Zoom Tips for Teachers

Tips for Using Zoom with Your Students

A member of the STEM Teachers Group asked for everyone's best tips for using Zoom with their students. The tips were so awesome and useful that I compiled them in this post (and downloadable graphic) so that everyone could benefit!

If you have additional tips please be sure to let me know via email so I can add them in!

1. Set Expectations

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!

2. Use the Waiting Room Feature

Use the virtual waiting room feature and enable the doorbell sound/chime when
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.

3. Make Sure to Mute

Make sure your meeting is set to "mute upon entry" and encourage your
students to mute themselves after speaking.

As a backup option, learn where the "mute all" button is in the event they
forget to mute themselves!

4. Set a Meeting ID

Set up a meeting ID and password so it's always the same for a particular group.

Beware, though that if the link gets shared with others you may need to change it.

5. Use Breakout Rooms

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.

6. No Annotation, Chat, OR Screen Share

Turn OFF annotation and screen share, or students will be able to draw on the screen or share their own screen with everyone.

Turn OFF chat for everyone but the host.

7. Basic Requirements

Consider having basic requirements for your meetings for your meetings, such as:

• Students must use their real name when logging in.
• Cameras must remain on.
• Students must virtually raise their hand to speak.

8. Headset Quality

Built-in microphones are often not clear. Your voice should be clear for the
students and you want your ears to be comfortable, too! Invest in a good headset or mic.

9. Try New Things

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.

• Backgrounds
• Split screens
• A document camera
• Using two computers/devices (one as yourself and one as a student)
  
• Learn keyboard shortcuts
  

10. Pre-record

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.

11. Take Breaks

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.

12. Be Willing to Learn

If you have a meeting that didn't go well, take a deep breath and try again next
time. There will be kinks to work out, but enlist your students to help brainstorm
ways to make your meetings work for everyone!

Download the tips! You can download this graphic to keep a copy of the tips:

Do you like STEM? Try Elementary STEM Club!

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 love for you to check out Elementary STEM Club!

What is it?

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.

Each month, you will gain access to:

• A tried and true STEM resource with a video walk-through of what you need to get started, how to use it, and tips for success.
• A LIVE panel discussion, featuring educators chatting about a timely topic in STEM.
  
• A book chat: a focus on K-5 picture books to enhance your STEM lessons and learning.
• Some surprise bonuses along the way (from our hosts, presenters, and guests)!
• Interaction with other STEM educators in the private Facebook group and club site - you may even find your new STEM teacher bestie!

  Most of all, you will receive a solid foundation and the support you need this fall to start your school year off right.

Find out more about Elementary STEM Club:

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9 Ways to Use Task Cards in the Classroom

Task Cards Can Be Used a Variety of Ways

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.

1. Use Task Cards at Your Centers

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.

2. Use Task Cards in Your Interactive Notebooks

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, visit this post.

3. Use Task Cards as a Whole Class Activity 

Use a document camera and work through the problems concurrently or together!

4. Use Task Cards to Host a Mini Quiz Bowl

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!

5. Use Task Cards to Play Scoot

If you haven't played SCOOT, Jenny has written a great post about it! Check it out here.

6. Use Task Cards for Homework

Assign 1-4 task cards, depending on difficulty and have students complete the cards at home.

7. Use Task Cards as Exit Slips

Do a quick check on student understanding and learning by using task cards as exit slips.

8. Use Task Cards for Early Finishers

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. Read more about QR codes and task cards.

9. Use Task Cards as Sub Tubs or Sub Plans

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!

Free Task Card Download

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:

Quick Links to Other Popular Task Card Resources

All Task Cards

Task Cards for 1st Grade
Task Cards for 2nd Grade
Task Cards for 3rd Grade
Task Cards for 4th Grade
Task Cards for 5th Grade

Best Selling Task Cards! This is by far my most popular set of Fractions task cards:

Yet another topic that seems to be difficult for students to master is equivalent fractions, but you can find those task cards here:

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Why You Should Take Pictures in STEM Class

 Why You Should Photograph STEM Prototypes

1. They Work HARD on Their STEM Projects

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!"

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.

Reason #1. Preserve their hard work by capturing a photo!

Worth a Thousand Words

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.

2. Easy Peasy STEM Photos

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 designated STEM photographer for your class website, nothing quite beats a picture that can be displayed proudly at a desk or on a home refrigerator.

Reason #2. Taking photos is EASY! There is really no excuse to not take a photo in this day and age!

STEM Recording Sheet

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 download and use it.

Won't you consider subscribing for more freebies like this one?

