tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75313317774840979202024-03-27T02:37:55.944-04:00momgineerHomeschooling mom of two & creator of STEM resources for the next generation of engineers.momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.comBlogger421125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-35063831615779083512023-08-14T08:14:00.003-04:002023-08-14T08:14:19.173-04:00Visit STEM Activities for Kids<p>I have blogged on this site on and off for a long time now! While you'll still find a number of posts here, make sure to check <a href="https://www.stemactivitiesforkids.com">STEM Activities for Kids</a> for STEM updates:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.stemactivitiesforkids.com" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc4oT12OX6EzM7sHiX6fSEyvu_EAXo5Txvx8XLq1XzB_Ora0asOvRsw4QpEWoQPuHOVP72K_ufV8FCCVY8d-qm1SjiFw2qxJaRrWE38d1Xn_GqjPYy9m-EZZ6KE2jlHMZ-bpqVPsAik548lFMX2U9q1NQ9wLMaZsPpC2WWgCXcTn6qFHD-4VvbnVHeoW4/w640-h360/Visit%20STEM%20Activities%20for%20Kids.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-27833205110624112482022-08-27T08:42:00.001-04:002022-08-27T08:42:59.254-04:00STEM Activities for Legos<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAJGMq0IaphwtexmtulQpcKuioWKUdHy0hhujn8Zf9AFVg1Ze66CdM1uu5mDdQzLSNHCw7O2GwdV3UxhrVXywUNM6uvfYkbKHouG_-V76-MZJAWCHT5CDm5o3qxOugL3pr9tTA3tDCrUoV1bslt1-dNX7xrQ3eV16FQ-8ZLayMKrKLoGbFjAC-pCxaQ/s1920/STEM%20activities%20for%20legos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAJGMq0IaphwtexmtulQpcKuioWKUdHy0hhujn8Zf9AFVg1Ze66CdM1uu5mDdQzLSNHCw7O2GwdV3UxhrVXywUNM6uvfYkbKHouG_-V76-MZJAWCHT5CDm5o3qxOugL3pr9tTA3tDCrUoV1bslt1-dNX7xrQ3eV16FQ-8ZLayMKrKLoGbFjAC-pCxaQ/w640-h360/STEM%20activities%20for%20legos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">How to Use Legos in STEM Class</h2><p style="text-align: left;">I love using legos for STEM building projects! They are easy to work with, keep clean, and can be reused. If you were wondering how to use legos or generic building bricks in a more intentional way, I have the resource you are looking for!</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Introducing STEM Mats</h2><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg48ydQU32VlhsMtGVZjgByk9ZNXbY5CI7pT-f7lWxb6yJQFmxA72IM9tihVPT1XIWDBCJ2GUAw7PQwpNHATQhg1nsn89K_i_3xal7wz9c5R5Fpu3FZ_K_rQiqNyoBn4BXLey-OP0aB-r4E4WDI8q9dLph7TowB4snARVowCCZhGbsecqgQvFYKFoZpQ/s1920/LEGO%20Building%20STEM%20activities.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg48ydQU32VlhsMtGVZjgByk9ZNXbY5CI7pT-f7lWxb6yJQFmxA72IM9tihVPT1XIWDBCJ2GUAw7PQwpNHATQhg1nsn89K_i_3xal7wz9c5R5Fpu3FZ_K_rQiqNyoBn4BXLey-OP0aB-r4E4WDI8q9dLph7TowB4snARVowCCZhGbsecqgQvFYKFoZpQ/w640-h360/LEGO%20Building%20STEM%20activities.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">What are STEM mats? I created a set of reusable mats that have design constraints and criteria as part of the building task. Students will use a paper clip and pencil to spin their challenge! For the above example, students are tasked with creating a tower. The shape of the base is defined by the STEM mat as well as the minimum height. Because there are at least 2 criteria per challenge, there are many combinations of tasks to be built! How students will go about creating their prototype will change depending on the mat and the constraints.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Where are the building instructions?<br /></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy6isgqEJ-Yu4GMiLGMD8TsabbG0VbD-Wt_XVjmh1Q10dVYxSVEYRSgTjS3_Rw_Sl75wcQQnmhYoamVXgK6zGF9twNuUzuENpB9MzzYSSOrHnhTySicjtMGRAjLc82Cx9oa8Iuwi2bzqOGmRGlJgp2PgqK4qVcpRIrkXHJkqlOAuI0SrboxX8KXxKjA/s1920/Ways-to-use-Legos-in-STEM-class-without-building-instructions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy6isgqEJ-Yu4GMiLGMD8TsabbG0VbD-Wt_XVjmh1Q10dVYxSVEYRSgTjS3_Rw_Sl75wcQQnmhYoamVXgK6zGF9twNuUzuENpB9MzzYSSOrHnhTySicjtMGRAjLc82Cx9oa8Iuwi2bzqOGmRGlJgp2PgqK4qVcpRIrkXHJkqlOAuI0SrboxX8KXxKjA/w640-h360/Ways-to-use-Legos-in-STEM-class-without-building-instructions.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I have received this question before on my STEM mats, and it's also been suggested to me that building instructions would make this resource better. However, these tasks are not like a lego building set you would purchase at your local toy shop. Students must come up with a plan of their own. <b>They may or not be successful in meeting the criteria. </b>What is important is that they work toward a solution. The attempt is the important part of this task! If they don't get it right the first time, they can make modifications and try again.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Why should you try STEM Mats?<br /></h2><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzgLk3a3C7dCTnUzFuotF6AqnFl8Xmfp4ahOWdz1GihnaKAYyAfwm2TOmFjDRpBTv1DIANP9fCPXTuDxCHqfEI4fjSMq3ZNtzcs5l_j88SJnxBOZcb7LjZV-nqFMqyu3oLKxpdRqx_YNs-7uLAENxRgBR-nQwSpXs4Fv6BuCUUyF82K_x2aef2qKTBw/s1920/Benefits%20of%20using%20lego%20stem%20challenges.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzgLk3a3C7dCTnUzFuotF6AqnFl8Xmfp4ahOWdz1GihnaKAYyAfwm2TOmFjDRpBTv1DIANP9fCPXTuDxCHqfEI4fjSMq3ZNtzcs5l_j88SJnxBOZcb7LjZV-nqFMqyu3oLKxpdRqx_YNs-7uLAENxRgBR-nQwSpXs4Fv6BuCUUyF82K_x2aef2qKTBw/w640-h360/Benefits%20of%20using%20lego%20stem%20challenges.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>STEM mats are easy to set up (provided you have building bricks!). You don't need specific sizes or styles of bricks - students must use whichever bricks you have available. When they are finished, they will disassemble their creation.</li><li>These tasks keep students engaged for a good amount of time! They can be used in STEM class, for indoor recess, or during a STEM family night. While some tasks will be simpler than others, all will require planning time, building time, modification time, and clean up!</li><li>Most of the STEM mats require students to measure their prototype! That means they will get practice using measurement tools and other hands-on math skills. You will also see students get more and more creative as they get used to using the mats.</li><li>Once students have used STEM mats once, you can set up a station of them and students can work independently.<br /></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: left;">Can I try out STEM Mats?</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Yes! I created a separate post about <a href="https://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2022/08/08/makerspace-activities-with-building-bricks/" target="_blank"><b>STEM mats for building bricks over at STEM Activities for Kids</b></a>, and you can download a sample to try them out.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-34743598754753337482021-10-16T09:03:00.006-04:002021-10-17T10:59:00.108-04:00Low Prep Halloween STEM Activities for Kids of All Ages<h2 style="text-align: left;">Halloween STEM Activities for Kids of All Ages</h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2Txcc4JeOD-wvasLhv9WKw656zvNFtJO6Qk50kt19NYH7Y0VCVMwbwmO6KmArFDqZV2yjthHAJTht0EtDwOvnK3tVHEwgN4Ho6ZU15AWKeShjGzkn0aQqgE0bs81b4xqgPnxZ-Ame1rj/s1200/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2Txcc4JeOD-wvasLhv9WKw656zvNFtJO6Qk50kt19NYH7Y0VCVMwbwmO6KmArFDqZV2yjthHAJTht0EtDwOvnK3tVHEwgN4Ho6ZU15AWKeShjGzkn0aQqgE0bs81b4xqgPnxZ-Ame1rj/w640-h360/2.png" width="640" /></a></div></h2><p>Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate with kids, and I don't even like spooky, horror, etc.! I think of it as a time of year to dress up or be playful, share candy with friends, and try out some fun Halloween-themed STEM challenges.<br /></p><p>Try these STEM challenges with your kids and let me know how they went!<br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Create a Twirling Bat</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISGtkXaEL1W1y9AkRlrji8OiM5PSh9ggQvoGnxx6EoZKbhH_0mSVxx0O1SyHLY44zBUlM-Rapcz5ETAfm2X8c2_uioRK4wHVExTUyewolzml0RcM9XcAi6J0NfRRDP-VrupsWQXLiC6nF/s1200/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Halloween STEM Twirling Bat Challenge" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISGtkXaEL1W1y9AkRlrji8OiM5PSh9ggQvoGnxx6EoZKbhH_0mSVxx0O1SyHLY44zBUlM-Rapcz5ETAfm2X8c2_uioRK4wHVExTUyewolzml0RcM9XcAi6J0NfRRDP-VrupsWQXLiC6nF/w400-h400/2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>All you need for this one is paper! Students can design their own paper bat, or you can find printable bat templates to test out. You can find templates in the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-STEM-Activities-4870654?utm_source=Momgineer&utm_campaign=Low%20Prep%20Halloween%20Challenges">Halloween STEM resource</a> listed at the end of this post. Watch a video of a twirling bat in this video:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzfJ7lz9Fx9PFjLnOrSS_rAloCWY_DKCq_0OToKbOXIW43fF3fYr975yhaGv92fShXC0G3MGGALi6d_1GW_5A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><h3><p style="text-align: left;">Create a Spooky Ghost Chain!</p><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For this one you only need paper and tape (or staples). Using only one piece of paper, can your students create the longest ghost chain possible? To make this more challenging, have them see how much candy (like candy corn) the chain can support the weight of (they may need to rig up a paper cup or other basket-like device to hold the candy corn).</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutCrap_Qm2ocSrICA3gl1-QH_OlGlxVXaDEsGBHi_vqOr4PmKnZtyQ0fG-qJwpDN1Wj6DlSAnAF8wQcoN0SQ3sy3_-8QW-ajRgs4Z-DMkAR_UzxJ5moCMTUQhYh2k3JNYUOXxpopJDN_d/s1200/5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Halloween STEM Ghost Chain Challenge" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutCrap_Qm2ocSrICA3gl1-QH_OlGlxVXaDEsGBHi_vqOr4PmKnZtyQ0fG-qJwpDN1Wj6DlSAnAF8wQcoN0SQ3sy3_-8QW-ajRgs4Z-DMkAR_UzxJ5moCMTUQhYh2k3JNYUOXxpopJDN_d/w400-h400/5.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Design and Create a Candy "Bank"</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">While you can use real candies for this, I always avoid anything edible for STEM (it's just a personal preference). You can print out images of candy in different sizes and challenge your students to create a bank that the candy will fit in. It can have either one or multiple slots.<br /></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx6YM-Iw0FhBJKGpM3XdMzfJUpgkWm2pDPK9o9ZU6V_DCeWpMruroVKQWIAvDk9TyLItkO2zxodozTMtVYg4aN1-PYE8LGlRuxuUlXWdfl9Aymwkhm_OgxJKmEokTWEzDYrVC3UY_zd_U/s1200/3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx6YM-Iw0FhBJKGpM3XdMzfJUpgkWm2pDPK9o9ZU6V_DCeWpMruroVKQWIAvDk9TyLItkO2zxodozTMtVYg4aN1-PYE8LGlRuxuUlXWdfl9Aymwkhm_OgxJKmEokTWEzDYrVC3UY_zd_U/w400-h400/3.png" width="400" /></a></div></span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Create a SLIME Mold!</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Slime is always popular for students to play with or work with. See if your kids can create a shape to contain the slime and then observe what happens as they fill it. You can specify a maximum size or challenge them to create specific shapes (circle, triangle, square, etc.). Use your favorite slime recipe and see what your students create!</span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zy9AIVMKYQ2ZrTGfDWaw8lPRXBDzzZImSnqpBjxSFX6EXvYBb6TtPJgu9TgiK2AIip4thcOHQmSSJePGqpdbvf7sKc-Fh8eaKqhwIa9B9TCma_M7UXeaCnOdfk2jmrN_CNJGIGexQttf/s1200/4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zy9AIVMKYQ2ZrTGfDWaw8lPRXBDzzZImSnqpBjxSFX6EXvYBb6TtPJgu9TgiK2AIip4thcOHQmSSJePGqpdbvf7sKc-Fh8eaKqhwIa9B9TCma_M7UXeaCnOdfk2jmrN_CNJGIGexQttf/w400-h400/4.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Get the Resource!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you would like to find even more low-prep Halloween STEM activities, I have put together a resource with 12 (!) - it includes teacher instructions, recording pages for each challenge, plus a poster you can display in your STEM Center or makerspace, or if you are having a Family STEM night for Halloween, you can hang the posters on each table for STEM stations.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-STEM-Activities-4870654?utm_source=Momgineer&utm_campaign=Low%20Prep%20Halloween%20Challenges" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEIOQf3b5VaNm7QhzyQnuplSeUaOsvrzQnnAIqb8Mh-7aO3oBtZ6sI3us2CSNACfZU5-2XHxtnJAsWutJXlmKM9ONfOJdOHBPiqXDhXQCULbeSIqx48kxnx4g_u2EOzbOBn_JjQnK_L5W/w400-h400/3.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-STEM-Activities-4870654?utm_source=Momgineer&utm_campaign=Low%20Prep%20Halloween%20Challenges" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbOzA7oL5LtiLGJPlcAvoGTMCQBS0g37kcn7z_v1-PAoE2Mq_BocUX3kqafRfOlL-VbmsvN4WvbWqQWZXz48viYq1F1M-ATMDdK3VeN1h2FzC4RpF0qxMOV-rMf8k5gazd8akN5g62bAWf/w400-h400/4.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-STEM-Activities-4870654?utm_source=Momgineer&utm_campaign=Low%20Prep%20Halloween%20Challenges" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcWQ3cDkR3p4I_3X7imAYR-i4-VLWtupbaImPrHZo3ybCA3yzwzfdXQ7iHBuq6ACXef_VhVwUFzFZRPkzU_JLNbv5AoxJAcgHS0cuyG-rIH2KVMBk2tIcs9COe-bgYeLo7lLJke7Mlsyh/w400-h400/6.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></h2><h3><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></h3></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-STEM-Activities-4870654?utm_source=Momgineer&utm_campaign=Low%20Prep%20Halloween%20Challenges" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiKUqBJMkAoZ2OAgBjQd4dzKCWsCaDBxwfcmzD4uLkamsoRkt0MOOIEKT6LPMQcDmc-eIu8DD6B6I0IXOQPJZxY4oN7GWviM79UmInKVTVwBqCwD4b5SzGa-9_lbhlvl9lVzTe3CYST1u/s320/Get+the+Resource.png" width="320" /></a></div></h3><h3>Save these ideas for later by pinning them:</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgWCvxhtg956RAahRovg6qPDZ2hJZ4rKg9YWbbOupRLY6G1VA-3CDpUZ94OqckbCRirCxjeUoV7AUieM6A9GNMMokARVto0nNRRPr8HQfzHkPYWsiy2Y0aS4BmqwyKB4hl3aG5WYdZJnE/s1500/Halloween+STEM+Challenges+Low+Prep+and+Easy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgWCvxhtg956RAahRovg6qPDZ2hJZ4rKg9YWbbOupRLY6G1VA-3CDpUZ94OqckbCRirCxjeUoV7AUieM6A9GNMMokARVto0nNRRPr8HQfzHkPYWsiy2Y0aS4BmqwyKB4hl3aG5WYdZJnE/w426-h640/Halloween+STEM+Challenges+Low+Prep+and+Easy.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><h3><br /></h3>momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-31415630838990456882021-08-07T10:02:00.006-04:002022-05-09T10:20:00.082-04:00STEM Activities for the First Week of School<div><h2 style="text-align: left;">STEM Class Activities for the First Week of School<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg-OL0pYwY5k_Lu7slNy-6Jl3LLBhojVllPcfb-i1x879QgOyxndKmBCbIQIQ2IjxlhmkS3pO6GB2sGlg_BM-gns4L3gBRY0CBILG-V2agXpzIxKwt0d2XlpZ5QKPVq-CAhu3_SxwRZs-/s1920/First+Week+of+School.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg-OL0pYwY5k_Lu7slNy-6Jl3LLBhojVllPcfb-i1x879QgOyxndKmBCbIQIQ2IjxlhmkS3pO6GB2sGlg_BM-gns4L3gBRY0CBILG-V2agXpzIxKwt0d2XlpZ5QKPVq-CAhu3_SxwRZs-/w640-h360/First+Week+of+School.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></h2><p style="text-align: left;">If you want to get to know a little more about your students, and get them started to think like scientists, mathematicians, and engineers, I have some great ideas for you! <br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Get to Know You Activities for STEM Class</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Get to know your new STEM students with an All About Me activity! The <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-Math-1883869?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Math%20About%20Me">Math About Me</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-SCIENCE-1875960?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Science%20About%20Me">Science About Me</a> activities are perfect for this. With multiple options, depending on what grade you teach, there is something for everyone. These activities have your students think about things in a slightly different way.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-_yXYhOhzR0uuzWE3rFEk4lQu-dJ-oq4GMoxGYuUxX1riXjy2YnQiJSzZsGoEc8zZn7w62fN62gVsNK7gWKOMDKUVJd1rsZLCC3oNORuTrxN3IDSumuU430JWHAe2vbVT24vQPp84ZxL/s1500/Copy+of+All+About+Me+Covers+2021+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Math All About Me Banner Activity" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-_yXYhOhzR0uuzWE3rFEk4lQu-dJ-oq4GMoxGYuUxX1riXjy2YnQiJSzZsGoEc8zZn7w62fN62gVsNK7gWKOMDKUVJd1rsZLCC3oNORuTrxN3IDSumuU430JWHAe2vbVT24vQPp84ZxL/w426-h640/Copy+of+All+About+Me+Covers+2021+%25281%2529.png" width="426" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-Math-1883869?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Math%20About%20Me" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt1I0BcLKn13k0YYi3u0yM7APs762e-wS7CH3vbNMlFG0TCeS_dg0EAMPtxqsNQMYYuw7yMQIjtD2S0vBAsaignTJ9bh892KBUwxcLrL5eypRU6e7tp3wdCuzoo_Rs-FgtuTEeRx28qGl/s320/Get+the+Resource.png" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiLuLaDO5pgV76MZQQtPoHBj_cifDOrH98inVeuYsBCxH8f30Lk32W-gnlGKVBEw27kpN4fio_DCXBMbyIzSVTyqGIyBRb20XWqMwBDAfjvg737_VZ1jI4pslWluXGEM0e4dQRTJw9S7v/s1500/Copy+of+All+About+Me+Covers+2021.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Science All About Me Banner Activity" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiLuLaDO5pgV76MZQQtPoHBj_cifDOrH98inVeuYsBCxH8f30Lk32W-gnlGKVBEw27kpN4fio_DCXBMbyIzSVTyqGIyBRb20XWqMwBDAfjvg737_VZ1jI4pslWluXGEM0e4dQRTJw9S7v/w426-h640/Copy+of+All+About+Me+Covers+2021.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/All-About-Me-SCIENCE-1875960?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Science%20About%20Me" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt1I0BcLKn13k0YYi3u0yM7APs762e-wS7CH3vbNMlFG0TCeS_dg0EAMPtxqsNQMYYuw7yMQIjtD2S0vBAsaignTJ9bh892KBUwxcLrL5eypRU6e7tp3wdCuzoo_Rs-FgtuTEeRx28qGl/s320/Get+the+Resource.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">For example, in the Math About Me activity, their age can be displayed as a mathematical expression (such as 48<span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="hgKElc">÷4), while in the Science About Me activity, the banner asks students to write down how many solar orbits they have taken (their age). <br /></span></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Collaborative Activities and Team Builders<br /></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><b>ABC STEM</b> <b>Game</b>: Try to think of a "STEM word" for each letter of the alphabet as a class. You might start with "astronaut, architect, or ASK (the first step of the Engineering Design Process).</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Find Your Pair or Find Your Team: </b>Use sets of colored straws, pencils, colored dice, or mini erasers. Pass out one to each student and then have them find the other student(s) with the same color/type of object. You can also use pairing cards such as <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Partner-Cards-for-Pairing-and-Groups-4757117?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Partner%20Cards"><b>these</b></a>. This is great for when you want to build STEM teams, too!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Partner-Cards-for-Pairing-and-Groups-4757117?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Partner%20Cards" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="350" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Partner-Cards-for-Pairing-and-Groups-ON-SALE-FIRST-24-HOURS-4757117-1565179491/original-4757117-1.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Partner-Cards-for-Pairing-and-Groups-4757117?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Partner%20Cards" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt1I0BcLKn13k0YYi3u0yM7APs762e-wS7CH3vbNMlFG0TCeS_dg0EAMPtxqsNQMYYuw7yMQIjtD2S0vBAsaignTJ9bh892KBUwxcLrL5eypRU6e7tp3wdCuzoo_Rs-FgtuTEeRx28qGl/s320/Get+the+Resource.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Find all my favorite STEM Team Builders and Icebreakers in <a href="https://momgineer.blogspot.com/2016/08/back-to-school-stem-team-builders-and.html">this post</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://momgineer.blogspot.com/2016/08/back-to-school-stem-team-builders-and.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="957" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNVNluE94J2U0EsZrhjMfX7jkNx_M-NNABwO7343Q00OgA6hBO1c5mA1Z1jAxO7kB7ED0d6XLW5dN1JokEfUm-sOGkADtj9IknNvp7gy2vg4HSArcr2ZAWTINcMPubOTl4fIh2vMyCaE/w640-h280/Back+to+School+STEM+with+Momgineer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">STEM Lab Rules and Expectations</h2><p style="text-align: left;">It's important to go over safety rules for all equipment, your specific rules to your classroom, and then to set expectations for students. You may have some you start with and you may want to ask your students to help come up with some basic ones too.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Some ideas for STEM rules and expectations:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Only operate equipment you've been trained to use. <b>safety</b><br /></li><li>Report accidents right away. <b>safety</b><br /></li><li>Clean up your workspace when you are finished. <b>responsibility</b><br /></li><li>Listen to your teammates. It's okay to disagree but not be disrespectful. <b>cooperation</b><br /></li><li>Sometimes you will fail and that's okay! Do your best and try again. <b>growth mindset</b><br /></li><li>If you don't know, ask. <b>curiosity</b><br /></li></ul><p style="text-align: left;">What other rules and expectations do you use in your class?<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">You may want to have a specific set of rules for things like robots, too! I created a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Makerspace-Posters-for-Robotics-Rules-4363883?aref=9rh1edbo&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Robot%20Rules"><b>free set of robot rules</b></a> you can download below:</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Robot-Rules-for-the-Makerspace-or-Classroom-4363883-1575135881/original-4363883-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="350" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Robot-Rules-for-the-Makerspace-or-Classroom-4363883-1575135881/original-4363883-1.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Makerspace-Posters-for-Robotics-Rules-4363883?aref=9rh1edbo&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Robot%20Rules" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVPo7Hr8ewfm4Aee1btIbzFr0MEqiCHiOZSIhkdfIuvoSGldusjnAgQKoVDX6WuDThv3TrW9HUGb16sS-2N4fKH-e1jhBTpU4B6hOsccl0stA9XQPdSpBmQ2OrFfnKVAWlkQPoMudXo5D/s320/Get+the+Resource.