead my students to excitedly and curiously anticipate each new day of learning. The STEM materials I will use will allow all students, regardless of their strengths or challenges, to find ways to be successful. I hope that the use of Brain Boxes will allow my students to work together to find new strengths!
The sky's the limit on how much learning, conversation, and creativity my students can pull from each Brain Box!
Read more