 

Reverse Engineer or Re-Make

This final reason to take photos in STEM class is one you just have 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.

Try an Instant Camera

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 and information about educational resources. The link below is an Amazon affiliate link. You can read my full disclosure here.

Try the Fujifilm Instax
 

or Keep it Digital!

Take photos with a phone, tablet, etc. and then print on 2x3 sticky paper with the HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer:

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Coming up with a Name for your Makerspace or STEM Lab

Makerspace Name Ideas

You have the space, you have the gear, now for the name! 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!

Unique Makerspace Names

These names may combine words, utilize a play on words, or just sound fun:

• Collaboratory
• Imaginarium
• Mindcave
• Da Vinci's Workshop

Simple Makerspace Names

Or why not try something simple?

• Eureka!
• The Brainstorm
• STEM Lab
• Makerplace
• Fablab

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.

Makerspace Names That Suit YOUR Makerspace

Still not sure? Here are some tips for coming up with a unique name:

• 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.
• Get input from your students. How do they feel in the makerspace? What are their favorite tools and projects?
• 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.

What do you call your makerspace or STEM lab? Comment below or head to the STEM educator support group on Facebook to share your name with us!

Looking for more ideas while setting up your makerspace? You may find the following articles useful:

Setting up Your Makerspace

Setting up an Elementary STEM Lab

by Sarah Lalonde

So You Want to Start A Makerspace?

by Teach Outside the Box

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Professional Development Options for STEM Educators

Professional Development for STEM and STEAM Teachers 

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!

Online PD Opportunities and Webinars

edWeb.net Webinars and PD, such as Developing a Fundable and Sustainable STEM Program

SimpleK12.com - 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"

Learner's Edge:  Choose from online or print. STEM options such as "Consumer to Creator: Coding and Kids"

NICERC: Cyber, STEM, and Computer Science curriculum for K-12. Cyber education certificate available

ITEAA STEM Webinars (STEMinars) - members get access to previous webinars, such as "Top 10 Ways to Incorporate STEM in Your Elementary School" or one about safer Makerspaces

ISTE: Check out ISTE U for topics such as digital citizenship or follow their blog for more ideas.

STEM Conferences and Onsite Training Opportunities

Early Childhood STEM Conference: http://ecstem.org
Hosted by the Children's Center at Caltech

STEMpostium Ventura County: http://www.vcstemposium.org/
From the website, this is a "FREE week-long (4.5 day) summer institute for K-12 teachers followed by two optional Saturday workshops during the subsequent school year."

NSTA Conferences: https://www.nsta.org/conferences/
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."

NASA Space Port Conference: https://nasa.epscorspo.nevada.edu/space-space-port-area-conference-for-educators/
Presentations are given by astronauts and NASA science and engineering experts in all fields. Awesome!

STEAM Days of Summer: https://www.scienceworld.ca/steam-days-summer

ASTC https://www.astc.org/conference/

Texas STEM Coalition: txstem.org/

ISTE https://www.iste.org/
Your go-to edtech conference!

CA STEAM symposium: https://www.stemcalifornia.org/

Content Teaching Academy @ James Madison University: http://cta.jmu.edu/

American Society for Engineering Education, ASEE conferences: https://www.asee.org/conferences-and-events/conferences

Arts Integration and STEAM Summit

Other Ideas

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:

STEM Teacher Group on Facebook

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.

Twitter Chats: ISTE list of twitter chats or visit this awesome list!

Resource-Specific Training for Robotics and STEM Tools

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:

MakeyMakey training
MakeWonder professional development (makes of Dash, Dot, and Cue)
littleBits webinars
Sphero professional learning
Let's Start Coding online training

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Listen to This! 10 Great STEM Podcasts for Teachers

Top 10 Podcasts for STEM Teachers and Parents (and finding time to listen to them)

I resisted podcasts for a long time because I didn't think I had time for them. I also prefer to read over listening to get my information, but over time podcasts have really grown on me. Hopefully you are already an avid podcast fiend...but if not (I understand, really) read on anyway for some ideas on how to incorporate these into your life. You might even enjoy them!

Listen on iTunes or wherever you enjoy podcasts. *Please note, most of these are appropriate for kids, too, but I did find a few episodes that I'd pass on sharing with my own kids and listen alone instead.