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>Need a safety poster for your glue guns? This <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1p8EDWKQCvj7N_31PZiFS-uebY6XMg7nqv7YKWtP8miU/copy">editable resource is available to download here</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1p8EDWKQCvj7N_31PZiFS-uebY6XMg7nqv7YKWtP8miU/copy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vC_41OBShFPl3HNFvg3qyL6kVs8__rpCP2-DPVlZJe8r-J7Ys7PXb9Y7pKKgxJ01CXUqCrKXJm6-t-DFaBiA0L6aP8u2uEQcYZRACnCTwfBthseuDOn4iWHi-AC7RgQm-XNkchizDShq/s320/Hot+Glue+Gun+Safety+Rules.png" width="247" /></a></div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">STEM Building Challenges</h2><p style="text-align: left;">Try some basic building challenges with your students so they can get a feel for hands-on activities right away! You can download <a href="https://stemactivitiesforkids.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a439476b0bd2526bf24278b83&id=2d1db188a5">Tower Task Card Challenges</a> from my free resource library:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://stemactivitiesforkids.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a439476b0bd2526bf24278b83&id=2d1db188a5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="320" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLFHGgjiar_-c2hd5G1eknlYq7d9HA_834QXfiKe-76S5PGOlrJE8cFYWXRrKpoXzt_ISViuPf4tOH32s0CFG6E7GSNO_iqmhDWJxuORb16vvsIkRge57-mPTygYZ4oWriIP1d4JtGGU/s320/Tower+Challenge+Cards+-+1.png" width="320" /></a></div>You can also find STEM challenge cards to use with <a href="https://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2016/01/05/wooden-plank-stem-challenges-with-free-task-cards/">KEVA planks in this blog post</a>:<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2016/01/05/wooden-plank-stem-challenges-with-free-task-cards/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="500" height="386" src="https://i2.wp.com/stemactivitiesforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/wooden-plank-challenges-4.jpg?resize=500%2C386&ssl=1" width="500" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">STEM Books to Read</h2><p style="text-align: left;">What better way to start off your school year than with books that inspire creativity and explore failure and growth mindset! Find all my recommendations over at <a href="https://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2020/08/28/stem-read-aloud-books-for-the-first-day-of-school/">this blog post</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2020/08/28/stem-read-aloud-books-for-the-first-day-of-school/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://i1.wp.com/stemactivitiesforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/STEM-Books-to-Read-on-Your-First-Day-of-School.png?resize=1024%2C1024&ssl=1" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I hope you have a great start to your STEMtastic year! <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Pin these ideas to save them for later:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CgHTjT72sXqjEKHKB2zGlq0N3CTRFVZWrDLyzKpPW8ArOqprR1Y33jrXV9snrDEQjTzgX1YXvAIFLwI_WcsWcVSZkT8zKKSNK5goytn6U_jo_abthTms3aQFXRMqn7A8RmkK63ewI5J8/s1500/Activities+for+First+Week+of+School.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="STEM Class Activities for the First Week of School" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CgHTjT72sXqjEKHKB2zGlq0N3CTRFVZWrDLyzKpPW8ArOqprR1Y33jrXV9snrDEQjTzgX1YXvAIFLwI_WcsWcVSZkT8zKKSNK5goytn6U_jo_abthTms3aQFXRMqn7A8RmkK63ewI5J8/w426-h640/Activities+for+First+Week+of+School.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSSdlENz4b6kmVgTEpK_JVxeMSzZm2uN3OArKwMq8MBeMSp5_bsAdoWy0niAHwm3cao08YEwmsJXampme4tNFO8CRgd240I_T_cU_3a8MfezHR4EeK2IcefdZQSKnnmL9yTAkKgHpnsjU/s1500/STEM+Activities+for+First+Week+of+School+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSSdlENz4b6kmVgTEpK_JVxeMSzZm2uN3OArKwMq8MBeMSp5_bsAdoWy0niAHwm3cao08YEwmsJXampme4tNFO8CRgd240I_T_cU_3a8MfezHR4EeK2IcefdZQSKnnmL9yTAkKgHpnsjU/w426-h640/STEM+Activities+for+First+Week+of+School+%25281%2529.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="display: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYdUWgnBz2QZFmmfBsuKg4IcewULJPiGDftdIU9CQbJa1msQI3MvZHns7H6BUefli_4r9nlBf7wSpFd3dZU5-X_MvRZ6KeAMNOnzruf6kIIXrjED25_db50FuVkZFiN-vsEyBUXO_0KJM/s1500/STEM+Activities+for+First+Week+of+School.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYdUWgnBz2QZFmmfBsuKg4IcewULJPiGDftdIU9CQbJa1msQI3MvZHns7H6BUefli_4r9nlBf7wSpFd3dZU5-X_MvRZ6KeAMNOnzruf6kIIXrjED25_db50FuVkZFiN-vsEyBUXO_0KJM/w426-h640/STEM+Activities+for+First+Week+of+School.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><br /></div></div>momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-46853161032689504002021-02-01T10:41:00.004-05:002021-02-01T10:44:36.028-05:00Elementary STEM Con & Beyond<p>I often get asked about STEM PD opportunities, and while there are a number of awesome conferences to attend, this virtual one is a teacher favorite. <br /></p><p><a href="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/esc-2021?affiliate=momgineer">Elementary STEM Con & Beyond</a> is <b>the</b> STEM PD event of the year! Some professional development just <i>really</i> hits the mark. ❤️ </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/esc-2021?affiliate=momgineer"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2476" src="https://momgineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/gen5-1024x576.png" /></a></figure>
<p><b>Conference Content:</b></p>
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<p><b>Session Topics include: </b></p>
<ul><li>Integrating STEM with literature and content standards in multiple content areas</li><li><i>Authentic</i> STEAM </li><li>Culturally responsive STEM/STEAM</li><li>Social-emotional learning & STEM/STEAM</li><li>Makerspaces & Builder Clubs</li><li>Special education & STEM/STEAM</li><li>Augmented Reality apps</li><li>Robotics</li><li>Distance learning approaches & modifications</li><li>Green screen</li><li>The EDP, helping kids deal with failure, questioning methods, and many more!</li></ul>
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<h2>Live Panels</h2><p style="text-align: left;">One of my favorite parts of STEM Con? Live panels! This year's panels are going to be ah-mazing! Diverse and inclusive read alouds? So important and there are so many amazing books, especially picture books, that I can't wait to hear about!<br /></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Speaking of books, the authors above? Some of the BEST! Not only are their books right up there for me with permanent library spots, but they are just lovely, inspiring, and interesting people. <br /></p><h2>I can't wait!</h2>
<p>My sessions are about Impostor STEM and coaching a robotics team. These are both near and dear to my heart!<br /></p>
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<p>I hope to "see" you there!</p>
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momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-1540638397148635352020-11-09T08:46:00.006-05:002021-11-13T09:51:23.709-05:00Create Digital Stop Motion Animation<div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"> Digital Stop Motion Animation</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_Sb5n_oTiQED4GdLovkkeQjZJCdN-bWFMCojS8I4Jul7CaaNnDNF-N6kgq1mHhan7OWWDHKCqDmAxJ5unupid9L5JvkfmZXzNI9Qa8b0pFNgtSnHRfNxHsIuxiedGUSawZK-vaOx0bMN/s1200/Digital+Stop+Motion+Animation.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_Sb5n_oTiQED4GdLovkkeQjZJCdN-bWFMCojS8I4Jul7CaaNnDNF-N6kgq1mHhan7OWWDHKCqDmAxJ5unupid9L5JvkfmZXzNI9Qa8b0pFNgtSnHRfNxHsIuxiedGUSawZK-vaOx0bMN/w640-h360/Digital+Stop+Motion+Animation.png" width="640" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"></h2><p style="text-align: left;">Hands-on stop motion animation is one of my favorite STEM activities to do with kids, because it can be tied into almost any subject area, offers high engagement, and develops patience, perseverance, and persistence. It's not always an option, though, such as when:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Technology or materials are limited</li><li>You don't have space to set up and keep sets available for multiple sessions (such as if you are teaching froma cart)</li><li>Or in the case of no-sharing materials, hybrid or remote learning, you may not be able to do hands-on projects.</li><li>Your kids are working on stop motion activities as a bonus or choice activity when they may only have 10-15 minutes at a time to devote to it.<br /></li></ul><p>This is the perfect time to use digital stop motion animation instead!</p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Simple Digital Stop Motion Animation</h3><p style="text-align: left;">A simple way to get started animating quickly is to use <a href="https://www.abcya.com/games/animate">ABCYa Animate</a> - backgrounds, characters (called stickers), and drawing tools are all built in. You can simply just jump right in and start animating!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.abcya.com/games/animate" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="807" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYr98ChoxJUx5VvHQMHvvZszUNTkvrfJTL4DbUfgU-pJ2WCA3BEdc7V1aje7zBoG3DuwYO2Hw7VPO0OY0bYaElk6GZJAlKipgcMFmVqIzgf2iqMKC5kMUIIycl-mcr0z6AEH7MeAkCPn99/w640-h406/ABCya+Animate.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div>Some of the kids on my robotics team made a stop motion animation video with ABCYa (and then did some extra edits in OpenShot). You can see the video here:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V7P1hSHDVKo" width="320" youtube-src-id="V7P1hSHDVKo"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Animating with Google Slides</h3><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Almost</i> as easy as ABCYa is to just use Google Slides. I'm not going to reinvent the wheel with a tutorial video because there are dozens of them on YouTube already (I linked some below), but here are the basics:</p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Start with a background</li><li>Add in your animated component(s) as needed</li><li>Duplicate the slide <br /></li><li>Move your animated component(s) ONE ARROW keystroke in any direction (if animating text add one letter per slide)<br /></li><li>Repeat steps 3 and 4 until your animation is complete.</li><li>Watch your stop motion animation video as directed in the tutorial videos and/or screen capture the video and add some cool post-edits, like music, sound, credits, etc. I like to use <a href="https://shotcut.org/">Shotcut</a> or <a href="https://www.openshot.org/">OpenShot</a> for this.<br /></li></ol></div><p><b>Stop Motion with Google Slides Tutorials</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://youtu.be/1ORGYpviiiY">How to create stop motion animations with Google Slides</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://youtu.be/8Y45YoX1G6A">Using Google Slides for Stop Motion Animation</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://youtu.be/uCANaJtaQUE">Stop Motion Animation Tutorial using Google Slides</a></li></ul><div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Balloons-Over-Broadway-STEM-Activity-6106603?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Digital%20Stop%20Motion%20Animation%20Balloons%20Over%20Broadway">Balloons Over Broadway</a> or Thanksgiving Day Parade Stop Motion Animation</h3><p style="text-align: left;">This idea came to me as a way to tie in a digital STEM activity to the read aloud <i>Balloons Over Broadway </i>by Melissa Sweet. Students can create their very own Thanksgiving Day Parade with floats they find on Google image search, or they can draw their own with the drawing tool. Here is a video sample of a completed project:</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='434' height='361' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx8GD_hsQVyPSYDTugEvwxnImAdws9RupNU59spTlw4whsgvb3VVsWY99MqqVbvqnemRpCRsTw6rOJttasOIA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><div> </div><div>Why I love this project:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Students can work in pairs, but they could also work alone to create a single animation or a complete parade of floats!</li><li>Kids who struggle with drawing can use a float already found and instead apply their creativity to the animation aspect (changing size, aspect ratio, rotation) or having something exciting or unusual happen during the parade. Perhaps a bird flies by or a person photobombs the video!</li><li>It can easily be shared to the whole class when complete, as well as family members, and then saved as part of a digital STEM portfolio.</li><li>It seriously pushes the limits of persistence and patience. Stop motion animation is something that takes <b>time </b>and <b>persistence</b> to complete! Students are always so proud of their creations because they know just how much time they put into them.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3>Get the Resource</h3></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">While you don't need this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Balloons-Over-Broadway-STEM-Activity-6106603?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Digital%20Stop%20Motion%20Animation%20Balloons%20Over%20Broadway">Digital Stop Motion Animation resource</a> to complete the activity, I have included a background, various parade floats and vehicles, and step by step instructions so that students can do this project independently. Just download and get started right away!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Balloons-Over-Broadway-STEM-Activity-6106603?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Digital%20Stop%20Motion%20Animation%20Balloons%20Over%20Broadway" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/50-OFF-Stop-Motion-Animation-Digital-STEM-Activity-Thanksgiving-Day-Parade-6106603-1604570798/original-6106603-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-STEM-Activity-Stop-Motion-Animation-6269181?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Christmas%20Stop%20Motion%20Animation">Christmas Stop Motion Animation</a></h3><div style="text-align: left;">If you celebrate Christmas in the classroom, this stop motion animation movie (or others) is so cute to create! I found just the perfect clip art elements to animate Santa Claus flying across the winter night sky. Here is a video sample:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="377" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/atwx8oYqwX0" width="454" youtube-src-id="atwx8oYqwX0"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Snowman-STEM-Activity-Stop-Motion-Animation-6291727?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Snowman%20Stop%20Motion%20Animation">Snowman Stop Motion Animation</a></h3></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you want to create a winter-themed stop motion animation without Christmas theme, building a snowman is the perfect idea. I just love how this one came out:<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="366" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uKWKR9NYPJw" width="440" youtube-src-id="uKWKR9NYPJw"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3>Get the Resources</h3></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-STEM-Activity-Stop-Motion-Animation-6269181?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Christmas%20Stop%20Motion%20Animation" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV_XpMH-8SBF0ksjrMEJSL1sWXnL_R-S19PwdhPGeTKffYSflhfotXoWC5ODRl5g6DTwx7M6tkmPLdrNWxtvpkmK6zfPSLQixabOewATu7Acj2uMBYYXvuV3_tGKLLVxA4KnnjI_iOkO7/s320/1.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Snowman-STEM-Activity-Stop-Motion-Animation-6291727?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Snowman%20Stop%20Motion%20Animation" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qbYqRt2tmwDJKE62eGQHQtz2yeM5Vs5yRO4DrWGWEurNkNmGc2VukYZQ9SCvArN2rbJ0IksmEN-dgSIUVzgzauq5YgJx698Gf9Ydr0v9V9gJBnB4nr4vPrh4_BKj62Mt2D6lY41K3EOo/s320/1.png" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Pin these ideas for later:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg885ORC_cK7iCaKbwTBsf6bbN_VoCMgT6MPGVZ4WwrYMow7ebPxEzZakfkdNpNs-jXzo6PQJd32yZsU0Q6bhB4uSTZfqS45FsBqRk-YLn9VewIO_53vJl2XhKUS5DgsQnZflSDQNAvPJey/s1102/Stop+Motion+Animation+STEM+Projects+for+Kids++%25282%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg885ORC_cK7iCaKbwTBsf6bbN_VoCMgT6MPGVZ4WwrYMow7ebPxEzZakfkdNpNs-jXzo6PQJd32yZsU0Q6bhB4uSTZfqS45FsBqRk-YLn9VewIO_53vJl2XhKUS5DgsQnZflSDQNAvPJey/w426-h640/Stop+Motion+Animation+STEM+Projects+for+Kids++%25282%2529.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div>momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-56586806952768738332020-10-20T11:09:00.004-04:002020-10-20T11:09:41.279-04:00STEM Activities to Try While Reading Those Darn Squirrels!<h2 style="text-align: left;">STEM Activities to Accompany <i>Those Darn Squirrels!</i><br /></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYbTjtgat1LK-zqT8NMhm6cysyYCU64Qke0VQTN0cDWM_G40l5fZ2B-JC5Gxs8cFo3-U-TuuWd2xx-V2rr1cVHlF7EslcP9y3JXEzIGBAu1pmNpYzWvHXA7LT4Re7wEWpWUA9fBbEnmLG/s1200/STEM+Activities+for+Those+Darn+Squirrels+by+Adam+Rubin.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYbTjtgat1LK-zqT8NMhm6cysyYCU64Qke0VQTN0cDWM_G40l5fZ2B-JC5Gxs8cFo3-U-TuuWd2xx-V2rr1cVHlF7EslcP9y3JXEzIGBAu1pmNpYzWvHXA7LT4Re7wEWpWUA9fBbEnmLG/w640-h360/STEM+Activities+for+Those+Darn+Squirrels+by+Adam+Rubin.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the <b>BEST picture books for learning about STEM and the engineering design process </b>is <i>Those Darn Squirrels!</i><b> </b>by Adam Rubin. Not only is the story delightful and quirky, but the illustrations really bring it to life!</p><p style="text-align: left;">The squirrels are on a mission to get as much bird seed as possible, but Mr. Fookwire tries to thwart them every which way. The squirrels have a lot of tricks up their sleeves, though, and are in possession of numerous talents! One such talent being good at math!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">STEM Activity: Design and Create an Abacus<br /></h3><p style="text-align: left;">An abacus makes an appearance in two pages of this story, and they can be really fun to use for basic math learning. Do you know <a href="https://youtu.be/SYRyKYmOJwM">how to use an abacus</a>?<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xW7jnEKKI-9Wp6YAgbhhbF2xVb4QuvEWmRPv65UdNs-C-DHjWzpkIKnG00IGKl7vKLyhzyzC3O9UuPoVCVjEMTVzoUCUAZ65WLf3S_0LD5e8Uq-MCk7Jx6eENOnx2sRRsKAQLwC7toaR/s1200/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xW7jnEKKI-9Wp6YAgbhhbF2xVb4QuvEWmRPv65UdNs-C-DHjWzpkIKnG00IGKl7vKLyhzyzC3O9UuPoVCVjEMTVzoUCUAZ65WLf3S_0LD5e8Uq-MCk7Jx6eENOnx2sRRsKAQLwC7toaR/w640-h360/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM.png" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">To keep it simple, just focus on ones and tens! Use beads, pasta, or other items that can easily slide back and forth. The abacus below uses straw pieces that were cut to make the counters.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I love this challenge because you will end up with so many different kinds of abacuses (abaci?!) and then your students can <b>actually use them</b> to work on math skills!</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE34pWKJsQ8JY8uuGENeilq02eTbSxJ7g7cckj3pp744gnNCAvyN3oMTYBBVudx8ADKpCc65wMXqKhyphenhyphenLMn6lXDRUYJiM7Mml_SSBmzJWcZnKnlsVE5-1azejCannn5og5nVeuA4XhMorHw/s1200/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM+activity+abacus.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE34pWKJsQ8JY8uuGENeilq02eTbSxJ7g7cckj3pp744gnNCAvyN3oMTYBBVudx8ADKpCc65wMXqKhyphenhyphenLMn6lXDRUYJiM7Mml_SSBmzJWcZnKnlsVE5-1azejCannn5og5nVeuA4XhMorHw/w640-h360/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM+activity+abacus.png" width="640" /></a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">STEAM Activity: Design and Create an Easel</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Mr. Fookwire loves painting pictures of his favorite birds. Why do artists use easels? How is it different to paint or draw on a mostly vertical surface than on a table or desk? This is a great activity to tie in to art. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB3bwvBU8refT_F03K1ux9g6r9DVLRpB3p2JhnhmucIGM7nk-hd5z7lS8Hea-JvTF6k9ZxF40hsC687vVS4Ih5fv_V0phNR8Ij4jWidCCdBeFWCaeIpTsB8FKk6QDILsuuEdjdiAdE0DE/s1200/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM+easel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB3bwvBU8refT_F03K1ux9g6r9DVLRpB3p2JhnhmucIGM7nk-hd5z7lS8Hea-JvTF6k9ZxF40hsC687vVS4Ih5fv_V0phNR8Ij4jWidCCdBeFWCaeIpTsB8FKk6QDILsuuEdjdiAdE0DE/w640-h360/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM+easel.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">Students can create a <b>mini easel</b> just right for a squirrel to use. Once Mr. Fookwire and the squirrels become friendly, maybe they will paint birds together!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Once again, after students have created their mini easel, <b>they can use it </b>to paint or draw something they enjoyed from this fun read aloud.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-p3an0mXdVjmWuK5sh6IS4Vxr73wHwh7hTTfDdLZxHNhJZa4_4I3LUvqA36orHgTtsgXH9-1sDdTqLeIJjfSrqX6ldZUmhbbjF8WegNphhyphenhyphenuYyyouxsObY0fiju6PigXzTHF0A7ZV_SY/s1200/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM+Challenge+Easel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-p3an0mXdVjmWuK5sh6IS4Vxr73wHwh7hTTfDdLZxHNhJZa4_4I3LUvqA36orHgTtsgXH9-1sDdTqLeIJjfSrqX6ldZUmhbbjF8WegNphhyphenhyphenuYyyouxsObY0fiju6PigXzTHF0A7ZV_SY/w640-h360/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM+Challenge+Easel.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">STEM Challenge: Design and Create an Obstacle Course!</h3><p style="text-align: left;">In the story<span>, Mr. Fookwire creates an elaborate squirrel obstacle course.</span> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfPcpLTZBKsNkybcoju7zYqupsBtJJau0ai0lrISpkOGPn567XO9Wo_2fTlV49pRRsFBMCRbrRpvKRR-CR3F-vaepBcuKKQY266qL044Dq-pcFYK9wrmXdzLvpZiL5LZe0h0fznQPziBp/s1200/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM+Activities+to+Try+While+Reading.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfPcpLTZBKsNkybcoju7zYqupsBtJJau0ai0lrISpkOGPn567XO9Wo_2fTlV49pRRsFBMCRbrRpvKRR-CR3F-vaepBcuKKQY266qL044Dq-pcFYK9wrmXdzLvpZiL5LZe0h0fznQPziBp/w640-h360/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM+Activities+to+Try+While+Reading.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Students can either create their own obstacle course or create a scale model obstacle course that you provide them, or find printables and more ideas in this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Activities-for-Those-Darn-Squirrels-Bookshelf-STEM-Junior-6017346?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Those%20Darn%20Squirrels%20STEM">Bookshelf STEM Junior resource</a>.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sAApQFBqKpnA1kRDaFlqLFbm6ocTdQOgYpxJqV9dC7LhL1sPKl-YhorXVW0mLWBFrsOLrHrXtC9Dca9rHh5lylTfkQb1avRmO6hS-pql7Wp_qfQO7JlLWV21bT5bhDX2NLk6IDow3MlF/s1200/Those+Darn+Squirrels+Obstacle+Course+Sample.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sAApQFBqKpnA1kRDaFlqLFbm6ocTdQOgYpxJqV9dC7LhL1sPKl-YhorXVW0mLWBFrsOLrHrXtC9Dca9rHh5lylTfkQb1avRmO6hS-pql7Wp_qfQO7JlLWV21bT5bhDX2NLk6IDow3MlF/w640-h360/Those+Darn+Squirrels+Obstacle+Course+Sample.