Saturday, March 12, 2022

STEAM fun

 One thing that STEAM has been missing for 2 long years is centers, group work, team effort, etc...

The pandemic has made me re-write my curriculum and keep thinking outside the box.  As mandates are lifted, student desks return to pods in classrooms, and more, I feel that I can start to do more and more collaborative activities.

Plus I am adding a new book study to my activities.  I tried one in the fall that just wasn't a good fit.  I found this new book through a group called PAECT (PA Association for Educational Communications and Technology).  Book Club information - PAECT Book Club  or direct link Book website

I have enjoyed the first 10-15 pages so far.  


Now back to what is going on inside the walls of the STEAM room.  First, PUMPKIN JACK!  Remember him from the fall?  It was featured in "Fall Fun".  Well, we have been watching and on Thursday March 3rd, a student in third grade spotted our first sprout!  Then this week, another sprout slowly emerged.  It was a great conversation this week.   I honestly thought it was dead and a failed science experiment, but if you search #pumpkinjack in Instagram - most are just starting to sprout too!

 
January 26

March 3rd - we have a sprout

Another angle

March 8 - added dirt and water

The life cycle continues!

Kindergarten has been learning about patterns LOOPS.  The lesson in Code.org was not meeting the students needs so we are using a Brain Pop Junior video.  It has been a technology heavy week with no pictures.  Last week, we read "Pattern Fish" and did a pattern worksheet.  This prepares them for the idea of loops.  Here is the video - and a link to the worksheet - Patterns


1st grade learned about the author Dr. Seuss on Brain Pop Junior.  Then made Dr. Seuss inspired patterns with Legos.  Then this week, it was a return to STATIONS!!  Yes real life organized centers for learning.  Our four stations were - Keva Planks (Engineering), Polyhedron Blocks (Engineering), Playdough (art), Pattern Block reflections (math)
Here are some fun pictures! 


  

Polyhedron blocks - book fair profit item!

Learning to create a reflection

More block fun!

Keva plank maze!




2nd grade has worked on a two week project called "Think Like an Engineer" from Sci Show Kids.  Week 1 is watching and listening then creating a PLAN.  Week 2 is construction then taking a video on Seesaw since they have to deconstruct their product.  They have to make a back scratcher with playdough, a fork, ruler, pencil, cardboard tube, and tape!

Here are a few examples:
     






3rd grade is working on Ozobots - both online and offline.  They are great for teaching debugging, problem solving, and creative robotics.  I need to update my markers for the offline portion, but have not done this yet!  The online portion was a challenge to get approved.  It ended up being a blessing in disguise.  Students now have access to a portal of activities not just one activity.  Plus, I added a video of Grace Hopper from Brain Pop.  You should google her and see how she changed the world of coding!  If you want to explore Ozobots online - here is the link!  Ozobots



4th grade is working on digital citizenship lessons embedded in Code.Org.  Week 1 was being a SUPER DIGITAL CITIZEN and week 2 was PRIVATE VS. PERSONAL INFORMATION!  Great conversations and very timely with students being online more and more!


   

Hope that you are inspired by our activities and see the variety of learning opportunities that occur in a STEAM classroom.  Look for more fun as the days getting warmer.  The garden is calling me!!!  Purple martins need attention!!!  So much more :) 
















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