1. STEM everyday: Listen to an interview with the EiE founder, or find topics such as STEM projects with an education focus. Integrate STEM into your everyday!
2. STEM Diversity - This is an interview podcast focuses on professionals with underepresented backgrounds - great for inspiring students who might not think they have what it takes because they don't see STEM professionals that look like them. (yes, they've got it!)
3. STEAMchannel UCTV - strong focus on design thinking, empathising with the people in need to make sure the design needs are being met. This podcast also includes a series with Sally Ride.
4. Lab Out Loud - sponsored by the NSTA and includes everything from underwater robots to a Mole Day podcast.
5. The K12 Engineering Education Podcast, from Pios Labs - a great podcast that explores many facets of K-12 STEM. From the website, "Listen as we try to find better ways to teach and inspire kids in invention, problem-solving, persistence, teamwork, and imagination."
6. The Naked Scientists Podcasts - Learn about space, questions answered you never even dreamed of asking, and questions you may have asked your kids, such as "Why do people pick their noses?"
7. The Wired Homeschool - As a fellow homeschooling parent, I was thrilled to find this one. It's great for parents and teachers, too. Listen to screen time management ideas or about internet safety for kids.
8. MakerCast - A podcast for makers! Get ideas from these makers for projects you could incorporate into your own classroom.
9. When you don't have a lot of time: 60 Second Science or Engineering Word of the Day (Engineering WOTD also from Pios Labs)
10. STEM Read - This is a podcast from NPR that explores the connections between STEM and storytelling. As someone who enjoys making a literacy-STEM connection, this one had to make my top 10 list.

Tips for Finding Time to Listen to Podcasts

You might think you don't have time to listen to podcasts. I know I felt this way until I got a bit creative with the when of it.

Podcast Tip #1 - Listen on your Commute

Maybe just on your ride TO work, since the ride home your brain is probably too tired to pay attention, am I right? Listen any time your hands are occupied - like when you're driving, prepping dinner, braiding your child's hair, or you are getting ready in the morning.

Podcast Tip #2 - Listen on your Workout

This is my favorite way to listen to podcasts. When I'm running, I often like to listen to a playlist I'd find embarrassing to share, but for a few runs a week I switch it up and listen to a podcast. Whether you are pumping iron, walking, running, or doing yoga, try adding a podcast to the mix.

My last tip, though I'm sure not everyone will agree...

Podcast Tip #3 - Speed it UP

I'm going to be honest. I'm not the most patient person I know. It's not something I'm always proud of, and I often have to remind myself to slow down. Sometimes speeding up a podcast slightly can really help, though. I'm not talking about 2X or even 1.5X, but most podcast apps allow you to speed it up to 1.1 or 1.2. It's subtle, but it's something.

If you don't want to speed up the audio, there are apps that can eliminate pauses to save time. Try Overcast with SmartSpeed.

Share your favorite STEM podcasts!

Join the STEM educator Facebook Group and share your favorite STEM podcasts with us.

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Top 5 STEM Challenge Materials You Need

Top STEM Materials To Keep on Hand 

There are hundreds of STEM challenges you can easily do with your kids (find many of them on this Pinterest board). After leading dozens of STEM activities, I found out that there are a handful of materials I needed for almost every challenge. These are all simple materials that are very easy and inexpensive to acquire.

STEM materials you can't live without

Each of these items has a slightly different use but these are the ones I always come back to. 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 and information about educational resources. The link below is an Amazon affiliate link. You can read my full disclosure here.

• aluminum foil: good for structures, impermeable, and far easier to work with then plastic/cling wrap. Twist it, fold it, make a solar oven with it, or shape it into a boat. This stuff has got you covered!

• index cards: smaller than card stock so final projects won't overwhelm your space, index cards can be rolled into tubes, folded into various shapes, made into accordions, paper airplanes, cones, or whatever your kids can imagine. Use either 3 x 5 cards or 4 x 6 - whatever you have on hand.

• cardboard tubes: any STEM teacher could write an ode to cardboard tubes! The versatility of these things makes them completely invaluable. While toilet paper tubes are by far the easiest to come across, paper towel tubes are better, and industrial tubes (ask at your hardware store) or tubes you find in plastic wrap or aluminum foil are pretty much the best ever. Use for structures, marble runs, and more.

• pennies: you can't beat the cost of this material! What you need to know about pennies: they weigh approximately 2.5 grams. They are also easy to store, count, and hold. They are my go-to material when testing for strength. They also work well to give stability to printable characters. The bonus is that if you lose some, you aren't out a whole lot of money.

• masking tape: I am partial to Blue Painters Tape. Not only is it vibrant, I find that it is a bit sturdier than regular masking tape. Fair warning: kids can sometimes go overboard with tape. The best way to get around this is to rip off 5-10 small pieces and stick them to the side of the desk/workspace. 