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /><br />All of the above challenges really make this read aloud come alive. If you would like printables, more activities, and teacher support materials, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Activities-for-Those-Darn-Squirrels-Bookshelf-STEM-Junior-6017346?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Those%20Darn%20Squirrels%20STEM">please visit this listing</a>:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Activities-for-Those-Darn-Squirrels-Bookshelf-STEM-Junior-6017346?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Those%20Darn%20Squirrels%20STEM" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/STEM-Activities-for-Those-Darn-Squirrels-Bookshelf-STEM-Junior-6017346-1601279012/original-6017346-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Activities-for-Those-Darn-Squirrels-Bookshelf-STEM-Junior-6017346?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Those%20Darn%20Squirrels%20STEM" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/STEM-Activities-for-Those-Darn-Squirrels-Bookshelf-STEM-Junior-6017346-1601279012/original-6017346-3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">What are your favorite picture books to read with your students? Let me know by commenting below!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Pin these ideas for later:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHStiap0vJtO7fxC4dMn38uWfIv4Ec1AxSVX05HwDv7gfFziTXJ2NgrOjb2l1lAd03rvEBcir89LPmGHCKteaDJeMahRInvBMmBPnMpdnUvNZpPkzg5bdKtcuF8HfHZlYd5GVmfnOhfj0/s1500/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM+activities.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHStiap0vJtO7fxC4dMn38uWfIv4Ec1AxSVX05HwDv7gfFziTXJ2NgrOjb2l1lAd03rvEBcir89LPmGHCKteaDJeMahRInvBMmBPnMpdnUvNZpPkzg5bdKtcuF8HfHZlYd5GVmfnOhfj0/w426-h640/Those+Darn+Squirrels+STEM+activities.png" width="426" /></a></div><br />momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-38190353986088632702020-10-08T09:22:00.005-04:002020-10-08T09:22:57.761-04:00Letters From Space: Book Review<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgXQ8ZB9OHp2uDxtOIWECoOZyyflolqt5DQa_pm_48esSRXc6QVRiuKEp0ubtkrEkvWeARoa4pQCxfGAxHbKFvw34rHAe-YyU7YACotw_E44tsTcnmqOuTWlyDqCADKfCJ3uTD96kv3C4/s1200/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgXQ8ZB9OHp2uDxtOIWECoOZyyflolqt5DQa_pm_48esSRXc6QVRiuKEp0ubtkrEkvWeARoa4pQCxfGAxHbKFvw34rHAe-YyU7YACotw_E44tsTcnmqOuTWlyDqCADKfCJ3uTD96kv3C4/w559-h315/1.png" width="559" /></a></div><br /><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Letters from Space: Picture Book Review</h2><p>If you have a kid who is fascinated by space, they will adore this fun, fact-filled picture book! Written by Clayton Anderson, an astronaut who spent 152 days aboard the International Space Station, this quirky book is fun and funny! Susan Batori's illustrations bring Clayton's letters alive as he lets the readers know about day-to-day goings on as well as interesting tidbits along the way.</p><p>This is probably my favorite illustration below, as Clayton flies around:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhawRcCwg9RrK19JIbbqFbdKaAbZSNCAT2Bbsh3_xv0e003duhBfynpJOG_iIpwdCM6YTIWaWump_C_t4nwCECUVEumrvqhIITzJsBrTkTU3GTCg5YyBKnAGfQB50FhzltthXTkCd2u0Y/s1200/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhawRcCwg9RrK19JIbbqFbdKaAbZSNCAT2Bbsh3_xv0e003duhBfynpJOG_iIpwdCM6YTIWaWump_C_t4nwCECUVEumrvqhIITzJsBrTkTU3GTCg5YyBKnAGfQB50FhzltthXTkCd2u0Y/w574-h324/2.png" width="574" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>The book is a series of letters written by Clayton, and ends with a special author's note with even more interesting facts about astronauts, living in space, and NASA. Here are a few of the quotes from the book that really stood out for me:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFK6_b246BD4am-KZNrFoEsp5v8Id8tQNU7nt4Yzd2A5ntAnLYgdtfBLwS7pUhyphenhyphenOOnYRdD1qMo04lir9-pXszvwaCWAB5QhvYVc9Cmv8hSmOTFyWruLWJMROty9Y5xcJKMQkel0kXYIBE/s1200/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFK6_b246BD4am-KZNrFoEsp5v8Id8tQNU7nt4Yzd2A5ntAnLYgdtfBLwS7pUhyphenhyphenOOnYRdD1qMo04lir9-pXszvwaCWAB5QhvYVc9Cmv8hSmOTFyWruLWJMROty9Y5xcJKMQkel0kXYIBE/w593-h334/3.png" width="593" /></a></div><br /><p>I thought this book was really cute! The illustrations are quirky and the information is often presented in a humorous or silly way, which always makes it more fun for kids to engage with.<br /></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/30NbBsB">Find the book on Amazon</a> (affiliate link, read our <a href="https://momgineer.blogspot.com/p/disclaimers.html">disclosure</a>) at:</p><p><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1534110747/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1534110747&linkCode=as2&tag=momgineer05-20&linkId=2b8c05f3b0ee8fd74be084dc8b93f944" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1534110747&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=momgineer05-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=momgineer05-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1534110747" style="border: medium none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> <br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">NASA Kids Club<br /></h3><div style="text-align: left;">If you haven't already, you'll also want to check out the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html">NASA Kids' Club</a>, which has missions, photo galleries, tons of facts, and downloads for kids! <br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">About the Author<br /></h3><p>Clayton Anderson is the author of<i> A is for Astronaut: Blasting Through the Alphabet, The Ordinary Spaceman</i>, and <i>It’s a Question of Space: An Ordinary Astronaut’s Answers to Sometimes Extraordinary Questions</i>. He spent 30 years working for NASA, 15 as an engineer and 15 as an astronaut. You can watch <a href="https://youtu.be/cj4ZgGFPW5I">a short video about him on YouTube</a>.<br /></p><p><br />To learn more about the author visit www.astroclay.com. You can follow him on Facebook @AstroClay, Twitter @Astro_Clay, or Instagram @astro_clay. <br /></p>momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-52265449830701921632020-07-21T09:37:00.001-04:002020-07-21T09:46:45.572-04:00Zoom Tips for Teachers<h1 style="text-align: left;">Tips for Using Zoom with Your Students</h1><div>A member of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/STEMteachertribe/">STEM Teachers Group</a> asked for everyone's best tips for using Zoom with their students. The tips were <b>so awesome and useful</b> that I compiled them in this post (and downloadable graphic) so that everyone could benefit! <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6rddGlWWIucFk3vKkZ3n1mr0ZDGzmSHUod6fLV5mgiOVw_SMJIbir8hCVOVUHhphv4Urgmzd7BhIG0abz9HH_3lmY4ZZIdqBj9HdlLYamu05jVZ1tYElNo6cQPFu-ZjpxYH5XLtCtZXK/s1200/Zoom+Tips+for+Teachers.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6rddGlWWIucFk3vKkZ3n1mr0ZDGzmSHUod6fLV5mgiOVw_SMJIbir8hCVOVUHhphv4Urgmzd7BhIG0abz9HH_3lmY4ZZIdqBj9HdlLYamu05jVZ1tYElNo6cQPFu-ZjpxYH5XLtCtZXK/w625-h351/Zoom+Tips+for+Teachers.png" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>If you have additional tips please be sure to let me know <a href="mailto:meredith@momgineer.com">via email</a> so I can add them in!</div><div></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">1. Set Expectations</h2><div>Set out expectations clearly at the beginning of your meeting on a slide, or keep a poster propped up behind you with expectations and procedures. Build community by having your students help come up with expectations and procedures!</div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">2. Use the Waiting Room Feature</h2><div>Use the virtual waiting room feature and enable the doorbell sound/chime when<br />someone enters. Not only will it alert you if someone enters late, it will help keep your meeting more secure. Once all students arrive, lock the meeting.</div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">3. Make Sure to Mute</h2></div>Make sure your meeting is set to "mute upon entry" and encourage your<br />students to mute themselves after speaking.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a backup option, learn where the "mute all" button is in the event they<br />forget to mute themselves!</div><div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">4. Set a Meeting ID</h2></div></div><div>Set up a meeting ID and password so it's always the same for a particular group.<br /><br />Beware, though that if the link gets shared with others you may need to change it.<br /></div><div><div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">5. Use Breakout Rooms</h2></div></div></div><div>For small group collaboration, utilize the breakout room feature. Rotate through to pop in and check on each group. *Breakout rooms may need adult supervision, so ask for volunteer helpers if possible.<br /></div><div><div><div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">6. No Annotation, Chat, OR Screen Share</h2></div></div></div></div><div>Turn OFF annotation and screen share, or students will be able to draw on the screen or share their own screen with everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turn OFF chat for everyone but the host.</div><div><div><div><div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">7. Basic Requirements</h2></div></div></div></div></div><div>Consider having basic requirements for your meetings for your meetings, such as:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Students must use their real name when logging in.</li><li>Cameras must remain on.</li><li>Students must virtually raise their hand to speak.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div><div><div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">8. Headset Quality</h2><div>Built-in microphones are often not clear. Your voice should be clear for the<br />students and you want your ears to be comfortable, too! Invest in a good headset or mic.<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">9. Try New Things</h2><div>Not only can you keep your meetings more interesting, you can make them run more efficiently if you keep tabs on what your students see as a student participant, using keyboard shortcuts to not have to constantly search in menus for what you need, and having a variety of ways to interact to keep students engaged.<br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Backgrounds</li><li>Split screens</li><li>A document camera</li><li>Using two computers/devices (one as yourself and one as a student)<br /></li><li>Learn keyboard shortcuts<br /></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: left;">10. Pre-record <br /></h2></div></div>Pre-record video lessons for your students to watch prior to your meeting, or find a suitable YouTube video on the topic you are teaching. Give students tasks before the meeting, so that when you do meet, you are following up with them and addressing issues or questions.</div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">11. Take Breaks<br /></h2></div><div>Have a fun activity like scavenger hunt while students are waiting to join. Try quick brain breaks, stretching exercises, or mindfulness activities to help your students stay focused.</div><div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">12. Be Willing to Learn</h2></div><div>If you have a meeting that didn't go well, take a deep breath and try again next<br />time. There will be kinks to work out, but enlist your students to help brainstorm<br />ways to make your meetings work for everyone!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Download the tips! You can download this graphic to keep a copy of the tips:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyBxVsVlJifRJMqKW9gEUc6UAWa2AxW3pRfRsCUjV9KCyS5ledogcQKv7IRBS0FVX_X33lnEJIi0uJBLi6PpPFNB7dqh0SjRL0XoRyc6jWoUW889w4unjNHRXxXb61dYD7Qf_cjuX0q75/s2000/Tips+for+Using+Zoom.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1000" height="954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyBxVsVlJifRJMqKW9gEUc6UAWa2AxW3pRfRsCUjV9KCyS5ledogcQKv7IRBS0FVX_X33lnEJIi0uJBLi6PpPFNB7dqh0SjRL0XoRyc6jWoUW889w4unjNHRXxXb61dYD7Qf_cjuX0q75/w611-h1220/Tips+for+Using+Zoom.png" width="477" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h2><b>Do you like STEM? Try Elementary STEM Club!</b></h2></div><div>You may have noticed that little logo at the bottom left corner of the image for Elementary STEM Club. If you are a K-5 teacher and incorporate STEM, or a dedicated STEM teacher, I would <b>love</b> for you to check out <a href="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/a/30537/QzP2sK9P">Elementary STEM Club</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/a/30537/QzP2sK9P" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT084A6XFr8ZiZWWcZGVvOD7Ecf3nPJBCVYYM9mCeZZB22e-4uGzh86cHf03FndDWrz2Sez5ULt14eHRIGBUczzGia_I3tpxXRefPXs6Su_fVH7mtqzVHHt2aBIGFXhQBnHMcoVd_WfK4a/w500-h500/2.png" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What is it?</b></div><div>Elementary STEM Club is a 3-month experience to kickstart your back to school months with support, activities, and tips for navigating the year, whether you are in person, distance teaching, hybrid teaching, or mobile.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Each month, you will gain access to:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">A<b> tried and true STEM resource with a video walk-through</b> of what you need to get started, how to use it, and tips for success.</li><li style="text-align: left;">A <b>LIVE</b> <b>panel</b> <b>discussion</b>, featuring educators chatting about a timely topic in STEM. <br /></li><li style="text-align: left;">A <b>book</b> <b>chat</b>: a focus on K-5 picture books to enhance your STEM lessons and learning.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Some surprise <b>bonuses along the way</b> (from our hosts, presenters, and guests)!</li><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Interaction</b> with other STEM educators in the private Facebook group and club site - you may even find your new STEM teacher bestie!<p style="text-align: left;">Most of all, you will receive a <b>solid foundation and the support you need </b>this fall to start your <b>school year off right.</b></p></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">Find out more about <a href="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/a/30537/QzP2sK9P">Elementary STEM Club</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/a/30537/QzP2sK9P" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://kajabi-storefronts-production.global.ssl.fastly.net/kajabi-storefronts-production/themes/2271943/settings_images/3KfgmJmuRyOp0cB56Lp2_logo_ideas_4.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Pin these ideas for later:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucmLoNiN4RKBAbCL9Na1mUeW5yqXOuX92Id5GWUxnohRZ0ak0KU9O3e1uvaUFxNNVqRqYCXgs6fHXlphoCSUljd4kJLjnmfwcCPyt9ICD3Zal2sWLEiZCn_S-RkY5QYve6OmlK4uh_bYL/s1500/Tips+for+Zoom+with+Students.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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STEM Challenge for Summer: Design a Submersible!</h3><div>This is one of the more challenge STEM activities I have done with kids over the years! It's also <b>perfect</b> for summer because you <b>will get wet!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div>
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Warning: You WILL Get Wet with this STEM Challenge </h3><div>
Why try this challenge? I can't even tell you how many boat challenges I have done with kids, asking for <a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-best-stem-challenge-ever.html">a simple craft that floats</a>, <a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/2018/03/wind-powered-sailboat-spring-stem.html">something that can be propelled with wind</a> (sailboat), and so on.</div><div><br /></div><div>You have probably also done "Does it sink or float?" activities with your students over the years.</div><div><br /></div><div>This challenge is a combination of all those!</div><div><br /></div><div>What if we want an object to not sink, <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsR18nLSppZLJco9RPqUaSePhYCf7jcDDW4h390AOEiqwJpZh149ZIXbXCdMegY3fH8ZAKbcRkYhT6nQPR1-G_-oNDAt0wjOKXfNzFKC19I-s8wPYQ-cqfUnBGl9MvQncTo_EuKkWpo-x/s560/Summer+STEM+Buoyancy+Challenge+Submersible.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsR18nLSppZLJco9RPqUaSePhYCf7jcDDW4h390AOEiqwJpZh149ZIXbXCdMegY3fH8ZAKbcRkYhT6nQPR1-G_-oNDAt0wjOKXfNzFKC19I-s8wPYQ-cqfUnBGl9MvQncTo_EuKkWpo-x/w625-h351/Summer+STEM+Buoyancy+Challenge+Submersible.png" width="625" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>but to float, <br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eRwA5fkMbFtVmlBVlCjFu2hQ4jb2u58Ow64cbBDQcPFrC2RJsp4EXXoS3GBVxZUNKpkMJPZTg-PKnoLayfy-OtTa1GJlSvxezDRVVXGZHx4HecZW_e8GVjjKI5Q3AiSZ1-QQ39QoWTK2/s560/Summer+STEM+Buoyancy+Challenge+Momgineer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eRwA5fkMbFtVmlBVlCjFu2hQ4jb2u58Ow64cbBDQcPFrC2RJsp4EXXoS3GBVxZUNKpkMJPZTg-PKnoLayfy-OtTa1GJlSvxezDRVVXGZHx4HecZW_e8GVjjKI5Q3AiSZ1-QQ39QoWTK2/w625-h351/Summer+STEM+Buoyancy+Challenge+Momgineer.png" width="625" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>but <b><i>not</i></b> at the surface and rather about halfway between the bottom of a body of water and the top?<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVfUPODir1uNA8LhfbGdPT5q_09es-3W_rVTUk7YluBVuNHVZ5QoRO0Z6gBMuqI1GSmAMquW7xXnNwQ7olGbOL-wjaig3QkPC3VaR_9M2ElFKONtX9rv7PXuB35EWgnu72ONZPy85ceq8/s560/Summer+STEM+Buoyancy+Challenge+STEM+Camp.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVfUPODir1uNA8LhfbGdPT5q_09es-3W_rVTUk7YluBVuNHVZ5QoRO0Z6gBMuqI1GSmAMquW7xXnNwQ7olGbOL-wjaig3QkPC3VaR_9M2ElFKONtX9rv7PXuB35EWgnu72ONZPy85ceq8/w625-h351/Summer+STEM+Buoyancy+Challenge+STEM+Camp.png" width="625" /></a></div></div><h3>
Gather Materials for Submersible STEM</h3>
First, gather all materials needed for the challenge:<br />
<div><br /></div><div><b>For the water:</b><br /></div><div>
You will need a tub, storage bin, kiddie pool, etc. for this challenge. You will also need to fill the bin with water.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Students can create their submersibles with
aluminum foil, popsicle sticks, plastic egg carton pieces, balloons, rubber bands, recyclables, pennies or small weights, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your students can start in <b>one of two ways:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>With an object that <b>floats</b>, that they will need to make <b>LESS</b> buoyant.<br /></li><li>
With an object that <b>sinks</b>, that they will need to make <b>MORE</b> buoyant.<br /></li></ul></div><h3>
Go Deeper with Science in this STEM Challenge</h3>
Have your students research density and buoyancy. Ask:<br />
<br /><b>How does the density of an object affect its buoyancy?</b><br />
<br />
<b>When might you want a water vessel to NOT be completely buoyant?</b><br />
<br />
What
skills do students work on? In addition to following the Engineering
Design Process to complete this challenge, students will need to work
together and may need to make several modifications to improve their
sail designs.<br />
<br />
Add more rigor into this activity and download printables for students to use with the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Buoyancy-STEM-Challenge-Submersible-3159732">STEM challenge resource</a> (or get the pack of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-STEM-End-of-the-Year-STEM-Challenges-2590329">Summer STEM challenges</a>) on Teachers pay Teachers (also includes <b>sand</b> <b>castle</b> <b>STEM and a squirrel proof bird feeder</b>):<br />
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momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-6677309089366168292020-06-25T21:05:00.004-04:002020-06-26T09:10:21.256-04:00Virtual PD for Elementary Teachers<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><pre></pre></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
WHOLE Teacher Training and Nurturing</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3FEw6uYMfhH7sjbbH9H6S2WWyMfjE65B8HlFfVlKsfiOzSm8-mLB4ztb71V8iiuXHJQLk0l0uOGlAIi2lTIkpOUdSd8Sg-8CdAwmjRBSNWyoXMTh-Zx2aTTjzE9_Aitnh0oARHxb9FHx/s1600/Virtual+PD+Options+for+Elementary+Teachers.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3FEw6uYMfhH7sjbbH9H6S2WWyMfjE65B8HlFfVlKsfiOzSm8-mLB4ztb71V8iiuXHJQLk0l0uOGlAIi2lTIkpOUdSd8Sg-8CdAwmjRBSNWyoXMTh-Zx2aTTjzE9_Aitnh0oARHxb9FHx/s640/Virtual+PD+Options+for+Elementary+Teachers.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fill in the Blank</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
I am a ___________ teacher. </h3>
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Whatever blank you filled in, you probably also have a <b>missing piece.</b></div>
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<b>Do you want to be prepared whether you are teaching in the classroom or in a distance learning environment?</b></div>
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<b>Do you want to be a culturally responsive teacher who meets the needs of ALL your students?</b></div>
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<b>Do you want to be a ROCK STAR in every subject area, not just the ones you already LOVE to teach? </b></div>
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<a href="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/wte2020?affiliate=momgineer"><img alt="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/wte2020?affiliate=momgineer" border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ1rGjzPeZ7VA70TRD3ugKbapW509OxUI3rL-wYzcT8bpLiENMfAuQVgxI5grpTqz_HIk3b1a_BbvNRSk5MinofY-u3pR25IdM8Xwo9NxBSyRCYyYscz1qdkPXUndWc9a0xGJnp4i9df0/s640/Whole+Teacher+EclecticCon.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Whole-Teacher EclecticCon to the Rescue! </h3>
<br />
We often talk about educating the whole <b>child</b>, but what about whole <b>teacher</b> PD?<br />
<br />
<br />
Most PD focuses solely on academic content, but we KNOW great teaching is about <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>so<br /><br /><br />much<br /><br /><br />more</b> than that.<br />
<br />
<br />
There’s a LOT to explore and learn about the art of teaching, and now there’s one easy place to start: <a href="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/wte2020?affiliate=momgineer">Whole-Teacher EclecticCon</a>!<br />
<br />
This <b>online conference </b>is chock-full of trainings, free resources, and more!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/wte2020?affiliate=momgineer"><img alt="https://kerry-tracy.mykajabi.com/wte2020?affiliate=momgineer" border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwE6tjpdUlvn2xkRv8Kjur-5Vm8cQpP8QoJA46DqpkjAZOzv1VqPVY04M7FosoSJYJmAr7oRrWzldnqeVQ0J_-dJGbCY3Fx6cQ2bDiYCMT756ezs3uxNAZNYYmZ43oBPaaeAx4sndh6tIM/s640/Teach+the+Whole+Child%252C+Nurture+the+Whole+Teacher.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
While
