Earthquake STEM problem

Today in class we presented our projects. My group created a STEM problem regarding earthquakes. We had a power point presentation that gave background knowledge and allowed for the class to participate in a lesson that they could use in their classroom. The lesson consisted of using materials provided to create a structure that could withstand an earthquake (jello). The class was giving the option to use marshmallows, Twizzlers, toothpicks, straws and string. They were given 15 minutes to create a structure then we put it to the test. After we gave them 10 minutes to go back to the drawing board and and try again if their structure failed. One group had a structure that withstood the earthquake so we gave them an extension, they had to create a two story structure that could withstand the earthquake. All but one group was successful at the end of the lesson. See pictures below :)

Pulley Lesson

Today, I went to Katie's class and taught a 5th grade STEM lesson. The students were excited and engaged during this lesson. I decided to teach her students about pulleys since they had already been discussing simple machines. The lesson involved different types of pulleys and pulley systems. They recorded this in a chart, and discussed the differences after.
The class was great during this lesson. The students were a little loud at times but that is expected with this students and this type of lesson. The class came to a consensus that pulley systems made it to lift objects. I wanted to have some pictures to show but the lesson was extremely fast paced and I did not have time to stop the lesson in order to take pictures.

Inclined Planes Lesson

Today, I observed Katie teaching a 5th grade STEM lesson. I was very excited to see how Katie's class would respond to this lesson and see how the older kids worked in this environment. This was a challenging lesson due to the critical thinking skills that it required. Katie's class had already been discussing the topic of simple machines so they were able to further their instruction in this area. The students had to determine which angles would help make the work of moving supplies up the inclined plane easier. After the lesson, Katie's class had an awesome discussion regarding the technology that is changing the world. They were asked how new technology came about. One student said she thought it came from on person being lazy and wanting a better way to carry things. What a great explanation!!!!
Katie taught this lesson using two large groups instead of teaching using small groups. The students had a limited number of supplies. Once the lesson was complete, the class compared their results.

How can I assess STEM education?

http://www.aacu.org/resources/assessment/STEMAssessments.cfm

This is a great link to find information on ways to assess STEM. My biggest concern as a first year teacher is meeting the needs of my students and having the data to support my methods of teaching. While STEM is a great method of teaching it is still in the the trial phases for most schools. I wanted to find ways to assess my students on their process of STEM. I think that using normal assessments and surveys are the best methods to assess younger students. Assessing their content knowledge can be done using normal assessments and testing their problem solving skills can be tested using surveys.

Investigations in class

Tonight we were able to investigate landing on the moon. We had to build a rocket that could drop a marble on a target as it was flying down a piece of string. My group decided to build a rocket using a cup and an index card as a wing and as a door. When the rocket flew down the string it would stop hard enough for the marble to push open the door and land on the target. When we tried on the first pass our marble landed too far away from the target. We were given some great advice from our classmates that helped revisit the drawing board and fix our rocket. We were able to land on the target on our second pass thanks to a revised wing on the back of the cup.

This lesson helped me realize that it is a great idea to always give students the ability to revisit their ideas in order to redesign. Trial and Error is a key element of STEM and allows for the students to really put their own ides to work and use their problem solving skills.

Earthquake Lesson

I decided to use my groups STEM problem to teach my students about earthquakes. We did this in two groups so that my students could work together and use team building skills in this lesson. My students really enjoyed this lesson and were engaged and asking higher-order questions during the lesson. They were debating each other and using great social skills in the lesson. (this is very important in 1st grade!)

Lesson Plan:

• Begin by telling students that their challenge is to create a building/structure using toothpicks/straws and marshmallows/twizzlers/string that they thought would be strong enough to survive an earthquake, just like real architects have to do.

• Next, it is time to put them to the test.

• Have students present their structure and show the class.
• Using aluminum trays filled with jello have students start to shake things up. Each group get a tray of jello. In pairs, they put their structures on the jello then shake it out for 10-15 seconds.Give students time to discuss what worked and what didn’t work.
• Some structures survive, others don't. The students learn the importance of building a strong base and how having one can help keep people and whole cities safer during an earthquake
• Extension: Allow students to fix their structure and try again!

Introducing students to STEM

How can I introduce my students to STEM?
 A great resource is to first start looking into why STEM is important and how it can affect the students in their future. Students in 1st grade begin looking at careers in the community and discussing what they want to do. It would be a great resource for students to start researching careers and seeing how they impact their lives using STEM. Here is a great link to use! http://stemcareer.com/students/