STEAM up December!

Here are some fun STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) ideas for December:

1. Build a gingerbread house: This activity combines engineering and culinary skills. Students can design and build their own gingerbread houses using a kit or by making the gingerbread and icing from scratch.
   • Ready-made Gingerbread dough makes this easy, or
   • Take the templates and use paper materials. I recommend printing out the templates and cutting them out of cardboard or foam board to create sturdy templates that students can use as a guide for building their gingerbread houses. You can also encourage students to come up with their own designs and create their own templates.
   • https://www.simplejoy.com/gingerbread-house-template-printable/ 
   • https://bestgingerbreadhouses.com/gingerbread-house-templates/ 

2. Make a paper snowflake: This simple activity combines math and art. Students can use paper and scissors to create intricate snowflake designs. This activity can also be modified to incorporate engineering principles by having students design and build their own 3D snowflakes using materials like cardboard or foam board.
   • https://www.firstpalette.com/printable/snowflake.html 

3. Create a holiday-themed coding project: Students can use coding languages like Scratch or Python to create holiday-themed projects like a virtual snowman builder or a festive light show.
   • https://scratch.mit.edu/ 

4. Conduct a winter science experiment: Students can explore the science behind winter phenomena like snowflakes, frost, and the Northern Lights. For example, they could make a snowflake observation station, investigate the properties of different types of frost, or learn about the physics behind the Northern Lights.
   • https://www.science-sparks.com/the-best-winter-science-experiments/ 

5. Make a holiday-themed math game: Students can create their own math games using holiday themes and concepts. For example, they could make a “reindeer race” game where players have to solve math problems to move their reindeer along a game board, or a “holiday gift exchange” game where players have to use math skills to determine how much money they need to buy gifts for their friends and family.
   • https://www.mathplayground.com/holiday_games.html 

I hope these ideas help spark your creativity and give you some inspiration.

 

STEAM up October!

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Pexels.com

Here are a few ideas for fun STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) activities for October:

1. Leaf chromatography: This activity is a fun way to explore the colors of leaves. Start by collecting a variety of leaves from different trees. Next, cut the leaves into small pieces and place them in a cup of water. Then, add a few drops of food coloring to the water and observe how the color spreads through the leaves. You can also try using different solvents, such as rubbing alcohol, to see how they affect the chromatography process.
   • Grades 5-8 Teacher Guide
   • Leaf Chromatography

2. Build a pumpkin catapult: This activity combines engineering with some fun Halloween flair. Start by building a simple catapult using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and other materials. Then, use your catapult to launch small pumpkin seeds or other lightweight objects. You can also try experimenting with different catapult designs to see which one works the best.
   • Pumpkin Catapult for Early Years

3. Create a Thanksgiving-themed art project: This activity is a great way to incorporate some art into your STEAM activities. Start by brainstorming ideas for Thanksgiving-themed art projects, such as creating a turkey out of recycled materials or painting a still life of a Thanksgiving feast. You can also try using technology, such as digital art software, to create your artwork.

4. Make a simple circuit: This activity is a great introduction to the world of electrical engineering. Start by gathering some simple materials, such as a battery, a light bulb, and some wire. Then, use the wire to connect the battery to the light bulb and observe what happens. You can also try adding other components, such as switches and resistors, to your circuit to see how they affect the flow of electricity.
   • Circuit Construction by PHeT
   • Tinkercad – Circuits

I hope these ideas help spark some creativity and get you started on your STEAM activities for October! Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Remote Learning: K-12 STEAM

Remote Learning can also include some engaging Science – Tech – Engineering – Art – Math lessons and activities.

• 77 Simple STEM Activities for Families – curated collection offers a variety of activities.

• Bee Bot Emulator – comes with a variety of mats, students just click on the left/right/up/down arrows + Go and watch where Bee Bot will go.

• Code – have students learn computer science. Teachers register for free and create a class to invite students.

• Codingville

• Coding stories – https://www.elementari.io/

• Everfi – Digital Wellness & Safety with Ignition (6-9) found within the catalog. Free for teachers to register and create a class.

• FlipGrid – use to connect learners via your defined discussion prompts. Check out how to get started with Remote Learning on Flipgrid

• NASA – resources for K-12.

• Scratch – block-based coding lessons and activities for early and middle years students. Teachers can assign specific lessons with a specific link or copy/paste into GClassroom.

• Tynker – curriculum (lessons, projects, etc.) and platform free for closed schools. Computer coding curriculum for grades K-8.

• Virtual Code Clubs – in French and English by KidsCodeJeuneusse.

• Wonderville: Free lessons (English)

• Wonderville: Free lessons (French)