the academic sessions are geared for upper elementary (grade 3-5),
there are a LOT of sessions that apply to any grade level. Even if you
aren’t teaching those grade levels, you’re welcome to join us if the
sessions resonate with you. <br />
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<h3>
All The Awesome Virtual Teacher Conference Details </h3>
<b><br />60+ session</b>s presented by a group of master educators, authors, and subject matter experts <br />
<br />
Topics include: best practices and tips & tricks for all <b>academic content areas </b>(grades 3-5), culturally responsive teaching, arts integration, social-emotional learning, <b>special education</b>, educational technology, avoiding <b>burnout</b>, tools to help you in the regular classroom and with distance learning, and more! <br />
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<b>Private pop-up Facebook group</b> where you can interact with presenters, get your questions answered and win daily raffles during the conference <br />
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<b>Live panel discussions</b>, special presentations, and interviews <br />
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Revisit all the conference content as often as you’d like for <b>a full year </b><br />
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<b>Bonus Bundle</b> with teaching resources (yes, STEM activities are also included -- this conference pays for itself!) <br />
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</div>momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-8644644751997266772020-03-18T13:31:00.001-04:002020-03-18T17:37:01.183-04:0020+ Awesome Games for At Home Learning<h2>
Our Favorite Educational Games</h2>
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Games are one of my <b>favorite</b> ways to learn and reinforce skills with kids. My own kids, especially when younger, wanted to play game after game. Why not play games that aid in education?<br />
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For convenience, I have added links to all of commercially-produced games in one location! You can <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/momgineer?listId=CEO2PQSKZVSI">browse for them here</a>:<br />
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recommendation,
testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you downloads of value
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Print-at-Home games are listed at the end of this post.<br />
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<h3>
Math Skills</h3>
You can turn <b>ANY </b>game that uses dice or spinners for game advancement into a math-centric game by simply adding more dice. If you've ever played Chutes and Ladders, you know the game can go on ...and on. Solve this problem and make it more exciting. Instead of using the spinner, use dice (lots of them). It will take a few tries but eventually your kids will be adding up the numbers on dice faster than you can!<br />
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<b>Yahtzee</b> is one of the best games to play with multiple dice. I made a set of scorecards you can use while playing with 10 dice that you are welcome to try out (<span style="color: red;">scroll to end of post for link<span style="color: black;">)</span></span>.<br />
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<b>Math Card Games</b>: <b>Rat a Tat Cat</b>, <b>Sleeping Queens</b>, <b>Frog Juice</b>, <b>Zeus on the Loose </b>These are all games for early math learning from Gamewright. They work in addition, rounding, and basic number sense. Fair warning - reading the instructions for some of these the first time can feel overwhelming but the games are really not difficult. I suggest the play and read approach - play a bit as you read the directions, or find a YouTube video that explains the play.<br />
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<b>Sumoku or Math Dice </b>(intermediate): For Sumoku, you create a grid much like you would in Qwirkle (see below), but instead of shapes, there are numbers, and each row must sum to a multiple of a specific number. If it sounds complicated, well, it can be. However, it's also a TON of fun if you have math-minded kiddos. Math dice is another one where you will only want to play if your kids won't get frustrated by the math involved.<br />
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<b>Equate </b>(advanced learners only): If you have a kid that LOVES math, this is the game for them. If math is a struggle, avoid this game as it's quite a taxing one mentally (even for those who love it!).<br />
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<b>24! </b>If you haven't played this game before, it's simple to learn but challenging to master. All you need is a sharp mind and a deck of cards! <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24_Game">Find the rules here.</a><br />
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<h3>
<b>Logic, STEM, and more</b></h3>
<b>Qwirkle </b>and <b>R<b>ummikub</b></b> are both great for logic and pattern recognition! For Qwirkle, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiLrOqTuqToAhW6lHIEHZXLD2sQFjABegQIDRAK&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D8ZAY3HSxnuk&usg=AOvVaw2dl4zqVvmKIrBdVfnJNx1u">watch a video on how to get started</a> but you are basically looking to match either color or pattern (with no repeats in a given row or column). Completing a set of 6 earns you a Qwirkle for bonus points! Rummikub is another tile game that is <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiCqK-1uqToAhVVYTUKHaiFB7EQFjABegQIDhAK&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DG34StFO-37g&usg=AOvVaw1ijD39wF3A0fVLnZ23x1JF">even easier to learn</a>, but much more difficult to master. You need to keep a constant eye on the board and awareness of your current tiles.<br />
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Or pick one of these:<b> Gravity</b> <b>Maze, Laser Maze, Rush Hour Traffic Jam, Solitaire Chess, Sequence </b>The first four of these games are all ones that can be played independently, from Thinkfun. They have tasks of increasing difficulty and provide solutions for self-checking. Sequence has a variety of options to choose from, so be sure to check out all the options to find an appropriate set for your family.<br />
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<b>Advanced Learners: Set</b>. This is a game that can be frustrating for kids who aren't ready, but once they <i>are</i> ready, there is no upper age limit on this game. It's one I truly love playing with my kids! There is also a junior version available! You can also play a version of this game <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords">online every day at the New York Times Crossword Puzzle site</a> (just scroll down and select "Set")!<br />
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<b>Robot Turtles </b>A great precursor to coding game, this is a fun one to check out with your kids! It's also from Thinkfun.<br />
<b><br />Valence </b>and<b> Ion </b>(science): these are for upper elementary and middle school kiddos. If you have kids with an inkling toward Chemistry, these are sure to delight!<br />
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<h3>
Geography</h3>
<b>The Scrambled States of America Game </b>This game helped my kids learn all the names of the states!<br />
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<b>Ticket to Ride </b>(multiple versions): This is a very popular game among board game enthusiasts and probably one of the longest games to play on this list. If you love board games, you have to try this one!<br />
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<b>Flag Frenzy </b>Kids will gain awareness of different flags wiht this matching game.<br />
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Apps to Try: Stack the States and Seterra (also their website is great for practicing geography skills) - check out the App Store or Google Play for these!<br />
<h3>
Literacy Skills</h3>
While traditionalists like myself will enjoy playing games such as <b>Boggle</b>, <b>Scrabble</b>, and <b>Bananagrams</b>, they aren't for everyone. If you do have those games but they aren't quite right for your kids, use the tiles to spell out words together that you find around the house, or create a "crossword" with the tiles, building words together of things they love (sports, food, activities, etc.)!<br />
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Engage reluctant writers with <b>Rory's Story</b> <b>Cubes</b>. This is less of a game and more of a story generator. <br />
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Practice sight words and more literacy skills with <b>Pair</b> <b>Stare</b> (see below).<br />
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<h3>
Just for Toddlers and Preschoolers!</h3>
Toddlers don't have to miss out on games! Some of my favorite games for little ones are cooperative games like <b>Busytown </b>and <b>Hoot Owl Hoot</b>.<br />
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Other games for this age<br />
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<b>Pengaloo </b>A game<b> </b>that challenges memory and reinforces color awareness! I love the feel of this game, its wooden piece are very satisfying to play with!<br />
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<b>Uno Moo </b>A simple game of matching that is also just so fun to play! This one never gets old.<br />
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<b>The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel </b>Perfect for color learning, memory, and more!<br />
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<h3>
<b>Print at Home Games </b></h3>
I have created a number of print-at-home learning games for elementary and middle school learners:<br />
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<b>Free Games:</b><br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-0_Ot3F15Wp-1UP9yD2OQgJyH6cKfnd3/view?usp=sharing"><b>Crazy Yahtzy</b></a><br />
<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Words-Game-FREE-Distance-Learning-1000055?aref=sckhmzff">Pair Stare Sample</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nature-BINGO-384651?aref=sckhmzff">Nature Bingo </a></b><br />
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<b>Other Games:</b><br />
<b>Pair Stare Games</b><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alphabet-Game-Pair-Stare-ABCs-Spot-the-Match-Distance-Learning-4949375?aref=d9gib1zn&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Pair%20Stare%20Alphabet%20Game">Alphabet Game</a><b></b><br />
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Sight Words Games: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Words-Games-Pair-Stare-Fry-MEGA-BUNDLE-first-600-words-Distance-Learning-1828575?aref=kae1gigy&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20600%20Dolch%20Words">Fry Sight Words</a> or <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sight-Words-Game-Pair-Stare-not-Fry-version-1426250?aref=kae1gigy&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Dolch%20Pair%20Stare">Dolch Sight Words</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Consonant-Blends-Games-R-L-S-BUNDLE-Distance-Learning-4354818?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Pair%20Stare%20Blends">Blends Games</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-Stations-BUNDLE-Addition-and-Subtraction-Shapes-Fractions-1631305?aref=d9gib1zn&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Pair%20Stare%20Math">Math Games</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Synonyms-Activity-Game-Literacy-Distance-Learning-3031764?aref=d9gib1zn&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Pair%20Stare%20Synonyms">Vocabulary Synonyms Game </a><br />
Greek and Latin Roots Games: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-and-Latin-Roots-Pair-Stare-Game-3813939?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Greek%20and%20Latin%20Roots%20Pair%20Stare%20Set%201">Set 1</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-and-Latin-Roots-Pair-Stare-Game-Set-2-3846055?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Greek%20and%20Latin%20Roots%20Pair%20Stare%20Set%202">Set 2</a><br />
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<b>Money Games</b><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Money-Games-Math-Activities-Distance-Learning-629478?aref=j9yap6js">Money Games Bundle</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Money-Game-Gnome-or-Money-Coin-Fluency-Distance-Learning-2038074?aref=d9gib1zn&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Gnome%20or%20Money">Gnome or Money</a> a silly and punny coin game (No More Money)<br />
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<b>Economics</b><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Economics-Game-Barter-Trade-Create-1451441?aref=kae1gigy&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Economics%20Barter">Barter, Trade, Create!<b> </b></a><br />
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<b>Math and Number Systems</b><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mayan-Number-Cards-and-Games-1578778?aref=kae1gigy&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Mayan">Mayan Number Games</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Game-797597?aref=d9gib1zn&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Games%20Post%20-%20Multiplication%20Game%20War">Multiplication War</a><br />
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momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-42256392790536456052020-02-09T17:54:00.000-05:002020-02-09T17:54:05.966-05:00Bingo Games in the Math Classroom<h2>
BINGO - It's not just for old people</h2>
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When you think of BINGO, do you think of a room full of senior citizens with their daubers ready to go?<br />
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I'm going to let you in a secret.<br />
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KIDS.<br />
<br />
LOVE.<br />
<br />
BINGO.<br />
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Whether you are playing for 5 in a row or blackout bingo (complete the whole card), there is just <i>something</i> in the anticipation of whether or not YOUR NUMBER is going to be called next.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ANELg_kLY7JmYYnCvwpxFseEJdyfqYinROBr2EkqOg1TBWD7rXs9uRB1oUMX9AxlzXEM-U-UBg5iwYII09oKidW7Bz5LxYh6qKe7J3mIzecJmCSxH-YqryPtls8h7Ne0D4nBXmWVQQLQ/s1600/Bingo+Games+in+the+Math+Classroom+are+Fun+and+Easy+for+a+Sub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ANELg_kLY7JmYYnCvwpxFseEJdyfqYinROBr2EkqOg1TBWD7rXs9uRB1oUMX9AxlzXEM-U-UBg5iwYII09oKidW7Bz5LxYh6qKe7J3mIzecJmCSxH-YqryPtls8h7Ne0D4nBXmWVQQLQ/s640/Bingo+Games+in+the+Math+Classroom+are+Fun+and+Easy+for+a+Sub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Most kids already know how to play this game, and even if they don't, it's so easy you don't need to take a lot of time explaining the rules (unlike a lot of strategy games that come with a tome of rules that make no sense until you have played a few times!).<br />
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<h3>
Practice and Review Math Facts with Bingo</h3>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Bingo-826501?aref=s2635xts&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=BINGO%20Games%20-%20Multiplication%20Bingo">This bingo game</a> is perfect for kids learning their multiplication facts or for review, even up through middle school grades! There is no shame in reviewing the basic multiplication tables, particularly before standardized testing. It solidifies fluency, which allows students to work on the <i>problem solving</i> and not make an avoidable multiplication error when under pressure.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPo5mvPHKReNyAD5bFt6tiPTh6KznHMvWd_clSHccjIxP1kr-IUGJrjBfo4zM2vVZpE77zf3x0_yi1pZ-IDpeVFVM-RZUMr2iAxnGSLE1XB1OuRxJHm_RUxetC4ZhS5GuTo13QaYscWTB/s640/Multiplication+Facts+Review+Bingo+Game.png" width="425" /><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Bingo-826501?aref=s2635xts&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=BINGO%20Games%20-%20Multiplication%20Bingo">https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multiplication-Bingo-826501?aref=s2635xts&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=BINGO%20Games%20-%20Multiplication%20Bingo</a></div>
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<h3>
Create Your Own Bingo Math Games</h3>
There are a number of websites you can use for personal use to create your own BINGO games. It does get a <b>little tricky<i> </i></b>when you are creating games for math instead of with words, particularly if you are working with fractions, which can be difficult to format correctly.<br />
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<a href="https://bingobaker.com/">Bingo Baker</a><br />
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<a href="https://print-bingo.com/bingo-cards-custom.php">Print-Bingo Custom Cards Creator</a> (generate multiple times for enough cards)<br />
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<a href="https://myfreebingocards.com/">My Free Bingo Cards</a><br />
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<a href="https://osric.com/bingo-card-generator/">Osric Bingo Generator</a> - Simple but gets the job done!<br />
<h3>
Purchase Pre-Made Math Games</h3>
I have made several math bingo games and am open to requests on making more (just <a href="mailto:meredith@momgineer.com">contact me</a>).<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Meredith-Anderson-Momgineer/Category/Bingo-Games-135818?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=BINGO%20Games">All Bingo Games</a> <br />
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Or find these popular math bingo games on Teachers pay Teachers<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Equivalent-Fractions-Bingo-701230?aref=s2635xts&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=BINGO%20Games%20-%20Equivalent%20Fraction%20Bingo">Equivalent Fractions Bingo </a><br />
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<img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Equivalent-Fractions-Bingo-701230?aref=s2635xts&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=BINGO%20Games%20-%20Equivalent%20Fraction%20Bingo" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_u9e0Fw2OcAHduKPq-vU9Vqz2YKqq4T4qAJPinlH8tHk_VYzSZSP2hkl3qxqT8bWt0DGEz867an5LZWPObf7DgmrNBW4l8TkJhzpX-ED3MXfo7BkhZye3WY42RAPNBlDuq7BmoWl2fnv/s640/Equivalent+Fraction+Test+Prep+and+Review+Bingo+Game.png" width="426" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mixed-Numbers-and-Improper-Fractions-Bingo-701927?aref=s2635xts&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=BINGO%20Games%20-%20Mixed%20Numbers%20%26%20Improper%20Fraction%20Bingo">Mixed Number & Improper Fractions Bingo </a><br />
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Pin these Bingo Math Game Ideas for Later:<br />
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momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-9213089070601660002020-02-01T13:26:00.000-05:002020-02-01T13:59:07.728-05:009 Ways to Use Task Cards in the Classroom<h2>
Task Cards Can Be Used a Variety of Ways</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-Rs9IDIWtigjF8iUYSR98eeNe6ycMgwu7o3W17wkvofY2lMy43ICMffKL51l7RKNwi37nUv1F4mUqYFTjevSBMKJsc0biyWm5cxm_UyD_EPZiYUcRzQM81L3YNoo3gjMnmgwkYD6yQsX/s1600/9+ways+to+use+task+cards+in+the+classroom+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-Rs9IDIWtigjF8iUYSR98eeNe6ycMgwu7o3W17wkvofY2lMy43ICMffKL51l7RKNwi37nUv1F4mUqYFTjevSBMKJsc0biyWm5cxm_UyD_EPZiYUcRzQM81L3YNoo3gjMnmgwkYD6yQsX/s640/9+ways+to+use+task+cards+in+the+classroom+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Task cards have become a staple in the elementary classroom. They are so versatile for reinforcing learning; if you haven't tried them yet, I highly recommend them. They reusable year after year, so after you prep them once you are good to go storing them for the next year.<br />
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<h3>
1. Use Task Cards at Your Centers</h3>
This is definitely one of the more obvious ways to use task cards. Prep your task cards on card stock, laminating if desired, and store in pouches or small containers. Provide blank paper for recording or use recording sheets that come with your task card resource. Students can work through the appropriate task cards to reinforce whichever concept you are currently working on.<br />
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<h3>
2. Use Task Cards in Your Interactive Notebooks</h3>
This method will require that you print out multiple copies of your task cards, however then students can review them at any time! This is particularly helpful if you have ELA or Math INBs because students can then return to the cards to study for standardized testing. For a more detailed look at using task cards in interactive notebooks, <a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/2015/07/using-task-cards-in-interactive-math.html">visit this post</a>.<br />
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<h3>
3. Use Task Cards as a Whole Class Activity </h3>
Use a document camera and work through the problems concurrently or together!<br />
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<h3>
4. Use Task Cards to Host a Mini Quiz Bowl</h3>
Most task card resources come with a number of task cards. Split your class into teams of 3-4, use a document camera or project one card. Have a team "buzz in" to answer the question and keep score. Winning team gets bragging rights!<br />
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<h3>
5. Use Task Cards to Play Scoot</h3>
If you haven't played SCOOT, Jenny has written a great post about it! <a href="http://jdsrockinreaders.blogspot.com/2017/03/how-to-play-scoot.html">Check it out here</a>.<br />
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<h3>
6. Use Task Cards for Homework</h3>
Assign 1-4 task cards, depending on difficulty and have students complete the cards at home.<br />
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<h3>
7. Use Task Cards as Exit Slips</h3>
Do a quick check on student understanding and learning by using task cards as exit slips.<br />
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<h3>
8. Use Task Cards for Early Finishers</h3>
Keep a variety of task card sets available, including ones that are at a "challenge" level for your students. If they have finished their work and could use a challenge, this is a great way to provide enrichment. If you are using task cards with QR code answers, these will even be self-checking. <a href="https://momgineer.blogspot.com/2017/02/qr-codes-make-it-easy-to-go-digital-in.html">Read more about QR codes and task cards</a>.<br />
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<h3>
9. Use Task Cards as Sub Tubs or Sub Plans</h3>