STEM materials that will make your life easier

I have used every single one of these items in multiple challenges. Some of my favorites:

• pipe cleaners - not only are they great on their own, they are AWESOME to slide through straws and create better stability but also the ability to link together easily.

• craft sticks - opt for the jumbo ones! If you can get colored ones, they are always well-received (but not worth too much extra $). You can use these for kazoos, structures, splints, and more.

• rubber bands (one of the most useful items ever. It almost made the cut for the top 5. It was clearly #6!). Get a giant pack! You will use them all in time.

• string/twine - my personal favorite is this butcher's twine. It has a built in blade to cut that is very narrow, so you would have to try really hard to cut yourself on it. Bonus? When you finish, the cardboard cone it is wrapped around is amazing for STEM projects.

• pool noodles or pipe insulation - fun for a variety of challenges and one of the cheapest ways to purchase foam (otherwise foam can be crazy expensive). You can even make really fun sculptures with this material.

Shopping list for STEM materials

Maybe you are lucky and scored a STEM grant, or it's educator week at your favorite local craft store and you are ready to stock up on STEM supplies. Maybe you just have a soft spot for the local $1 spots and can't resist. I find that sometimes I just can't remember what would be useful when I find I have somehow autopiloted my way to Target. Keep the file on your phone or print it out - you can then restock as needed. There might even be a few you hadn't thought of trying before. Just join my list and get access to the free resource library:

Even better than having to purchase materials is using what is already there. Don't forget to ask everyone for their recyclables like empty yogurt containers, plastic takeout containers, cardboard rolls, and newspapers. Every once in awhile you may even score something unusual and cool from your school cafeteria or custodian. 

What STEM material could you not live without?

I'd love to know what you use most or find indispensable. Comment below!


Clip art and fonts by KG Fonts, Digital Mojo, and Photo Clipz.

5 Ways to Make Time for STEM

Do you feel like there is never enough time to fit STEM into your day? I promise you it can be done! Here are FIVE concrete actions you can take today to fit STEM into your schedule.

Make time for STEM

Let's jump right in!

1. The 3 Exes - Explain, Exhibit, and Expect the Engineering Design Process

Don't worry, I'm not going to ask you to call up your old flames and ask them to come help you facilitate STEM activities with your kiddos! This is a way to easily remember how to introduce and reinforce the STEM methods with your students. If you aren't familiar with the engineering design process, take a peek at this graphic:

This is the best way to make STEM go smoothly all year. It's easy for kids to remember these steps (feel free to print out a printer-friendly version of this graphic and sign up for my newsletter for more great STEM freebies). Once they know the steps, and have successfully completed several STEM challenges, they will know where to start and how to progress through the challenge. They will need some assistance the first few times, but they will quickly catch on. One way to always have STEM challenges accessible to your students is to have the first step defined for them. If you need help with this, please  visit these free resources: STEM challenge (includes STEM Sticks prompts) or STEM Mats (see the supporting document), or visit STEM Task Cards. This will make sure they get the process started in an appropriate way.

Explain how the engineering design process works. It is a method engineers use when they are trying to solve a problem (see graphic and steps below).

Exhibit the process in action. Take a simple challenge (such as a cup tower challenge) and show them the steps.

Ask - How can I build the tallest tower with 10 cups?

Imagine - What should it look like? Should the base be wide or narrow? Should The cups face up, down, or a mixture of up and down?

Plan - What will the tower look like? Will it have 4 rows, with 4 cups, then 3, then 2, then 1 (as the one shown above)? Is there a better way to make it taller? You can make it much taller than the one shown - see if your students can help you figure out how.

Create - Build the tower. Did it work? I suggest starting with a tower that has a terrible design! Let the cups fall over. Let the kids see you fail. It's not only okay to fail in STEM, it's crucial to developing higher-level critical thinking skills.

Improve - How can you improve the tower to make it more stable or taller?

Reflect - This step isn't always included in the Engineering Design Process but it's important to think about what you did, what worked well or didn't work, and how you might approach the challenge differently if you started again. It's also a great time to get feedback from others. Ask what happens if you change the design criteria (make it the most stable, use 20 cups, use cups made of a different material, etc.). Does it affect the design?

