Content can connect mind to matter.
Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) based projects keep my students engaged. Acting as a guide allows my students to explore the engineering process. Unique, well-planned, and improved products are a result. Explaining and following the process is part of acquiring information.
Three students who completed the task are pictured above.
Force and motion activity. Students record the direction of the crayon due to the force of pushing or pulling.
Personal schemas should always be included when making a connection to the real world.
Tree STEM Project: My students used limited supplies to solve a meaningful problem with specific constraints.
Constraints: Must engineer a movable tree swing on a limb that is at an angle. Materials: chenille stems, paper roll, straws, string, tape, & a paper plate. Student were grouped and given 30 min to complete their project.
STEM Tree swing project photos below:
Student use plans to create 2D plans for their 3D project.
Knowledge of what a student needs to know before starting a lesson and where the student will go afterwards is an important part of understanding the connective spiral of learning. Building on a foundation provides a stable platform of understanding.
Below are a few pictures from my presentation on Unpacking the Utah State Core Math Standards for 4th Grade Fractions.