You can have a variety of task cards in different subjects saved for a sub. When the inevitable stomach bug or flu rolls through the school (or through your own child's school), your sub plans will be ready to go!<br />
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<h3>
Free Task Card Download</h3>
To get you started, this is one of my most popular free downloads! There are 16 task cards to get you started with a fun animal theme! These have been designed for 4th grade but will also work in 5th or as challenge cards in 3rd:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4LG6HYpwrP5W2n6PrNcS5BmzEFA_TCSB93NOcXoMtgRc0zPsZljxXUoD_ezrNfeEYzMKxpXOGAPkSK1e0XbXVfa636NTb5gxbd2khVH3ikY_OU_DOv0o4tF4tCXVTGLbCTsL3VFEg78Y/s1600/FREE+Task+card+Download+Fractions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4LG6HYpwrP5W2n6PrNcS5BmzEFA_TCSB93NOcXoMtgRc0zPsZljxXUoD_ezrNfeEYzMKxpXOGAPkSK1e0XbXVfa636NTb5gxbd2khVH3ikY_OU_DOv0o4tF4tCXVTGLbCTsL3VFEg78Y/s640/FREE+Task+card+Download+Fractions.png" width="425" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Quick Links to Other Popular Task Card Resources </h3>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Meredith-Anderson-Momgineer/Category/Task-Cards-All-36039?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%20All%20Task%20Cards%20">All Task Cards</a></h3>
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Meredith-Anderson-Momgineer/Grade-Level/First/Category/Task-Cards-All-36039?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%201st">Task Cards for 1st Grade </a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Meredith-Anderson-Momgineer/Grade-Level/Second/Category/Task-Cards-All-36039?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%202nd">Task Cards for 2nd Grade</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Meredith-Anderson-Momgineer/Grade-Level/Third/Category/Task-Cards-All-36039?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%203rd">Task Cards for 3rd Grade</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Meredith-Anderson-Momgineer/Grade-Level/Fourth/Category/Task-Cards-All-36039?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%204th">Task Cards for 4th Grade</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Meredith-Anderson-Momgineer/Grade-Level/Fifth/Category/Task-Cards-All-36039?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%205th">Task Cards for 5th Grade</a><br />
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Best Selling Task Cards! This is by far my most <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fraction-Task-Cards-Math-Review-for-4th-Grade-821799?aref=o815ctra&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%204th%20fractions%20set">popular set of Fractions task cards</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fraction-Task-Cards-Math-Review-for-4th-Grade-821799?aref=o815ctra&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%204th%20fractions%20set"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fraction-Task-Cards-Math-Review-for-4th-Grade-821799?aref=o815ctra&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%204th%20fractions%20set" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ15ATGdYDE82aZf0SIBd1w_6xfCsBLxdNq_Oah8YyfkvRE6qlCtUzWLnr-9vaf7Z6sfBQ4CGuoynky-H-2cpUmm0glCzgujUIKIYTnn_F3agkNnFGMAU1QUrEMrnc2dZqUnBUB9IkLEBS/s640/BEST+Task+Cards+for+4th+Grade+Math.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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Yet another topic that seems to be difficult for students to master is <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Equivalent-Fractions-Review-and-Test-Prep-Task-Cards-1372924?aref=sfmn88uk&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%204th%20equiv%20fractions%20set">equivalent fractions, but you can find those task cards here</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Equivalent-Fractions-Review-and-Test-Prep-Task-Cards-1372924?aref=sfmn88uk&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%204th%20equiv%20fractions%20set"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Equivalent-Fractions-Review-and-Test-Prep-Task-Cards-1372924?aref=sfmn88uk&utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=9%20Ways%20to%20Use%20Task%20Cards%20-%204th%20equiv%20fractions%20set" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfHTzgOvAyaQsu9apjO5RnbMzyLiyOmJVUFK7Bvmphr1nrlLix40I7y8NrqXXFsS-zil2OC5r-EvcK3l7kL0woPpi024wjgwNQh2fJYbtP_P-Cljj9W4I_Cm5l4EBed46N-y_qBGYVeWZ/s640/Equivalent+Fraction+Task+Cards+for+4th+Grade.png" width="425" /></a></div>
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Pin these Task Card ideas for later:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDjyp4ugNyPNp09GuFGltgjGEw2HGyBm-LUcrUuRzOfniaVbMmzgUCqBgat_6fZsC5jrWpb_1TYyE0u9TVxPaMcrpJyeyXfji37zglTknxh_xoyWxhAl_LQz2urFW4U2CKIN94tYn4Yis/s1600/Copy+of+9+ways+to+use+task+cards+in+the+classroom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDjyp4ugNyPNp09GuFGltgjGEw2HGyBm-LUcrUuRzOfniaVbMmzgUCqBgat_6fZsC5jrWpb_1TYyE0u9TVxPaMcrpJyeyXfji37zglTknxh_xoyWxhAl_LQz2urFW4U2CKIN94tYn4Yis/s640/Copy+of+9+ways+to+use+task+cards+in+the+classroom.png" width="426" /> </a></div>
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<br />momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-57444755451049170752019-12-10T12:08:00.000-05:002019-12-20T17:18:35.054-05:005 Ways to Celebrate Before Winter Break that DON'T Include Christmas<h2>
5 Ways to Celebrate Before Winter Break that DON'T Include Christmas</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UmukFDMLzEPmtkah_E_D-YNZpkOTosYQjbi6l5IXggkvVFEJ3mCJ1JUFSgJWcOJRumwmmaB-TlQYrxoKAHk6ZudQ8i7yj3lAOSyxq8qjX6dnpsZUeuMskPZwmIZ5EiwamCV0seGQP64u/s1600/ways+to+celebrate+that+don%2527t+include+christmas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UmukFDMLzEPmtkah_E_D-YNZpkOTosYQjbi6l5IXggkvVFEJ3mCJ1JUFSgJWcOJRumwmmaB-TlQYrxoKAHk6ZudQ8i7yj3lAOSyxq8qjX6dnpsZUeuMskPZwmIZ5EiwamCV0seGQP64u/s640/ways+to+celebrate+that+don%2527t+include+christmas.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<h2>
</h2>
While I grew up celebrating Christmas both at home and in school, I also went to a Catholic school where <i>almost everyone</i> was also celebrating Christmas (and kids were there by parental choice). If you have a situation where <i>every one of your students</i> celebrates Christmas, or you are hosting a variety of winter holiday celebrations, then by all means celebrate Christmas...<br />
<br />
<b>BUT</b><br />
<br />
if you are looking for ways to celebrate that don't exclude some of your students but are still TONS of fun for all involved, why not try some of these ideas?<br />
<b> </b><br />
<h3>
<b>Celebrate Solstice Instead</b> with a Sundial Project</h3>
Winter solstice is nature's holiday this time of year! I just love celebrating solstice, and look forward to it <b>every year. Why? </b>It signals the end of the <b>short daylight hours</b> and the stretch of increasing daylight hours that I adore!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhir0zCeNHExyCifUvPwmU3zwwQK3_-WdX3cQNPM-AEAOrZHfHDFAjLnuERqQt6VnSR3BMoFngB8bbLQcZqPZp_CX8SYphvArxuAevnrBJzo1asqofNgfJd8Y8k_G6bPST7WNE5zbH8vY3g/s1600/Celebrate+Solstice+Not+Christmas+with+a+Sundial.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhir0zCeNHExyCifUvPwmU3zwwQK3_-WdX3cQNPM-AEAOrZHfHDFAjLnuERqQt6VnSR3BMoFngB8bbLQcZqPZp_CX8SYphvArxuAevnrBJzo1asqofNgfJd8Y8k_G6bPST7WNE5zbH8vY3g/s640/Celebrate+Solstice+Not+Christmas+with+a+Sundial.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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What <b>better way to celebrate solstice</b> than with SCIENCE (yes, I know I'm a big nerd)!<br />
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Here are some websites to get you started:<br />
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<a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/its-about-time-to-make-a-sundial/">Scientific American Sundial </a><br />
<a href="https://www.instructables.com/id/15-minute-paper-craft-sundial/">15 Minute Papercraft Sundial </a><br />
<a href="https://explorable.com/sundials">Explorable Sundial</a><br />
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While making a sundial, why not talk about what the solstice is and why we have it? Read a book or watch a video:<br />
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<b>Books </b>(Amazon affiliate links, read disclosure here).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszVngREFNcUyE5WgLD7ANfjy836HGDKbvpq5X8n1B3ao1j1wkhUXcSuzKeBTFe8UVzhqOrxThM3mOwrIVQ6TGZbkrmv5JKni2LObcdFef_DTegkH6GaFG4AM1urkaX5mozSbN5DgH25is/s1600/CElebrate+before+winter+break.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszVngREFNcUyE5WgLD7ANfjy836HGDKbvpq5X8n1B3ao1j1wkhUXcSuzKeBTFe8UVzhqOrxThM3mOwrIVQ6TGZbkrmv5JKni2LObcdFef_DTegkH6GaFG4AM1urkaX5mozSbN5DgH25is/s640/CElebrate+before+winter+break.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b></b><br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/36lEagX">The Shortest Day</a> by Wendy Pfeffer <br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/36mVF0i">The Return of the Light</a> by Carolyn Edwards <br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/35aT7Cn">The Winter Solstice</a> by Ellen Jackson<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2sbkhdM">The Solstice Badger</a> by Robin McFadden <br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/356neuQ">The Shortest Day</a> by Susan Cooper<br />
<b>Video</b><br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/b25g4nZTHvM">Crash Course Kids: Seasons and the Sun</a><br />
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<b>Curriculum Connection:</b> The solar system!<br />
<h3>
<b>Celebrate Winter with Snowflakes</b></h3>
Even if you don't live in a region that gets snow, there are still a lot of ways to celebrate with snowflakes! One of my favorite things to do is to <a href="https://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2015/12/21/winter-stem-with-snowflakes/">craft paper snowflakes</a> but you can also make crystal borax snowflakes too, which are so pretty, especially hanging in a window so the light can catch them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQlwWm8l31YAkGr-GPhyphenhyphen0BdKbJKSAt89428Yy06QLRNaayE7As5DAL0CRsenM80s15XcwoLyBb7qspKvLcAjZCWKIHOmVlWrviVoNMKH5UdJAivGtC3O4y92pKQM3UL_haD-PRpNI0gZg/s1600/Celebrate+Winter+Not+Christmas+with+Snowflakes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQlwWm8l31YAkGr-GPhyphenhyphen0BdKbJKSAt89428Yy06QLRNaayE7As5DAL0CRsenM80s15XcwoLyBb7qspKvLcAjZCWKIHOmVlWrviVoNMKH5UdJAivGtC3O4y92pKQM3UL_haD-PRpNI0gZg/s640/Celebrate+Winter+Not+Christmas+with+Snowflakes.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Curriculum connection</b>: If you are studying symmetry this is the perfect tie-in!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Snowflake Creation Ideas</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2015/12/21/winter-stem-with-snowflakes/">Paper snowflakes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/2011/12/borax-crystal-ornaments.html">Borax crystal snowflakes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://frugalfun4boys.com/geoboard-snowflakes-stem-activity-kids/">Geoboard rubberband snowflakes </a>(obviously just don't use as ornaments)</li>
<li>Popsicle stick snowflakes</li>
<li><a href="https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/pipe-cleaner-snowflake.html">Pipe cleaner snowflakes</a></li>
<li>Digital snowflakes</li>
</ul>
<h3>
<b>Get in my Belly!</b></h3>
This is just one way of fostering connection with kids: baking together! Not only can you sneak in measurement math without anyone noticing, you can create something together that you can all enjoy! Not possible due to food allergies? Why not ask for allergy-free recipes from families, or instead pop popcorn (chemical change! volume!).<br />
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Set up an exploration station where students can smell and taste small amounts of ingredients, such as salt, sugar, cinnamon, etc.<br />
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<br />
Working on sequencing? Have students instruct you how to make hot cocoa, s'mores, etc. and then follow their directions. They will talk about it for MONTHS. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct-lOOUqmyY">Watch this video of a dad making sandwiches</a> instructed by his kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEdn1gRmBSaOu3dD8f1TliIILmuo0hqgpkMHFjlVqRANB1htUN87vG0FF1ZzKJl-DYRlun_-iG884WrtM9AM-cMdbODPOKuTY9I1f5gzxRooSt4VCFWHNf6wMDZ7mShkdsF2Lslf1G6kZ/s1600/Celebrate+Goodies+Not+Christmas+with+Baking.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEdn1gRmBSaOu3dD8f1TliIILmuo0hqgpkMHFjlVqRANB1htUN87vG0FF1ZzKJl-DYRlun_-iG884WrtM9AM-cMdbODPOKuTY9I1f5gzxRooSt4VCFWHNf6wMDZ7mShkdsF2Lslf1G6kZ/s640/Celebrate+Goodies+Not+Christmas+with+Baking.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Curriculum connection: </b>Sequencing, measurement, senses.<br />
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<h3>
Cozy up with a Good Book</h3>
Once you have your baked goods, hot cocoa, etc. have a PJ day or "winter campfire" and read to your students. They might not have someone reading to them at home. Even middle schoolers and high schoolers will enjoy being read to (if it's the right book). Leave out those holiday stories and choose a book about kindness.<br />
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<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/emeynardie/13-childrens-books-that-encourage-kindness-toward-26paw">Picture Books About Kindness</a><br />
<a href="https://www.overstuffedlife.com/2016/06/7-middle-grade-books-that-teach-kids.html">7 Middle Grades Books that Teach Empathy </a><br />
<a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/books-that-teach-empathy">Books that Teach Empathy</a> (all ages)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7ciH54jF5C8ezaRuKn86QtqrcQGrElmAiCinqUh8Y2T4Kzq6zvh2LaCv1jI2JFD6Rq1eKwY2QfirlhyJBmAitz-nQ62id9cnn7drqJi9AFUEipUE-iF7NGy1jAhrtDkmfebfdnCJdNxo/s1600/Celebrate+Reading+Not+Christmas+with+Books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7ciH54jF5C8ezaRuKn86QtqrcQGrElmAiCinqUh8Y2T4Kzq6zvh2LaCv1jI2JFD6Rq1eKwY2QfirlhyJBmAitz-nQ62id9cnn7drqJi9AFUEipUE-iF7NGy1jAhrtDkmfebfdnCJdNxo/s640/Celebrate+Reading+Not+Christmas+with+Books.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Curriculum connection:</b> literacy, community, character education.<br />
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<h3>
Play Games</h3>
If you do choose to have a party, pick games that include all! Playing together is truly one of the greatest ways to form connections with your students. While some families play games at home, not all do and many kids get left out of this wonderful past time. We play a lot of games at home, but it helps that both my kids are close in age and there are a lot of games we all like to play as a family. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhRpuIW8Y_BPYPu8GpWFqIXS-tUfdPOYa3Z4ni7V7D6wcDJO__WcRp7AbQxWLK0-yNybXLZfT4QUTiGYbCmrlboTWng6TVoXHLPO24RFc6bu9G7csfO2NsYHuPswQcoAxO7Zon8nhQ1Cx/s1600/Celebrate+Togetherness+Not+Christmas+with+a+Games.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhRpuIW8Y_BPYPu8GpWFqIXS-tUfdPOYa3Z4ni7V7D6wcDJO__WcRp7AbQxWLK0-yNybXLZfT4QUTiGYbCmrlboTWng6TVoXHLPO24RFc6bu9G7csfO2NsYHuPswQcoAxO7Zon8nhQ1Cx/s640/Celebrate+Togetherness+Not+Christmas+with+a+Games.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="https://redtri.com/indoor-party-games-for-winter/slide/6">Indoor party game ideas</a> from Red Tricycle.<br />
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Try pin the nose on the snowman. <br />
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<b>Active Games</b><br />
<ul>
<li>If you are brave, have a snowball fight with cloth snowballs.</li>
<li>Play musical chairs (leave out the Christmas music!)</li>
<li>Capture the flag.</li>
</ul>
If you want something the whole class can play without getting <i>too</i> out of hand, try <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Bingo-981717?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Winter%20BINGO%20">Winter BINGO</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Bingo-981717?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Winter%20BINGO%20"><img alt="Winter Party Game Idea with NO Christmas Winter BINGO" border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadxMKa5Sev3kkoZkugnKcaoOC2vuHiaY_YeVtZraOQcOqtumpbWfdbTmFPWIbrbFZC4Enjd03cbTSXlDHCrJtlr4spUhJiB0WrRV9ZWEceKIBsMND9o3J5rMUic23AlVqsn3mfoZfi1Pm/s640/1.png" title="" width="300" /></a></div>
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Pin these ideas for later:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLG9kDFT_XwY8LkYfheSqM1PDsI3x7MUiDMW1n0mg6hCq48d13ckCZ9tNoV9QeHYYOZap2johoMDdTD9N3u94ZenE3j3m6MRB0C2cBw7HzeUoqbEtQCiEFDLHIeybyJpgmBGLGumk5a2rO/s1600/5+Ways+to+Celebrate+Before+Winter+Break+that+DON%2527T+Include+Christmas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLG9kDFT_XwY8LkYfheSqM1PDsI3x7MUiDMW1n0mg6hCq48d13ckCZ9tNoV9QeHYYOZap2johoMDdTD9N3u94ZenE3j3m6MRB0C2cBw7HzeUoqbEtQCiEFDLHIeybyJpgmBGLGumk5a2rO/s640/5+Ways+to+Celebrate+Before+Winter+Break+that+DON%2527T+Include+Christmas.png" width="302" /></a></div>
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<br />momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-87800851188732187062019-12-05T20:24:00.000-05:002019-12-05T20:25:01.659-05:00Why You Should Take Pictures in STEM Class<h2>
Why You Should Photograph STEM Prototypes</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgBjc-RyTmg5y8Vr7z_InOJ2VbdCiQvWzXy_J6wGK8T91sAIxps69ErHppFLacGKnkRn-DggDTL4K9KNcYK3E-OYXFc3yJqQjsaTQmGCHStiXbNNWMh1xaJvsXnBLwtOMRsAlMpdTVrk/s1600/Take+photos+in+your+STEM+class+Meredith+Anderson+Momgineer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Take photos of the prototypes or of the design process in your STEM classroom. It will make clean up SO much easier, and your students will have a memory of their prototype to share for many years to come. | Meredith Anderson - Momgineer" border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgBjc-RyTmg5y8Vr7z_InOJ2VbdCiQvWzXy_J6wGK8T91sAIxps69ErHppFLacGKnkRn-DggDTL4K9KNcYK3E-OYXFc3yJqQjsaTQmGCHStiXbNNWMh1xaJvsXnBLwtOMRsAlMpdTVrk/s640/Take+photos+in+your+STEM+class+Meredith+Anderson+Momgineer.png" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
1. They Work HARD on Their STEM Projects</h3>
If you have ever tried a STEM challenge with
your kids, you know that they are proud of their hard work (and rightly
so). Sometimes, though, due to size, construction, or materials, a
completed prototype just can't stay assembled. You will no doubt hear,
"But I don't want to take it apart/throw it out/recycle it!" <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7BaTL-0g_V_2qm-Es0z4SyO4kvVAhAHBK3lTxyNRBTmcmRSNr5d3vFVOijpo-Wl9GBcjrGaKpEhWx9l_0I2Gg1SMC5odskiecE963bI3zIXY91nwfAjFfnRn2xDUseW30ouuZBUAsAM/s1600/Take+photographs+in+your+STEM+classroom.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7BaTL-0g_V_2qm-Es0z4SyO4kvVAhAHBK3lTxyNRBTmcmRSNr5d3vFVOijpo-Wl9GBcjrGaKpEhWx9l_0I2Gg1SMC5odskiecE963bI3zIXY91nwfAjFfnRn2xDUseW30ouuZBUAsAM/s640/Take+photographs+in+your+STEM+classroom.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's
best to let your students know ahead of time when their prototype can't
stay in the classroom or go home with the student. Some kids just can't
handle the disappointment if they aren't informed at the start that
their creation won't last forever. Don't worry though, I have a simple
and very effective solution! Most kids can be quite easily soothed to
know that their creation can live forever in their heads with a simple
photograph. I know this won't work 100% of the time, but it really does
seem to work just about that.<br />
<br />
<b>Reason #1. Preserve their hard work by capturing a photo!</b> <br />
<h3>
Worth a Thousand Words</h3>
While the frustration and disappointment
is real, nothing quite captures the moment like a photograph. In this
digital world we live in, photographs you can hold are even more special
than they used to be, and are sure to please even the most reluctant
STEM challenge disassembler. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwr_P0p9nQbysSSYrLTO4Sv2AVUqssB8OvwgSCavvvJadzGiBqKDgKmd9UY4bzSWXSsAS4aOb-hlCRawT1G4_iYUkYOKo-20y5tS7WWuDHEyPZ4ctnx0LRJ41GKzGpJZ7JOWnUwIp1AM/s1600/Why+you+should+take+photos+in+your+STEM+classroom.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwr_P0p9nQbysSSYrLTO4Sv2AVUqssB8OvwgSCavvvJadzGiBqKDgKmd9UY4bzSWXSsAS4aOb-hlCRawT1G4_iYUkYOKo-20y5tS7WWuDHEyPZ4ctnx0LRJ41GKzGpJZ7JOWnUwIp1AM/s640/Why+you+should+take+photos+in+your+STEM+classroom.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
2. Easy Peasy STEM Photos</h3>
You might be thinking that taking
photographs sounds nice, but it is just too much effort. Who wants to
remember to get out the camera or smartphone, take the photos, and then
have them printed? While digital photos can be wonderful, especially if
you have a <a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/2016/12/5-ways-to-make-time-for-stem.html" target="_blank">designated STEM photographer</a>
for your class website, nothing quite beats a picture that can be
displayed proudly at a desk or on a home refrigerator.<br />
<br />
<b>Reason #2. Taking photos is EASY! There is really no excuse to not take a photo in this day and age!</b><br />
<br />
<h3>
STEM Recording Sheet </h3>
I have created a STEM recording
page/graphic organizer with a section to display photos from an instant
camera. Please click the image below if you'd like to <a href="http://bit.ly/STEMphotoGraphicOrganizer" target="_blank">download</a> and use it.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/STEMphotoGraphicOrganizer" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlBz2u5gMT3KueyMWh6adyurBFPFY_DkmKKmBUMKiLd3oTAwzNeFhGxrKZqdrzKnLSdynN9uDizY_898jX6J0TZvSs7rxVcOGCs5sK9GmLm6XZteo6MDzWpb3AzbnFsSz_CEE_lfmG-E/s640/STEM+Challenge+Recording+Sheet+for+Photograph+-+1.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/STEMphotoGraphicOrganizer" target="_blank">Won't you consider </a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">subscribing</a> for more freebies like this one?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<map id="map1484094620210" name="map1484094620210"></map>
</div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Reverse Engineer or Re-Make</h3>
This final reason to take photos in STEM class is one you just <b>have</b> to try out. After projects are complete and photos have been taken, other students can try to recreate the prototype from the notes and photo. While it's not always possible, it sure is fun to try! Students who wish to try and re-make their design another time will have an easier time remembering their prototype by looking at the picture.<br />
<h3>
Try an Instant Camera</h3>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission for my endorsement,
recommendation,
testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you downloads of value