Expect the process will be followed. One way to keep your students accountable is to have a simple recording sheet. I find a one-page graphic organizer is enough for most simple STEM challenges. You can find one included in this free STEM challenge download (or click on either image to download):

2. Delegate STEM Tasks to Students and Parent Helpers

I'll be the first to admit that delegating isn't always something that comes easy. It is usually less hassle to just do things yourself so that they are done just right. If you are anything like me, I'm telling you to just stay with me for a minute while I explain. If you don't feel this way, please share your voodoo mind control magic with me in the comments. If you hate to pass off the control, just know that there are plenty of kids in your classroom who would relish the opportunity to be the control freak leader and take charge of a STEM activity. This is an excellent way to let kids who may not be shining stars in other areas to really feel empowered. If you have students who are good at teamwork, problem solving, hands-on building, documentation, or at being creative in general, these are kids who will do well as a STEM leader.

Two ways you can delegate with students:

• Take a small group to be the STEM leaders of a particular challenge, and then send them out to lead their teams through the entire challenge. That leader is responsible for making sure each step is followed in order and that all team members are working together. If you do this, you can then rotate through the groups to work on other small-group tasks, activities, or assessments.

• Explain the challenge to the whole class but have STEM "experts" that float from group to group to help. STEM experts can have any of the following jobs:
• Measurement expert - to check that dimensions are within the criteria.
• Documentation expert - to make sure each step is being recorded, or to help record if not all the kids are able to write. This might be a strong speller or someone who is good at drawing sketches.
• Construction expert - to help with building. These tend to be the tinkerers!
• Quality control / safety expert - to verify everyone is being safe and respectful of the tools and/or materials.
• Photographer - to take photos of the builds in action and the final models.

Another way to delegate: if you have parent volunteers, this is a great time to get them involved. Have them help with tasks the kids may find frustrating, such as cutting, getting the right amount of tape, helping to write down any ideas the students are having trouble explaining on paper, etc.

3. Integrate STEM with other subjects, holidays, and skills.

I know, you already have four subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) you are integrating. How can you add more? Very few STEM challenges I have facilitated are truly pure STEM. They are usually some combination of the core STEM subjects, and then something else. What's the something else? It might be fairy tales, history, architecture, music, geography, or even cooking! If you love to present topics in themes throughout your school year, try working STEM into your theme. If you like having activities to go with holidays, use holiday STEM resources. If you love doing the same read-alouds each year, try using those books as jumping points to STEM challenges! Here are some examples:

• Fire safety week - design and build a house with several fire escape routes, or design a fire truck that can put out fires easily on multiple levels of a building at once.
• Local geography - map out two points of interest on a local map. Think about a fun or clever way to travel between them in a faster way (Between two friends' homes? Between school and a fun playground nearby?)
• Because of Winn-Dixie STEM - Design and build a prototype for a dog-washing machine, or of a device to keep animals calm.
• Charlotte's Web STEM - Design and construct a spider web of string or pipe cleaners that says a simple word.
• Write and perform a song or a play about the design. Or:

The STEM activity can be a simple but effective way to bring another topic to life. When the challenge is completed, you can tie the activity to the holiday/topic/book and make meaningful connections.Why not have your students create an advertisement about their project? It could be a radio commercial, a newspaper/magazine ad, or video ad. They will be using numerous skills - creative, editing, public speaking, etc. to accomplish this task.

4. Set up a WIP Station in your Classroom, STEM Station, or Makerspace

Say what? This will require a bit of space, but you could even use a laundry basket that stores under a table as your WIP Station or install a shelf where the projects can be kept. WIP, or work in progress, is a way that manufacturers store items that are currently being made but are not finished. If you have a WIP station, your students can then work on their creations when they have finished with other tasks.

If you already have a STEM Station or Makerspace, this can be a small addition to it. Keep simple supplies on hand, like paper, cardboard, and tape. You can even set a time limit on how long projects can remain in the WIP station so that they are not indefinitely there. I recommend purging at the end of each month - if it's a project they can take home, send it home! Otherwise have your students disassemble their prototypes and either put the materials back (if they are reusable) or recycle/throw them out.

WIP it good!

5. Scale it back.

This may sound like a contradiction of #3 above (integrate) but I promise it isn't. Spend less of your time "on." Keep it short and sweet. You may even want to record a short video (3-5 minutes) of yourself ahead of time describing the current STEM challenge. If you lead multiple STEM classes, you will be saving yourself even more time by doing this. Keep your part short and transition into more of a support role for your STEM time. The more STEM challenges you do, the more your students will understand the engineering design process and be able to work independently.

If you record a video ahead of time, you can then use the time that it's playing to pass out any recording pages or materials to the class. You can also save it for the next year so that you won't have to spend as much prep time re-familiarizing yourself with the challenge.

I hope this gave you some ideas of ways you can make time for STEM in your classroom. Project-based learning is really a cross-curricular way to absorb material, and many kids who don't respond to traditional "book learning" really shine in STEM class.

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