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link. You can read my full disclosure <a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/p/disclaimers.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Try the Fujifilm Instax</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WW64YM6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06WW64YM6&linkCode=as2&tag=momgineer05-20&linkId=c9c4571be6f8e91c13fc1aab52408378" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B06WW64YM6&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=momgineer05-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=momgineer05-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B06WW64YM6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<h3>
or Keep it Digital!</h3>
<div class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title">
Take photos with a phone, tablet, etc. and then print on 2x3 sticky paper with the <span style="font-size: small;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle">HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer:</span></span></div>
<div class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GFP7H8C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07GFP7H8C&linkCode=as2&tag=momgineer05-20&linkId=41e0ac2a9fe2be13f51df2e8171d1e49" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B07GFP7H8C&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=momgineer05-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=momgineer05-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B07GFP7H8C" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</div>
<br />
Pin
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=momgineer05-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00AWKJPOA" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />these ideas for later:<br />
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momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-90165936871003513892019-10-22T11:01:00.004-04:002019-10-22T11:03:33.863-04:00Christmas STEM and STEAM Activities<h2>
Christmas STEM Activities for Kids</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaUuZoTJ0MeSKqPezXztQ9OeYE7FAIe87wBKNq8QjWZ9NrhzwHc-DnGFiwANKb8SQyyOUrmpveeRp9aHjXdog1PffYR3EZjuicegQN73ENHHLOdjcVBIGcub2p7U5H-qW7hrbbmpa0iEZ/s1600/Christmas+STEM+Challenges+for+Kids.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaUuZoTJ0MeSKqPezXztQ9OeYE7FAIe87wBKNq8QjWZ9NrhzwHc-DnGFiwANKb8SQyyOUrmpveeRp9aHjXdog1PffYR3EZjuicegQN73ENHHLOdjcVBIGcub2p7U5H-qW7hrbbmpa0iEZ/s640/Christmas+STEM+Challenges+for+Kids.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ho, ho, ho! Try out these Christmas STEM activities this holiday season to keep students engaged all the way until holiday break. I have created twelve fun AND differentiated STEM and STEAM activities that range from simple towers to moving conveyors!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Get started with Christmas STEM</h3>
Jump right in with peppermint candy and have students create either a tower or a bridge. Don't forget to follow the <b>engineering design process! </b>While you don't need to spend a lot of time on each step, it is important to follow the process. Kids will want to start building right away! One way to avoid this is to hold off on building material distribution until after a design sketch has been completed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPchYX6qJ4RQucPQ2GBMILioEGi2ZsTunNDeC-xU9jRRa19LOI0L9lngAjnpjqnTHCrS-gSrYU8baIsWUib6KIn1CO1E2m2ICdhInBl2j8qmVvhI17-UBjHk1VWzqWIZ0vvRqbGbJmjpcr/s1600/12+days+of+chrismas+STEM+challenges.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPchYX6qJ4RQucPQ2GBMILioEGi2ZsTunNDeC-xU9jRRa19LOI0L9lngAjnpjqnTHCrS-gSrYU8baIsWUib6KIn1CO1E2m2ICdhInBl2j8qmVvhI17-UBjHk1VWzqWIZ0vvRqbGbJmjpcr/s640/12+days+of+chrismas+STEM+challenges.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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Then move on to a gingerbread house! If you are working with upper elementary or middle school kids, create the house with cardboard and have them add a simple circuit to light up their house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8wuGwPWQuqmpX9ht9pVAum-Ni5wOlqdTGdLs2R7lcPzgLJBWAHonlTgxVfSAy_3_GqiCRAcS2_QNZR5L-wKBCeJx2VwHYkuXX4RlBPK3r3oRKsMTDJbqynThGqYlb7Q5c6sFm5eRZa1-/s1600/Christmas+STEM+Activities+for+Kids+design+and+create+a+gingerbread+house.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8wuGwPWQuqmpX9ht9pVAum-Ni5wOlqdTGdLs2R7lcPzgLJBWAHonlTgxVfSAy_3_GqiCRAcS2_QNZR5L-wKBCeJx2VwHYkuXX4RlBPK3r3oRKsMTDJbqynThGqYlb7Q5c6sFm5eRZa1-/s640/Christmas+STEM+Activities+for+Kids+design+and+create+a+gingerbread+house.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<h3>
STEM Strength Challenge - Support the Weight of the Stocking Goodies!</h3>
An empty stocking is not that difficult to support, but what about all of the goodies Santa leaves? Students will need to design a counterbalance system to keep the stocking from falling. This is a great activity to practice the testing phase of an engineering design challenge. It's also important to make sure that your testing set-up is safe so that no toes are injured when the stockings inevitably fall!<br />
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<h3>
Do You Hear What I Hear?</h3>
Design and create a jingle bell for Christmas! Use metal objects to create a jingling bell.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjrk02HV_nvV6jDPrArTC2uQOaPl791AwphtYhqTJeIFLBXwJq-qwacxdrdBohyphenhyphen9MyHw0Etpw3wJJ2C8-E4O-vlS_F5aSDdj6Lsi9U3OQf6s9D-_uAX9YaF77Gr2hG_MnaCQ-qYgptsfJ/s1600/Christmas+STEM+Activities+for+Kids+Jingle+Bells.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjrk02HV_nvV6jDPrArTC2uQOaPl791AwphtYhqTJeIFLBXwJq-qwacxdrdBohyphenhyphen9MyHw0Etpw3wJJ2C8-E4O-vlS_F5aSDdj6Lsi9U3OQf6s9D-_uAX9YaF77Gr2hG_MnaCQ-qYgptsfJ/s640/Christmas+STEM+Activities+for+Kids+Jingle+Bells.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Once the bell design is complete, change up the challenge by having students create a way to silence the jingle bell.<br />
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<h3>
Help the Elves in the Workshop</h3>
Moving gifts around in the workshop is no easy task! Help the elves by designing and creating a conveyor belt! This challenge is <b>perfect for showing how rotational motion can be converted into translational motion. </b><br />
<b></b><br />
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Find these and more activities in the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-STEM-Activities-12-Challenges-4241833?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Christmas%20STEM%20">12 Christmas STEM Challenges</a> Activity pack! Not only will you find more detailed instructions for the above challenges, but each challenge comes with a colorful poster <b>and engineering design recording page!</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-STEM-Activities-12-Challenges-4241833?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Christmas%20STEM%20"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-STEM-Activities-12-Challenges-4241833?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Christmas%20STEM%20" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33IIfrnXBaWJ0SEfO2MBcgT_mZsFQ88-3KQiJnvXKcjfOj_NpL7SW660EeTa7aOWY2aOAGB3FdzackIauvSBfHL1Epi_UvWrE50TrXgQ2-nZIKtHnazIpkB3KFvtd0bW4OjtC8FkjiUxr/s400/Christmas+STEM+Activities.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>CONTENTS of the Christmas STEM Resource</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Suggested Material List</li>
<li>STEM Challenge Tips: General tips for any STEM challenge.</li>
<li>Teacher Notes: includes terminology and differentiation ideas.</li>
<li>Christmas STEM decor</li>
<li>Poster and <b>dedicated recording page</b> for each of the <b>12 main STEM challenges</b>
that guide the students through the engineering design process. Some of
the challenges have an additional recording page for added difficulty,
or to include metric measurements.</li>
<li>Challenges<ul>
<li><b>Christmas Tree</b></li>
<li><b>Parachute Gift Drop</b></li>
<li><b>Workshop Conveyor Belt </b></li>
<li><b>Snowball Launcher</b></li>
<li><b>Stocking Holder</b></li>
<li><b>Candy Structures</b></li>
<li><b>Reindeer Shelter</b></li>
<li><b>Jingle Bell</b></li>
<li><b>Gingerbread House</b></li>
<li><b>Elf Zip Line</b></li>
<li><b>Sleigh for Santa</b></li>
<li><b>Christmas Maze</b></li>
</ul>
<b> </b></li>
</ul>
Pin these ideas for later:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfRQylDnl4ibzOdD7C0oLs_hZffZUtg73_ZsVQay277tBvsUaxnKYVMAr8TPY3yrBCrPyDq8b_V8ethIVdq29lKNlG23Dn5sNhAvdrOsJ5_OStMRPpeb_jmlK2NWn-g2TQ5B3qQ3Y550l/s1600/Christmas+STEM+challenges.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas STEM and STEAM Activities for Kids - 12 Challenges to Tinker all the Way!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfRQylDnl4ibzOdD7C0oLs_hZffZUtg73_ZsVQay277tBvsUaxnKYVMAr8TPY3yrBCrPyDq8b_V8ethIVdq29lKNlG23Dn5sNhAvdrOsJ5_OStMRPpeb_jmlK2NWn-g2TQ5B3qQ3Y550l/s640/Christmas+STEM+challenges.png" title="" width="425" /></a></div>
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<b></b>momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-81824824246565420212019-09-03T12:23:00.002-04:002023-09-04T09:55:36.796-04:00Activities to do with The Dot for International Dot Day<h2>
International Dot Day Activities</h2>
<i>The Dot, </i>by Peter H. Reynolds, has turned into more than just a read aloud about overcoming frustrations and encouraging others. It's an entire movement now! For any child who feels as if they are "not enough," this story will hit home.<br />
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<br />
Two quotes that came to mind when reading this book:<br />
<br />
"The best way to get things done is to simply begin." - Unknown<br />
<br />
"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt<br />
<br />
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<h3>
Warm up the Brain for Creativity on International Dot Day</h3>
Not only does drawing wake up fine motor skills, it allows an emotional connection and creativity to blossom. Start drawing or painting with a dot!<br />
<br />
<b>Move on to STEM Activities with The Dot</b><br />
All budding artists need proper tools to draw and paint with. They also need an appropriate place to do it! Vashti would appreciate a desk just for art! Why not make it a "Dot Desk"?<br />
<b> </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5QmPZ5NJXvD_2_Uedsal9aBIoMhN7I58XNIk_Uck2V4QoIqR75uUc6kET4Xjh9H7blVqsO9YLfNDkTAdfFEHGk3WrV8T0VeXYXZtkPEb9sb3wrSvxvnacvrALUD8ezSgXB66zETG2V3R/s1600/The+Dot+STEM+Activities+International+Dot+Day+design+a+desk.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5QmPZ5NJXvD_2_Uedsal9aBIoMhN7I58XNIk_Uck2V4QoIqR75uUc6kET4Xjh9H7blVqsO9YLfNDkTAdfFEHGk3WrV8T0VeXYXZtkPEb9sb3wrSvxvnacvrALUD8ezSgXB66zETG2V3R/s640/The+Dot+STEM+Activities+International+Dot+Day+design+a+desk.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<b> </b><br />
<h3>
<b>Design and Create an Easel</b></h3>
Sometimes a desk won't cut it. Why not create a tabletop mini-easel?<br />
<br />
Easels gained popularity as canvas paintings became more common. You can view your artwork more easily from a distance when it's on an easel, and it gives you a different perspective than a desk view. Easels are also great for displaying finished works of art! <br />
<b> </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn9SiNxF-KoOvThKjD6SbE-yn1OC3-bBYJAt0HUA1hSJGsLtiJgoNwyNpkwUcC7ilJjqUwbmFR1Cf0fsZZHWBWqF0WsSTKHJNtp5Ci27_GZinfWByHfA9ffolZ3v-CDL4dZIMIIOGzHDE/s1600/The+Dot+STEM+Activities+International+Dot+Day+design+an+easel.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn9SiNxF-KoOvThKjD6SbE-yn1OC3-bBYJAt0HUA1hSJGsLtiJgoNwyNpkwUcC7ilJjqUwbmFR1Cf0fsZZHWBWqF0WsSTKHJNtp5Ci27_GZinfWByHfA9ffolZ3v-CDL4dZIMIIOGzHDE/s640/The+Dot+STEM+Activities+International+Dot+Day+design+an+easel.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<b> </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr7Fqmid1Q9xcFmO2AflSNoyu8wNExFJ2ajEudt8J5zJGK6V5GDjBL35GfA5QdCe3lDIvy1eX5xeAAjTpUdvkaCZhJTiISeLHqCHLXTThFmaH63s8R3FYIBwN48nhI7cs_SnlGFd3l0-_/s1600/The+Dot+STEM+Activities+International+Dot+Day.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr7Fqmid1Q9xcFmO2AflSNoyu8wNExFJ2ajEudt8J5zJGK6V5GDjBL35GfA5QdCe3lDIvy1eX5xeAAjTpUdvkaCZhJTiISeLHqCHLXTThFmaH63s8R3FYIBwN48nhI7cs_SnlGFd3l0-_/s640/The+Dot+STEM+Activities+International+Dot+Day.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<b>Design and Create a Painting Tool</b></h3>
If you haven't tried these painting methods with kids, you're missing out:<br />
<ul>
<li>sponges</li>
<li>painting with bubble wrap</li>
<li>painting by rolling marbles</li>
<li>finger painting</li>
<li>spin art</li>
</ul><p>
There are SO MANY fun ways to paint! Have your students design their own unique painting device using pom poms, sponges, rollers, cardboard, etc.</p><p><br />
</p><h3>
Read <a href="https://amzn.to/2MSirYi"><i>The Dot</i></a>, by Peter H. Reynolds</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*by ordering from this link I may earn a small commission as an Amazon associate member. You can read my <a href="https://momgineer.blogspot.com/p/disclaimers.html">full policy here</a>.</span></span> <br /></div><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Z0q15x" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="800" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_e9SQquqKYYLUTflXG2lDERAPeMgeHoVfK_Qxm0cpxHCoHtSzdu3PgPwX2t_wF5rmpyuchP_xLf6YzcdoVLjRdbZaWTXsSZFi3ddPyQSlITO2WtQoDqIAtTlI7syEzse4GdV8TJgtnAbeSD0wDG1WPPWH36Ba6jspYSsdw0ANvVUlod_uZHesG1WA0eE/s320/The%20Dot%20for%20International%20Dot%20Day%20STEM%20Activities%20and%20More.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3></h3>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<h3>
Download this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dot-Day-STEM-and-STEAM-Activities-4841433?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=The%20Dot%20Post">FREE Resource</a></h3>
I created this resource<b> </b>to use with The Dot book on International Dot Day. I hope you enjoy the activities!<br />
<b></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dot-Day-STEM-and-STEAM-Activities-4841433?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=The%20Dot%20Post"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dot-Day-STEM-and-STEAM-Activities-4841433?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=The%20Dot%20Post" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://ecdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Dot-Day-STEM-and-STEAM-Activities-4841433-1567505176/original-4841433-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Save these ideas for later!<br />
Pin them:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpec282CTZzk7yMYewBbU04_cFQgZQ3LNcr85b5tTQ58XYerXfpB5IVHZHsAdSU6UCDCVDRRrTm4f-uKB4XSF5Sdl68r1uIaiwc8PA7KjmUJrIiX3PuwX2enOrYzKcw1RXlhoeVnJcmhT3/s1600/Dot+Day+Activities.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpec282CTZzk7yMYewBbU04_cFQgZQ3LNcr85b5tTQ58XYerXfpB5IVHZHsAdSU6UCDCVDRRrTm4f-uKB4XSF5Sdl68r1uIaiwc8PA7KjmUJrIiX3PuwX2enOrYzKcw1RXlhoeVnJcmhT3/s640/Dot+Day+Activities.png" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div><br />momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-51486200417539544912019-05-19T11:16:00.003-04:002019-05-19T11:21:43.099-04:00Coming up with a Name for your Makerspace or STEM Lab<h2>
Makerspace Name Ideas</h2>
You have the space, you have the gear, now for the <b>name!</b> There are a lot of great name ideas out there, so I have compiled a list of some you may like, as well as a makerspace name generator of sorts!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy62DRC3nyovF6WEWJNacacJJ-v_oXOAya2noI6wvLH4619AdOgDaKGWCDQpVUJy5rMIdAFTwKuFGC6o5InEkSoohj5SEY5f9zKZbmsN39LlH4V2KnAhoqZ-_N5AoeDxPlqNTbvuIvVCQZ/s1600/STEM+Makerspace+Name+Ideas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy62DRC3nyovF6WEWJNacacJJ-v_oXOAya2noI6wvLH4619AdOgDaKGWCDQpVUJy5rMIdAFTwKuFGC6o5InEkSoohj5SEY5f9zKZbmsN39LlH4V2KnAhoqZ-_N5AoeDxPlqNTbvuIvVCQZ/s640/STEM+Makerspace+Name+Ideas.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Unique Makerspace Names</b></h3>
These names may combine words, utilize a play on words, or just sound fun:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Collaboratory</li>
<li>Imaginarium</li>
<li>Mindcave</li>
<li>Da Vinci's Workshop </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
Simple Makerspace Names </h3>
Or why not try something simple?<br />
<ul>
<li>Eureka!</li>
<li>The Brainstorm</li>
<li>STEM Lab</li>
<li>Makerplace</li>
<li>Fablab </li>
</ul>
I also created this simple chart for coming up with a makerspace name. Just pick one word from each column and you're done! It couldn't be easier.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY3GvQXVpPbPN0nYRIFYaTGjUgl1kwLGq5WMB6QDxmRj7io_RJIkuyLSJxadfRLNOVnxVOgj2dRxNIJiOaB_OmNkULFFhHg30ORrEJ5AyuOKVV2hQtZKSYSnPsu0MYW7QaiPI8yWTQmOJ/s1600/Makerspace+Name+Ideas+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY3GvQXVpPbPN0nYRIFYaTGjUgl1kwLGq5WMB6QDxmRj7io_RJIkuyLSJxadfRLNOVnxVOgj2dRxNIJiOaB_OmNkULFFhHg30ORrEJ5AyuOKVV2hQtZKSYSnPsu0MYW7QaiPI8yWTQmOJ/s640/Makerspace+Name+Ideas+%25281%2529.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Makerspace Names That Suit YOUR Makerspace </h3>
Still not sure? Here are some tips for coming up with a unique name:<br />
<ul>
<li>Think about what your makerspace's focus is. Is it on building? Arts? Robotics? Environmentally friendly design? Try using a word that supports your makerspace's mission and feel.</li>
<li>Get input from your students. How do they feel in the makerspace? What are their favorite tools and projects?</li>
<li>Describe your space. Is it on an upper floor? A basement? In a nook? In a library? What's the history of the space? Try incorporating an aspect of the physical space into your name and it's sure to fit. </li>
</ul>
<br />
What do you call your makerspace or STEM lab? Comment below or head to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/STEMteachertribe/" target="_blank">STEM educator support group on Facebook</a> to share your name with us!<br />
<br />
Looking for more ideas while setting up your makerspace? You may find the following articles useful:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/momgineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Get-Started-with-STEM.png?resize=1024%2C536&ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="800" height="332" src="https://i0.wp.com/momgineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Get-Started-with-STEM.png?resize=1024%2C536&ssl=1" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://momgineer.com/setting-up-your-stem-lab-or-makerspace/" target="_blank">Setting up Your Makerspace</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i1.wp.com/stemactivitiesforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/square-slide-Extract.jpg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://i1.wp.com/stemactivitiesforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/square-slide-Extract.jpg?resize=768%2C768&ssl=1" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2017/01/21/tips-setting-elementary-stem-lab/" target="_blank">Setting up an Elementary STEM Lab</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Sarah Lalonde</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://teachoutsidethebox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://teachoutsidethebox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Slide1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://teachoutsidethebox.com/2019/02/so-you-want-to-start-a-makerspace/" target="_blank">So You Want to Start A Makerspace?</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Teach Outside the Box </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy3ki7CqVBg7s2lBatbhcPVDYwwKSwqZO-s4v7EYU0hPP1jL0gFStZv-MtlT5HX1gWxDuU5ZcV0DDIAvssjFvQc7JjKMyhV0hezjzmKZkTbsuObD92MIX-NbeQpAyCXX96TWpkjiaJslK/s1600/Makerspace+Name+Ideas+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKy3ki7CqVBg7s2lBatbhcPVDYwwKSwqZO-s4v7EYU0hPP1jL0gFStZv-MtlT5HX1gWxDuU5ZcV0DDIAvssjFvQc7JjKMyhV0hezjzmKZkTbsuObD92MIX-NbeQpAyCXX96TWpkjiaJslK/s640/Makerspace+Name+Ideas+%25282%2529.png" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
Pin these ideas for later:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS7EOMRSJiJmrou5nlCZJ5n6vDxz9Qt38fvlDNp4XJ2NifneplBrjLIGBWa5UWsosupfHM02i7UhgTJC0UH-mnEU5imF3GivbgEkm0Sul0skBxwTiDmEMU2HipWoGYFqcKZFVI3mH7qwG/s1600/Makerspace+Name+Ideas+%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCS7EOMRSJiJmrou5nlCZJ5n6vDxz9Qt38fvlDNp4XJ2NifneplBrjLIGBWa5UWsosupfHM02i7UhgTJC0UH-mnEU5imF3GivbgEkm0Sul0skBxwTiDmEMU2HipWoGYFqcKZFVI3mH7qwG/s640/Makerspace+Name+Ideas+%25283%2529.png" width="425" /></a></div>
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<ul>
</ul>
momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-46591793124897510982019-03-21T10:39:00.003-04:002019-03-21T10:40:23.522-04:00Pair Stare for Blends!<h2>
Practicing Blends with a Fun Game</h2>
Who doesn't love a fun game? My favorite way to engage learners of all ages is through play, and this game is fun for kids and adults alike! Over the years I have developed a number of these games, and now there is a set of pair stare games for blends!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCc41rfkcFFHGsy4JQFqxPyBR0-WUmc3jO_AWqmbQd0mNq71L6xlqbCecwVlD2KZNUZHHjs-ZrGYvC_jI_EKz1VOBAo7MkEkSvEbTOvXTUqOzCKpoJ8NH2tJay_NpNG5MbGPVUg3bZf18/s1600/Pair+Stare+with+Blends+-+Momgineer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCc41rfkcFFHGsy4JQFqxPyBR0-WUmc3jO_AWqmbQd0mNq71L6xlqbCecwVlD2KZNUZHHjs-ZrGYvC_jI_EKz1VOBAo7MkEkSvEbTOvXTUqOzCKpoJ8NH2tJay_NpNG5MbGPVUg3bZf18/s640/Pair+Stare+with+Blends+-+Momgineer.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you aren't familiar with pair stare, you may want to visit this <a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/2017/09/pair-stare-games-for-sight-words.html" target="_blank">pair stare post</a>. However, you can get an idea of how it's played by watching the video below:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YOMoSUrYKm4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YOMoSUrYKm4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
You can try it out in the image below. Look at the top two cards. Do you see the one and only image or word that is on BOTH cards? Once you find it, do the same with the bottom two cards! <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPOydfNnmHo-EUTl0k7Dr6Qw8YPVm3F7OiZDtfN-Fp2QaD89SMj1r9d1wVnIX4FYQcVGWsWgE_oNbWSQg71oa8TcXsbl_p9fSKoLTwvTZ9AB9Ct0jT6xtC6_b6rQpkhSPOpzDG17q8MPJ/s1600/Pair+Stare+Games.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPOydfNnmHo-EUTl0k7Dr6Qw8YPVm3F7OiZDtfN-Fp2QaD89SMj1r9d1wVnIX4FYQcVGWsWgE_oNbWSQg71oa8TcXsbl_p9fSKoLTwvTZ9AB9Ct0jT6xtC6_b6rQpkhSPOpzDG17q8MPJ/s640/Pair+Stare+Games.png" width="426" /></a></div>
Why is this game so much fun? No matter how often you play, the game is
always slightly different. You can try playing with the cards below.
Pick two cards and then look at them until you find the match. It's
harder than it seems! Sometimes you think there must not be a
match...but I promise you there is. A few things that can help you out:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>If it's a word or blend, it will <b>always</b> be the same <b>color</b> and <b>font</b></li>
<li>the match will <b>NOT</b> always be the same <b>size</b></li>
</ul>
Did you find the answer to the image above?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDPBeNOp0F4Rocsy5MlvJjAinHOPbTuqFopsDEnP3_Ch_saiWaCNXjtzlFYPXTw3zFia_hQ2FEYXr-PrP84_Qgcm8RQI3Ak5ARx_c7uw_OQz2s8hBsECHL1F-R4d7ChefQRCd34-4soWH/s1600/Pair+Stare+Games+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDPBeNOp0F4Rocsy5MlvJjAinHOPbTuqFopsDEnP3_Ch_saiWaCNXjtzlFYPXTw3zFia_hQ2FEYXr-PrP84_Qgcm8RQI3Ak5ARx_c7uw_OQz2s8hBsECHL1F-R4d7ChefQRCd34-4soWH/s640/Pair+Stare+Games+%25281%2529.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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This game is <b>always different</b>, because when you shuffle the cards, there is a new match! ANY two cards in the deck have one unique match. With over 55 possibilities, it's harder than it initially sounds!<br />
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The game also has both <b>words and images, as well as the blends! </b>The words have been carefully selected as easier to read, as you can see above with words like <i>brag, from,</i> and <i>free</i>, while more complicated words that students would not yet be able to read are displayed in image form, such as <i>trampoline</i>, <i>broccoli</i>, and <i>dragon.</i> <br />
<h3>
L Blends, R Blends, and S Blends</h3>
You can find all three <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Blends-Games-Pair-Stare-BUNDLE-L-Blends-R-Blends-and-S-Blends-4354818?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Pair%20Stare%20BLENDS" target="_blank">blends games</a> in my TpT shop:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Blends-Games-Pair-Stare-BUNDLE-L-Blends-R-Blends-and-S-Blends-4354818?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Pair%20Stare%20BLENDS" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Blends-Games-Pair-Stare-BUNDLE-L-Blends-R-Blends-and-S-Blends-4354818?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Pair%20Stare%20BLENDS" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv8A8WRRz0hHLsMUcOWIc1M5vJtTP0q_QQvTUGgvTo5KKDTjtI2qdfWItdcv-qd9HnZVWDa1heWiakCyZ6H23ZVnhk8xaNvToqjZ8KVX8Cy1-qLIykaDhOdBmmSwfyQWx1d6GG6KstRcc/s640/Pair+Stare+Games+%25282%2529.png" width="425" /></a></div>
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Or save these ideas for later on Pinterest: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULm4lRb3ho_bRqPDvvI7h1ONb7DCAioaWF8qivnnKOvZGIfOsw2q_MGLEkZ7JBv8Gj_c3DiJYxsHpHJnTGZpf0Oei68h32-6d4YS7gM9W_HKI1RxQDFQUKl0r4uGh4fqnAExDzGxPKNu3/s1600/Pair+Stare+Games+%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULm4lRb3ho_bRqPDvvI7h1ONb7DCAioaWF8qivnnKOvZGIfOsw2q_MGLEkZ7JBv8Gj_c3DiJYxsHpHJnTGZpf0Oei68h32-6d4YS7gM9W_HKI1RxQDFQUKl0r4uGh4fqnAExDzGxPKNu3/s640/Pair+Stare+Games+%25283%2529.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-77820801921961575702019-03-09T16:24:00.001-05:002019-03-09T16:24:47.566-05:00The Yellow Brick Road Gets Upcycled - Wonderful Wizard of Oz STEM Activities<h2>
Fairy Tale STEM Activity for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz</h2>
Can you help Dorothy and the Munchkins use the bricks to rebuild a home for the Munchkins, since their homes are in disrepair?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_BgOG4lUVdwfnDwZbxS8ulEujOQzxwCeph3KT0T38KQ1wImaSNZD1BV3_rX2qiD9G0ojq2vpkls5mdj47RsWCFEznVdN1nWScitZR8X3j-gKZ_p_HSHgVndzLOPg5oQWL3sKHBYtJK0d/s1600/The+Wonderful+Wizard+of+Oz+STEM+Fairy+Tale+Challenge+-+Momgineer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_BgOG4lUVdwfnDwZbxS8ulEujOQzxwCeph3KT0T38KQ1wImaSNZD1BV3_rX2qiD9G0ojq2vpkls5mdj47RsWCFEznVdN1nWScitZR8X3j-gKZ_p_HSHgVndzLOPg5oQWL3sKHBYtJK0d/s1600/The+Wonderful+Wizard+of+Oz+STEM+Fairy+Tale+Challenge+-+Momgineer.png" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Materials Needed for this STEM Fairy Tale Activity</h3>
<ul>
<li>bricks, blocks, dominoes, etc. that represent the yellow brick road. You can change the color to suit the color bricks you have!</li>
<li>printable characters or small figurines</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Before Getting Started with the STEM Tale</h3>
First you will need to tell the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, or read the book. You should prepare a brick road the a suitable number of "bricks" for students to then disassemble. If you are using interlocking bricks such as legos, you should use a medium to large baseplate. STEM tales work best if you read the original fairy tale first (or do
your own storytelling!). This also leads to great discussions during the
engineering process, as kids love to compare the original story with
the new version.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uOtlfUB9nb83iVZyaEqsQ0cDOOep337fKDdQG430UAb3K_Gn-pvR8AdR6RNlu_Ij7kwDzuKhEQ3h88dkypRJxL17HZyW-E7EZbOadLkoDolo1cOAMPcoEaps8OFQ3kzv5xGvYIVWgp0C/s1600/The+Yellow+Brick+Road+Gets+Upcycled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uOtlfUB9nb83iVZyaEqsQ0cDOOep337fKDdQG430UAb3K_Gn-pvR8AdR6RNlu_Ij7kwDzuKhEQ3h88dkypRJxL17HZyW-E7EZbOadLkoDolo1cOAMPcoEaps8OFQ3kzv5xGvYIVWgp0C/s400/The+Yellow+Brick+Road+Gets+Upcycled.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Fairy Tale STEM with the Engineering Design Process </h3>
I have designed STEM tales so that as students read the story, they will
follow the engineering design process. First, they need to identify the
problem (how to repurpose the bricks to create a stable structure). Good news! If you follow the Next Generation Science Standards, you can use this STEM fairy tale challenge to fulfill the following NGSS* requirement: 2-PS1-3. <i>(<span class="popup" data-original-title="<h4>Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions</h4><p>Constructing explanations and designing solutions in K–2 builds on prior experiences and progresses to the use of evidence and ideas in constructing evidence-based accounts of natural phenomena and designing solutions.</p><ul><li>Make observations (firsthand or from media) to construct an evidence-based account for natural phenomena.</li></ul>" title="">Make observations to construct an evidence-based account of how</span>
<span class="popup" data-original-title="<h4>PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter</h4><ul><li>Different properties are suited to different purposes.</li><li>A great variety of objects can be built up from a small set of pieces</li></ul>" title="">an object made of a small set of pieces</span>
<span class="popup" data-original-title="<h4>Energy and Matter</h4><ul><li>Objects may break into smaller pieces and be put together into larger pieces, or change shapes.</li></ul>" title="">can be disassembled and made into a new object.)</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvhWta_nm4UgXLuHkmvsYVQm4SbMLyQdgFoJWunfEeIbok9wN0bo3VpaIVLtvCSDMgxQKXrhVjEmi73bC95UQa4hxpjVyOVJ_nPuNWzlbRl3nfyOYBgA-bpeZqbcLktAQJAAL587GXzlf/s1600/The+Yellow+Brick+Road+Gets+Upcycled+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvhWta_nm4UgXLuHkmvsYVQm4SbMLyQdgFoJWunfEeIbok9wN0bo3VpaIVLtvCSDMgxQKXrhVjEmi73bC95UQa4hxpjVyOVJ_nPuNWzlbRl3nfyOYBgA-bpeZqbcLktAQJAAL587GXzlf/s400/The+Yellow+Brick+Road+Gets+Upcycled+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Design a Home for the Munchkins </h3>
After thinking of some ways to reuse the bricks, your students will then
choose one they can build. They will plan out the design,
and then construct their home.<br />
<br />
After the prototype is built, the kids then test it out! Is it big enough to fit the Munchkins? If something
didn't work right, it's time to go back and improve the design.<br />
<br />
STEM tales are a great way to foster teamwork and problem-solving. This
STEM tale usually inspires amazing creativity and excitement from the
littlest engineers.<br />
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<b>Use the Ideas Above or Get the STEM Tale Resource on TpT</b><br />
<br />
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<br />
Use the ideas above to create your own challenge or try out this resource I created that guides you through the process:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LfPHXPyPOg7HSuQMqamYdOAKGWkeX-C3IfKE9ZnD-MQjVM49wl1XX-4zvnZb_qU8ElSbRpBQ9LYapTxoPREYId3RkjKtrbor3t9254_VpNB4nHPwW9Dyzyrei03fiCFL9oBP15Nr6ucL/s1600/The+Yellow+Brick+Road+Gets+Upcycled+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LfPHXPyPOg7HSuQMqamYdOAKGWkeX-C3IfKE9ZnD-MQjVM49wl1XX-4zvnZb_qU8ElSbRpBQ9LYapTxoPREYId3RkjKtrbor3t9254_VpNB4nHPwW9Dyzyrei03fiCFL9oBP15Nr6ucL/s400/The+Yellow+Brick+Road+Gets+Upcycled+%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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It includes an 8-page booklet, printable
characters, check list for self-evaluation, and a bonus activity. You can find it on Teachers pay Teachers by visiting <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Wonderful-Wizard-of-Oz-STEM-Activity-The-Yellow-Brick-Road-Gets-Upcycled-3335763?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Wizard%20of%20Oz%20STEM%20Tale" target="_blank">this link</a>: <br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Wonderful-Wizard-of-Oz-STEM-Activity-The-Yellow-Brick-Road-Gets-Upcycled-3335763?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Wizard%20of%20Oz%20STEM%20Tale" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Wonderful-Wizard-of-Oz-STEM-Activity-The-Yellow-Brick-Road-Gets-Upcycled-3335763?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Wizard%20of%20Oz%20STEM%20Tale" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5UdKCq0Bbmri1VfZagc9uW0k_AWAzrM-66MekaTBzWvze_i5LiGcjB0RSrkJoVABRfARmOZfkCU3fThqLkCo7exHNnZCe23DdDfo_OfCuSclO8nM1Du-XtZXKSAUPtzrGqInztwubpTL/s400/The+Yellow+Brick+Road+Gets+Upcycled+%25283%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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To read more about how to conduct a STEM challenge, visit <a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/2016/09/how-to-run-successful-stem-tale.html" target="_blank">this post</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/2016/09/how-to-run-successful-stem-tale.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/2016/09/how-to-run-successful-stem-tale.html" border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_LMqFTSXJpPZiM5Sb5DgjRJpEw1-rp8RwaP3X28pZJHliCSq9zicmJZqkyAMrwaadMQSDzSe-Wg0DLZMZEV69p8dqbioWOkhdrHW4WJxxbIysfZ7CaWps_WQ7SYEDsex3VDIS4we2Mk/s400/Fairy+Tale+STEM+Engineering+with+Momgineer.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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To see all posts in this series, click <a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/search/label/STEM%20tales" target="_blank">here</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://momgineer.blogspot.com/search/label/STEM%20tales" target="_blank"><img alt="STEM Tales Blog Series" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8pRD72ruZiA0MqveeG7PKLr311TOicgVhZ_N-sv6xolU3o9TYZMaCLcLa-mO8fQyF8o4NT1mQN0IK-s7HPT9deUpvsl9Ngfhd4MYp0qGuLVHRROXV2KuRUcpXMIyWH7WzRhk5Oxj5-Q/s400/Fairy+Tales+STEM+Blog+Series+Square+Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pin these ideas to save them for later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnvgBNEa1A8YNDgKI1SksDd-YQFDVmmS2sOmQLPzuhUiD8XYWAhd65rsnfNiVNfvBIIo8lHyB-sT4JJIzqBCecYn_94T1r4IxHf4cDQ5D_7lEcXdGdyA4OQxCWdfm5e2_Ucppn4DysS2S/s1600/Fairy+Tale+STEM+for+the+Wonderful+Wizard+of+Oz+The+Yellow+Brick+Road+Gets+Upcycled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnvgBNEa1A8YNDgKI1SksDd-YQFDVmmS2sOmQLPzuhUiD8XYWAhd65rsnfNiVNfvBIIo8lHyB-sT4JJIzqBCecYn_94T1r4IxHf4cDQ5D_7lEcXdGdyA4OQxCWdfm5e2_Ucppn4DysS2S/s640/Fairy+Tale+STEM+for+the+Wonderful+Wizard+of+Oz+The+Yellow+Brick+Road+Gets+Upcycled.png" width="425" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>* NGSS is a registered trademark of Achieve. <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #212121; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Neither
Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next
Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of this
product, and do not endorse it.</span>”</i></span> <br />
<br />
<br />momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-40258076568950349952019-01-23T08:10:00.000-05:002019-01-23T08:10:32.736-05:00Demystifying STEM with SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids<br />
<h2 style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
<b>Demystifying
STEM with SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids</b></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-tqC2X70OWkDcYfxV0pEfqSWkxHsL8GIVRu5h64pwt_uqrwHj-ZGDVq4u-jwgGn2sAGYa_S0eDPAxaeQSasO9z54i3ppBiuf5gxk-mMCuXNmxmJb7fCPAQIt3mWwVwaSpgdeWSBgraSV/s1600/Solidworks+Apps+for+Kids+on+Momgineer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-tqC2X70OWkDcYfxV0pEfqSWkxHsL8GIVRu5h64pwt_uqrwHj-ZGDVq4u-jwgGn2sAGYa_S0eDPAxaeQSasO9z54i3ppBiuf5gxk-mMCuXNmxmJb7fCPAQIt3mWwVwaSpgdeWSBgraSV/s1600/Solidworks+Apps+for+Kids+on+Momgineer.png" /></a></div>
<h2 style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
</h2>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Let’s face it:
sometimes, getting kids into STEM is hard. You can preach the gospel
of science, technology, engineering, and math all day long, but if a
kid feels like their creativity and imagination are being stifled by
rules and numbers, “STEM” can quickly turn into “STOP.”
<a href="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog">SOLIDWORKS Apps
for Kids</a> was created with this in mind.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
SOLIDWORKS Apps
for Kids is an ecosystem of <a href="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog">apps</a>
meant to nurture new designers from age 4 and up. With <b>Capture It</b>,
<b>Shape It</b>, <b>Mech It</b>,<b> Style It</b>, and <b>Print It</b> apps, kids are introduced
to real-world workflow practices like ideation, creation,
enhancement, and production in a fun and accessible way. The apps
empower kids to learn while allowing their creativity to flow, giving
them multiple methods to design and turn their craziest ideas into
reality.</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
</div>
<h3 style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Meet the Apps </h3>
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<a href="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog"><img alt="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiby9-bH9wn1N3cULdoXAg8ShZP9HtOJBms8lUz_5Dy9lFc_OD1AaFtAetEW41r14uWTWjRuzA-gDmQajc7DtIPb_gWW2n4nvK14qwLFi_4wVgLLgvE5v7wDxJnUZg8ql5wdp4-xQB395An/s1600/Solidworks+STEM+and+CAD+apps+for+Kids.png" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
</h3>
<b>Capture It</b> is a personal inspiration app, where kids can add
photos, draw their own images and turn them into stickers, and create
an idea board for all the designs that will come next.<br />
<br />
Anyone who is familiar with 3D modeling will recognize <b>Shape It</b>,
a kid-friendly, easy to use CAD app that allows kids to shape, prod,
and pull material into their very own creations.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkyFhnF3gk6H5btrshMA91fk1IUfY4V8ue-xBhndkrS8FE4shnYgOkWqmILb0hw9VfqXRAhmwirOE2i-DPnyCvPgtik2XflR-dkF2Del1HDBmVVurVdZgOxMY62bnoz7IjazpvTelYiB1/s1600/Solidworks+Apps+for+Kids+STYLE+IT.png" /></a></div>
Two kids might create similar models, but with the <b>Style It</b>
app they can really make their own designs pop. Kids can transfer
models from Shape It to Style It and use colors, stickers,
backgrounds, and more to decorate and make their model truly unique. Create a cute and happy spider or your own Mars rover.<br />
<br />
With the <b>Print It</b> app, kids can watch their designs come to
life. Print It gives kids the ability to 2D print or 3D print their
designs, and also allows them to learn about isometric views in a
cool way with the Cube Print function. Keep reading to see an example of the Cube Print function.<br />
<br />
Is your child more interested in motors and linkages? With the <b>Mech
It</b> app, moving machinery is in within arm’s reach, with cool
and colorful spiral designs that kids can tweak in any which way they
like.<br />
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<a href="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJ-Hebu_LqSXKV_eHhEPsvE7kitvgbpN_IQfw7r8crKyv6_SXyRwYyzAF_vF-zgbmmg2lNzl0ts8qDjC2bHqGREtxhedUkkD-l3ptBpavXGjREz2vhVLu_3D3xZaPQ5vG01zs1UA16Muq/s1600/Solidworks+Apps+for+Kids+mech+it.PNG" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Mech It</b> was definitely my favorite app to try out! Join a few bars together, add a motor, and then hit play to watch it go! You can even slow it down and speed it up with the slider bar. Here is a simple crank-rocker mechanism I created:<br />
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNrXJbKdwxXO4CsSGYZg-A5Y6Farq7qXNHnqQuY5hk_2uXg1tramOCiR4aoqo2BBrmJRmNlAZTdK5bs9TEl2J97OSpjv5SB979fwJ-iuxnNSDagGH2_difci4deB5dcaeEWC6vjXLDhqy/s1600/Crank+Rocker+with+Solidworks+Apps+for+Kids+Mech+It.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNrXJbKdwxXO4CsSGYZg-A5Y6Farq7qXNHnqQuY5hk_2uXg1tramOCiR4aoqo2BBrmJRmNlAZTdK5bs9TEl2J97OSpjv5SB979fwJ-iuxnNSDagGH2_difci4deB5dcaeEWC6vjXLDhqy/s320/Crank+Rocker+with+Solidworks+Apps+for+Kids+Mech+It.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<h3>
Pro Tips to Get Started Successfully with SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids</h3>
<h3>
1) Start with the Videos</h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">When you try out the apps, make sure you start with the videos! They are short but all very helpful so that you can get started right away and learn what all the different options are for drawing, styling, and modifying designs. Especially for kids new to CAD</span>, this is SO helpful! Just click the ? in the upper right corner of the screen at <a href="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog">SOLIDWORKS Appsfor Kids</a> to find all the videos to get started on the right track.<br />
<h3>
2) Utilize the Public Projects</h3>
Navigate to the public projects, find one you like, then click on the copy icon to "Riff."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SY_dNxXQUuEZBmPHRTcEraX8DEoXVGKxcGz7hymu3fgb7ZbFSEMlOP5FJeo_0jHg_TH7nTuYayHN8ie7stPc_Le7fHhKidXj8kXtcFP88s8qiXYAiZz7TgLmMLxV03p6Y_DgnHRdmmBx/s1600/Solidworks+Apps+for+Kids+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SY_dNxXQUuEZBmPHRTcEraX8DEoXVGKxcGz7hymu3fgb7ZbFSEMlOP5FJeo_0jHg_TH7nTuYayHN8ie7stPc_Le7fHhKidXj8kXtcFP88s8qiXYAiZz7TgLmMLxV03p6Y_DgnHRdmmBx/s1600/Solidworks+Apps+for+Kids+%25281%2529.png" /></a></div>
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<h3>
3) Start tinkering!</h3>
Dive right in and start tinkering with whichever app appeals to you most!<br />
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<h3>
4) Remember to Print it</h3>
One way for kids to show what they created is to print it. You can create 2D prints on paper, with or without a background, <b>on a 6-sided cube</b>, and in <b>color by number style</b> (what?!!! This is so awesome!). You can even 3D print your kids' creations. I constantly get asked for
project ideas for 3D printing. These apps have got you covered; design, go to print it, and grab your STL file. Explore
the Print It app and never run out of ideas for your 3D printer. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog"><img alt="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKCmL8MDGa1K8pbxyTMaQ2G86cmYYZPY-SEmmLIEcvAkbXpzXT-0vi3AqnFCq0ADuswWDGk7PaPrTKZ0VdIirYg-HVdljabldBv1JTfsqHahdfZEZyxA-8SsluaUbjzXCPiKVwN2sYwkO/s1600/Solidworks+Apps+for+Kids+print+it.png" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Internet Safety and Privacy</h3>
<br />
Projects in
SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids are <b>always private</b> until you decide to share
to the Apps for Kids Public Gallery. Users can “riff” on public
projects—your kid might see a cutesy bunny design, like it, then
riff on that project and transform that bunny into an out of this
world alien. Creativity, imagination, and community are all part of
the Apps for Kids ecosystem.<br />
<br />
<h3>
STEM Block, Tech Lab, or Makerspace</h3>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
Educators across
the country have embraced SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids as a means to
teach their students about design and engineering. Now, the <a href="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog">Apps for Kids Classroom</a> interface allows teachers to create and
organize self-contained workshops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog"><img alt="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdg8w_mCe6gXwl2g4Z-o2dfsiHCMnhAKHxjgs02ZJdsPY-hh14KF4SLMnf8USu2hqP4eCdX2Tkf7hm5vlCZDFtXR6th_tSRIu5yA74xWyhbjZ_o34h4DjA_vRFZaHc9gw7870HuIlUUygQ/s1600/Solidworks+Apps+for+Kids.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Use at Home Together </h3>
Parents, do not deprive yourself of the opportunity to create something magical and fun with your child. Work together to create a robot army, an enchanted land, or a space adventure! <br />
<br />
While there are dozens of apps out there that may enhance STEM learning, these apps are truly a complete suite of apps. There is something for everyone, whether your students lean more toward revising and enhancing designs or creating something brand new from scratch. </div>
<div style="line-height: 108%; margin-bottom: 0.11in;">
If you give kids
the means to express and create, to engineer and tinker to their
heart’s content, they can learn that STEM exists beyond numbers and
rules. With SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids, they are already there. Learn
more about all the fun things you can do with SOLIDWORKS Apps for
Kids right <a href="http://www.solidworks.com/a4k_momgineerblog">here</a>.</div>
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<h3>
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momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-55308591487290021922019-01-07T08:52:00.002-05:002019-01-07T08:54:32.979-05:00Professional Development Options for STEM Educators <h2>
Professional Development for STEM and STEAM Teachers </h2>
There are increasingly more PD opportunities for STEM and STEAM educators, ranging from online courses and webinars to conferences or hands-on workshops. This is a list to get you started, which I will be updating as more opportunities are added. Please feel free to comment with any of your own recommendations so I can add them to the list as well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytX6tYVYGI4iTUcmhwTWwBD3jd9lQwQCgze6mfa8ezWMK31nge8wVkzd5ymNh4LaLytiKLCzxYEEKOhIrZkZmE02ZudieqKr61Oc2ImqpFXPZT8cwc0EQXqrIYyMdfWHlJfrf-ORzqGQQ/s1600/PD+for+STEM+Educators.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytX6tYVYGI4iTUcmhwTWwBD3jd9lQwQCgze6mfa8ezWMK31nge8wVkzd5ymNh4LaLytiKLCzxYEEKOhIrZkZmE02ZudieqKr61Oc2ImqpFXPZT8cwc0EQXqrIYyMdfWHlJfrf-ORzqGQQ/s1600/PD+for+STEM+Educators.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Online PD Opportunities and Webinars</h3>
<b><a href="http://edweb.net/">edWeb.net</a> </b>Webinars and PD, such as Developing a Fundable and Sustainable STEM Program<br />
<b><br /><a href="http://simplek12.com/">SimpleK12.com</a></b> - hosts individual PD, free webinars, or PD for schools and districts. STEM options such as "Spark Imagination and Innovative Thinking with STEAM in your Classroom"<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.learnersedgeinc.com/">Learner's Edge</a></b>: Choose from online or print. STEM options such as "Consumer to Creator: Coding and Kids" <br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://nicerc.org/">NICERC</a></b>: Cyber, STEM, and Computer Science curriculum for K-12. <a href="https://nicerc.org/pd/cert/">Cyber education certificate</a> available<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.iteea.org/STEMWebinars.aspx">ITEAA STEM Webinars</a></b> (STEMinars) - members get access to previous webinars, such as "Top 10 Ways to Incorporate STEM in Your Elementary School" or one about safer Makerspaces<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCkjAd-FLCSAuC7FYIRrwZe0vUMkgZ9P5MshNoNnTsyA6wllyYTW_2HCDfHGjW5ElFru7sxDr-cT13gXcqfZ86_Ong-dTRAjV-xtWWEH5w0Nu0ii2k0hh3EBSDdnXTBkp5IBrnKqMKrKz/s1600/PD+for+STEM+Educators+%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCkjAd-FLCSAuC7FYIRrwZe0vUMkgZ9P5MshNoNnTsyA6wllyYTW_2HCDfHGjW5ElFru7sxDr-cT13gXcqfZ86_Ong-dTRAjV-xtWWEH5w0Nu0ii2k0hh3EBSDdnXTBkp5IBrnKqMKrKz/s400/PD+for+STEM+Educators+%25283%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b><a href="https://www.iste.org/">ISTE</a></b>: Check out ISTE U for topics such as digital citizenship or follow <a href="https://www.iste.org/explore">their blog</a> for more ideas.<br />
<h3>
STEM Conferences and Onsite Training Opportunities</h3>
Early Childhood STEM Conference: <a href="http://ecstem.org/">http://ecstem.org</a><br />
Hosted by the Children's Center at Caltech<br />
<br />
STEMpostium Ventura County: <a href="http://www.vcstemposium.org/">http://www.vcstemposium.org/</a><br />
From the website, this is a "<b>FREE</b> week-long (4.5 day) summer institute for <b>K-12 teachers</b> followed by two optional Saturday workshops during the subsequent school year." <br />
<br />
NSTA Conferences: <a href="https://www.nsta.org/conferences/">https://www.nsta.org/conferences/</a><br />
From their site, "Each year, NSTA hosts a national conference on science education (in the
spring), three area conferences (in the fall), and a STEM Forum &
Expo."<br />
<br />
NASA Space Port Conference: <a href="https://nasa.epscorspo.nevada.edu/space-space-port-area-conference-for-educators/">https://nasa.epscorspo.nevada.edu/space-space-port-area-conference-for-educators/</a><br />
Presentations are given by astronauts and NASA science and engineering experts in all fields. Awesome! <br />
<br />
STEAM Days of Summer: <a href="https://www.scienceworld.ca/steam-days-summer">https://www.scienceworld.ca/steam-days-summer</a><br />
<br />
ASTC <a href="https://www.astc.org/conference/">https://www.astc.org/conference/</a><br />
<br />
Texas STEM Coalition: <a href="http://txstem.org/">txstem.org/</a><br />
<br />
ISTE <a href="https://www.iste.org/">https://www.iste.org/</a><br />
Your go-to edtech conference! <br />
<br />
CA STEAM symposium: <a href="https://www.stemcalifornia.org/">https://www.stemcalifornia.org/</a><br />
<br />
Content Teaching Academy @ James Madison University: <a href="http://cta.jmu.edu/">http://cta.jmu.edu/</a><br />
<br />
American Society for Engineering Education, ASEE conferences: <a href="https://www.asee.org/conferences-and-events/conferences">https://www.asee.org/conferences-and-events/conferences</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://educationcloset.com/steam-summit?fbclid=IwAR3zJqG87qXwyspkPW2qc3d11XYcBpU8xz0h1x2ceJDvE_l07A0bEp8Ns_8">Arts Integration and STEAM Summit</a><br />
<h3>
Other Ideas</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZIoylEsZbQLSwLui9Ew3GjsZcSeLrqddhumGbEgWRbc35IiqfITWMl0UlV8lC93PWAbrM4c63SAkHdGaa6ytqP0Jf-v4i5k66BPfOQumSxwIcQTIGmopcPBSEv3VPfnAPt2T74n_0FcS/s1600/PD+for+STEM+Educators+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZIoylEsZbQLSwLui9Ew3GjsZcSeLrqddhumGbEgWRbc35IiqfITWMl0UlV8lC93PWAbrM4c63SAkHdGaa6ytqP0Jf-v4i5k66BPfOQumSxwIcQTIGmopcPBSEv3VPfnAPt2T74n_0FcS/s400/PD+for+STEM+Educators+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Shadow a professional! Find an experienced STEM teacher and shadow them for a day. Can't find one, or don't have the ability to take a day to do this? Join the STEM Teacher support group on Facebook:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/STEMteachertribe/">STEM Teacher Group on Facebook</a><br />
<br />
Ask burning questions, find photos of STEM labs and makerspaces, get recommendations for resources on different STEM topics. Another way to connect with other educators is through Twitter chats.<br />
<br />
Twitter Chats: <a href="https://www.iste.org/explore/articleDetail?articleid=7">ISTE list of twitter chats</a> or visit <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/twittereducationchats/education-chat-calendar">this awesome list</a>!<br />
<h3>
Resource-Specific Training for Robotics and STEM Tools</h3>
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<br />
If you have or are trying to acquire specific tools, robots, etc. for your classroom, visit the websites of the manufacturers of these devices. Many of them have extensive training opportunities and learning resources. Here are some of my favorites:<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/makeymakeyk12/?fbclid=IwAR2Jhp5jYzP4zra6r6D38H4LYYwcKd02p6ZpxFaUJyxKNFAYrA0n_4moMZo">MakeyMakey training</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.makewonder.com/classroom/professional-development/">MakeWonder professional development</a></b> (makes of Dash, Dot, and Cue)<br />
<a href="https://littlebits.com/blog/webinars-from-littlebits/"><b>littleBits webinars</b></a><br />
<b><a href="https://www.sphero.com/education/professional-learning-and-resources/">Sphero professional learning </a></b><br />
<a href="https://www.letsstartcoding.com/online-training/"><b>Let's Start Coding online training</b></a><br />
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<b>Pin these Ideas for Later</b><br />
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momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-3345176111398106012018-10-29T17:12:00.000-04:002018-11-15T13:50:10.992-05:00Winter STEM Challenge with Frosty the Snowman<h2>
STEM Activities for Frosty the Snowman </h2>
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STEM That is Easy to Implement</h3>
This story is one of my <i>favorites</i> of the "Pick Your Path STEMventure" series. This story is
about beloved Frosty, and helping to make his day the BEST.DAY.EVER.
Students decide how they want the story to progress; in
completing the story students will complete 3-4 challenges. The story
not only guides students through the engineering design process, it includes
design constraints and areas for them to fill in their thoughts, plans,
and testing data. However, you don't need the resource in order to do just the building parts. Read on to find some fun and creative STEM activities you can do to make Frosty the snowman have a great day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppYsfTu1IZjbjKBq1Fwvejki_glvJHg0CrkeH4YTrWn5z2aoXaPUMv7ZLYKERB6Ke262yxGhuBYlcz28lHSwSCjYoJOMw1H6t0jBFEkCEZQgprKXFeqgLLqDQlFbQRMfLNrX0NHIt-YLC/s1600/Snowman+STEM+Activities.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppYsfTu1IZjbjKBq1Fwvejki_glvJHg0CrkeH4YTrWn5z2aoXaPUMv7ZLYKERB6Ke262yxGhuBYlcz28lHSwSCjYoJOMw1H6t0jBFEkCEZQgprKXFeqgLLqDQlFbQRMfLNrX0NHIt-YLC/s640/Snowman+STEM+Activities.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you do use the resource I created, students will read through a story about Frosty, and then choose where they would like him to go. Depending on their choice, they will encounter different STEM challenges along the way. <br />
<h3>
Sled STEM Challenge </h3>
Sleds are an excellent tool to teach students about force and motion, potential and kinetic energy, and friction. Can your students design and create a sled that Frosty can fit in and use? You could use a mini figure or paper Frosty as shown:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncz4hyqr9yVTTC0GqRj6KJmtuiumP877gmMpD2eNhD9LRXgkIO-x-yWi6QnpPs356z-oCItwwVsunBr18Qo1xTDt1W_mZGwvILjtyHuuIYRb3DJFRSjhgS8V0hfEDno_lvnZr8DxeI98m/s1600/Sled+STEM+Challenge+Frosty.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncz4hyqr9yVTTC0GqRj6KJmtuiumP877gmMpD2eNhD9LRXgkIO-x-yWi6QnpPs356z-oCItwwVsunBr18Qo1xTDt1W_mZGwvILjtyHuuIYRb3DJFRSjhgS8V0hfEDno_lvnZr8DxeI98m/s1600/Sled+STEM+Challenge+Frosty.png" /></a></div>
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Race sleds down a cardboard box on a slope, or use a large sheet of plastic cardboard (find at your local hardware store). It makes a great snow hill! Try different materials to see which ones travel best downhill. Shown are legos, and a section of plastic egg carton covered with vinyl tablecloth.<br />
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An Unlikely Winter STEM Challenge - Hammock</h3>
Why would Frosty need a hammock? Well, you'd have to read the story to find out. This is a simple challenge that kids always love. Who doesn't love relaxing in a hammock?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy2wSzazBBoWhaFxBoJWwVEc0b7CCFJrVcntwTMnXSDfDeYgeRsmZgS8g2oBdx7XT9Q3_-F46ANOMesVx10OU0K0OkJRmhEkJSwn6W5FlStxuBfrV7SQhmiR5JIOJKXIm3KkcuY43fcLQ/s1600/Hammock+STEM+Challenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy2wSzazBBoWhaFxBoJWwVEc0b7CCFJrVcntwTMnXSDfDeYgeRsmZgS8g2oBdx7XT9Q3_-F46ANOMesVx10OU0K0OkJRmhEkJSwn6W5FlStxuBfrV7SQhmiR5JIOJKXIm3KkcuY43fcLQ/s1600/Hammock+STEM+Challenge.png" /></a></div>
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Do you want to build a snow-less snowman?</h3>
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There are several other challenges you can do with a snowman, including building one (use baking soda to make inexpensive fake snow). Students can challenge themselves to build a regular snowman and one that is upside down, as well! For older students, have them hypothesize the correct ratio of baking soda to water to make "snow" that sticks together and holds a shape. They can then test it out and create a recipe, then build their snowmen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vlQzA7gU6THNVCPeeaFgTzemUrDVpdmKME8J59w7lQzNVcIDYOKgsEU7-5g7ujiLcveOHu9mJdH2HdzszkdNdbN-1ycGBc1YHlA8N96VpC106EeF0EBUhrLEmuzSIQWIbN8DHFYf_LT9/s1600/Snowman+STEM+CHallenges.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vlQzA7gU6THNVCPeeaFgTzemUrDVpdmKME8J59w7lQzNVcIDYOKgsEU7-5g7ujiLcveOHu9mJdH2HdzszkdNdbN-1ycGBc1YHlA8N96VpC106EeF0EBUhrLEmuzSIQWIbN8DHFYf_LT9/s1600/Snowman+STEM+CHallenges.png" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Find this STEM Resource on Teachers pay Teachers</h3>
If you would like to use the story and printables I've created, you can find them on Teachers pay Teachers at this link, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Activities-Snowman-Winter-STEM-3523788">Snowman STEMventure</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Activities-Snowman-Winter-STEM-3523788"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/STEM-Activities-Snowman-Winter-STEM-3523788" border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV88GZzguCkMPR5iSYOKC6bcT49ITLM2Sj0zQ4POsu2WAYzAffGmpuBtkW5RYhAIyH-3dkUTSPTsn8q4I4YQNyIYhVBGz4IJ7QLI4Je1z3KGcc3c3y6sOiTUyeD6RjX3BK4ubCKqT7bN2/s320/Frosty+STEM+Challenges+Preview+-+6.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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or save these ideas for later by pinning this on Pinterest:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkycEGQ5_k3Tmm9u1Pb6G6KEeZlma6lpT560FAAyCEBorzjjibaMRTiV1LD_zQ2rTH0BYfUlDt1aWMAFNw2w3fCHSRYkMSadmC1MbwMWr-ErKC8jQEZK0jpjukWq2HMx0mDnLu_tOXmto/s1600/Frosty+the+Snowman+Winter+STEM+Choose+your+own+STEM+adventure.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkycEGQ5_k3Tmm9u1Pb6G6KEeZlma6lpT560FAAyCEBorzjjibaMRTiV1LD_zQ2rTH0BYfUlDt1aWMAFNw2w3fCHSRYkMSadmC1MbwMWr-ErKC8jQEZK0jpjukWq2HMx0mDnLu_tOXmto/s640/Frosty+the+Snowman+Winter+STEM+Choose+your+own+STEM+adventure.png" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7531331777484097920.post-43343295223541133272018-06-07T13:49:00.001-04:002018-06-07T13:49:19.433-04:00Why Learn Greek and Latin Roots<h2>
Learning Greek and Latin Roots</h2>
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Many words in the English language have Greek or Latin roots. When you start delving into STEM fields, that number only increases. If your students are interested in pursuing careers in a STEM field, knowledge of root words can only increase their understanding and fluency of terminology in the field. Those aren't the only benefits of studying root words, however.<br />
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<h3>
Why Learn Greek and Latin Roots?</h3>
Even if you don't love language, there are so many reasons to get familiar with Greek and Latin root words. As students move into increasingly technical textbooks and fields of study, the terminology itself can feel overwhelming. When you are able recognize at least a portion of a new word, it helps to ease the mind a bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtjwCZ_bumuRrsbWt0fzK3GFAOo9MTt_-aRswrDApWMMirbQW4pkCasHqAqCtwzAWWah6_7Rv4qKVXur9TRpaBG4fltJ7ogkaPrrZhIPgm4r6rwxqpOOfY3YNPBCdhZvdCsbwJCzQugmh/s1600/Learning+Greek+and+Latin+Roots+to+Decipher+new+Words+in+Text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtjwCZ_bumuRrsbWt0fzK3GFAOo9MTt_-aRswrDApWMMirbQW4pkCasHqAqCtwzAWWah6_7Rv4qKVXur9TRpaBG4fltJ7ogkaPrrZhIPgm4r6rwxqpOOfY3YNPBCdhZvdCsbwJCzQugmh/s1600/Learning+Greek+and+Latin+Roots+to+Decipher+new+Words+in+Text.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is especially important for students choosing a STEM career path. Every STEM field has words with Greek and Latin roots. <br />
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Even the names of the fields themselves draw from these languages:<br />
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<ul>
<li>biology: the study of life (Greek "bio")</li>
<li>mathematics: learning, mental discipline (Greek "<span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc">máthēma")</span></li>
<li>science: <span>from the Latin </span><span><span><i>scire</i>, "to know"</span></span></li>
<li>engineering: from the <span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc">Latin <i>ingenium</i>, "cleverness" and <i>ingeniare</i>, "to contrive, devise" (from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineering">Wikipedia</a>)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc">architecture: Greek, meaning "chief builder"</span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc">astronomy: the study of stars, space (Greek </span></span></span><span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">ástron, "star")</span></span></span></span></li>
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<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">Greek and Latin Roots for Standardized Testing Preparation </span></span></span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gFtgdAZOUIU29OBZUW2VpEE8nR3SdICXb7fbv2w3c1x4jKWmmV5fR7-wYTW0EATZ4Jx2yX_5_g0Ay35DyGtxCZOHB7NmU-Eszoa1POXBh_JK6HlzVPF6eaNwV2vh8RTgD0ZghHYWYCWI/s1600/Learning+Greek+and+Latin+Roots+for+Test+Taking+Momgineer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gFtgdAZOUIU29OBZUW2VpEE8nR3SdICXb7fbv2w3c1x4jKWmmV5fR7-wYTW0EATZ4Jx2yX_5_g0Ay35DyGtxCZOHB7NmU-Eszoa1POXBh_JK6HlzVPF6eaNwV2vh8RTgD0ZghHYWYCWI/s1600/Learning+Greek+and+Latin+Roots+for+Test+Taking+Momgineer.jpg" /></a></div>
<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">In order for students to get into college or graduate school, they will need to take standardized tests. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of standardized testing, it's still a requirement for applications of most major universities. Knowing Greek and Latin roots strengthens vocabulary and can be used to help decipher unfamiliar words in reading passages. Even if the precise meaning of the word is still a mystery, students can still make an educated guess on the meaning.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">Introduce Greek and Latin Roots with a Collaborative Pennant Activity </span></span></span></span></h3>
<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">Have each student choose a root (or assign them) and have students doodle images that represent the root, or write words with the root on the pennant. Display the pennant so that students can refer to them.</span></span></span></span><span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st"> You can create your own or <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-and-Latin-Roots-Pennant-Activity-3813920?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Greek%20and%20Latin%20Root%20word%20pennant">use the templates</a> I have created.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-and-Latin-Roots-Pennant-Activity-3813920?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Greek%20and%20Latin%20Root%20word%20pennant"><span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">Improve Retention by Playing Root Word Games</span></span></span></span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-and-Latin-Roots-Pair-Stare-Game-3813939?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Greek%20and%20Latin%20Roots%20Pair%20Stare" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75prRsA9ZWuL8Fudnfz1Wz_m837VE_SMnZeyM2gt2u5j7oTzUpQcjZ-KA0FzsxSsmqB6ZeM9IOFTVn2KA-tCAqUo4X4sDeXHfoxZrhJJ00eUo2aDlSvSr5ojPoToCh2vCmvo9LtQscjsl/s1600/Learning+Greek+and+Latin+Roots+with+Games.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-and-Latin-Roots-Pair-Stare-Game-3813939?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Greek%20and%20Latin%20Roots%20Pair%20Stare">Greek and Latin Roots Pair Stare</a></td></tr>
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<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">I have created several root word games and a collaborative pennant activity so that root words can be put on display in your classroom. Try <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-and-Root-Words-BINGO-Game-3813929?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Greek%20and%20Latin%20Roots%20Bingo">root words BINGO</a>, root words pair stare, or both! Games are my favorite way to encourage my kids to learn - usually they are having so much fun they don't even realize they are actually learning something! Learn and use over 60 root words by <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Greek-and-Latin-Roots-BUNDLE-3813951?utm_source=Momgineer%20Blog&utm_campaign=Greek%20and%20Latin%20Root%20word%20bundle">getting the complete bundle here</a>. You will get the pennant templates, printables to explore the root words, and two games each of pair stare and BINGO.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">More Sources for Learning Root Words </span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">Some websites I have found useful when learning about root words:</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.membean.com/treelist"><span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">Membean</span></span></span></span></a><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Greek_and_Latin_roots_in_English"><span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">Wikipedia</span></span></span></span></a><br />
<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st"><a href="https://www.etymonline.com/">Online Etymology Dictionary</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st"><a href="http://www.macroevolution.net/root-word-dictionary.html">Macroevolution</a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">Online Games to learn roots:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st"><a href="http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/athens_games/game.htm#">It's Greek to Me</a> game on Scholastic</span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st"><a href="http://www.softschools.com/language_arts/root_words/greek_root_words_memory_game/">Root word memory</a> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st"><a href="https://www.quia.com/jg/65969.html">Various root word skills </a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st">Pin these ideas for later:</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc"><span class="st"> </span></span></span></span>momgineerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16644033291852662859noreply@blogger.com0