STEM Activity/Challenge Websites:
Pennsylvania STEM Toolkit: https://www.oercommons.org/groups/pa-stem-toolkit/2127/?__hub_id=52
This toolkit features peer-reviewed STEM resources specifically designed for instruction in Pennsylvania. Palmyra's own Eric Beiler was part of the review team for this initiative.National Science Digital Library (NSDL): https://nsdl.oercommons.org/
This digital library can be used to search STEM/inquiry-based science resources for the classroom.Education.com Resources: https://www.education.com/activity/science/
This website offers free STEM activity ideas that are searchable by grade level, subject and topic. Select your search fields on the left hand column to streamline your results.Ultimate STEM Guide for Kids: https://www.mastersindatascience.org/blog/the-ultimate-stem-guide-for-kids-239-cool-sites-about-science-technology-engineering-and-math/#elementary
This is the motherload of all STEM website compilations, with over 200 links to useful websites. There's something for everyone.Design Squad Parent-Educator Training: http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html
The Design Squad is a show on PBS Kids that features student teams competing head-to-head by taking on real-life design challenges for actual clients. This website offers a teacher training in the engineering design process. It also features lesson plans and design challenge videos you can try with your students.28 Awesome STEM Challenges for the Elementary Classroom: http://www.teachjunkie.com/sciences/stem-challenges/
Teach Junkie is a website created by teachers for teachers. This collection of 28 STEM challenges offers a wide variety of classroom challenges that would work well for bi-weekly or monthly classroom STEM activities. Try incorporating these to build problem solving and teamwork in small group formats.28 Days of Hands-On STEM Challenges for Kids: https://leftbraincraftbrain.com/28-days-hands-on-stem-activities-kids/
I like the way this website laid out its 28-day February STEM initiative, where it organized each week into a different theme. Week one is STEM Goes Green, featuring environmental-based activities. Week two is all about STEM Challenges. Week three features Coding for Kids. Week four gives idea for incorporating STEM on a Budget. There are 60 activities in all and lots of great ideas here. Don't feel the need to do this daily, unless you really want to, then go for it!40 STEM Activities for Kids: https://www.playdoughtoplato.com/stem-activities-for-kids/
This collection of activities is geared more toward primary grades. Designed for preschool to about grade 2, it really deals with early exploration of STEM concepts, leaning heavily on sensory experiences and "ooooh and ahhhh"-type experiments. Regardless, there are some neat ideas here that the kids will really enjoy.20 Elementary STEM Science Projects: https://teachbesideme.com/elementary-stem-science/
This website is the pet project of a former public school teacher turned homeschool mom, who prides herself on teaching creatively. This link highlights 20 of here STEM-based activities, including Solar-powered lego cars, Leaf transpiration, and Food Chemistry- just to name a few. The content is suited more for upper elementary.36 Resources for STEM Project-Based Learning Activities: https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/36-stem-project-based-learning-activities
This link offers quite the impressive sampling of STEM resources. Not only does it have some great engineering activities, but it also features Project-Based Learning (PBL) ideas for math and science, as well as tech-savvy orienteering and animation lessons. There's also a list of other STEM websites at the bottom for additional STEM projects to try in the classroom.25 Awesome STEM Challenges for Kids (with inexpensive/recycled materials): https://frugalfun4boys.com/2017/01/20/awesome-stem-challenges/
Want to take on the STEM challenge without blowing through your entire classroom budget? This website offers great ideas for incorporating STEM without breaking the bank. Most materials can be salvaged or donated to your classroom at little to no cost since they are common household supplies. However, you may want to plan ahead and give plenty of time to collect these items in advance. Better yet, enlist the help of a willing parent volunteer to help collect/organize.The "ultimate list of spectacular STEM Activities that will blow you away." https://www.steamsational.com/stem-activities-for-kids/
This is a compilation of various STEM activities found on the internet and compiled in one place for your browsing pleasure.Siemens STEM Activities: https://www.siemensstemday.com/
Siemens Corporation is really leading the charge to ensure a future crop of innovative workers. This link offers STEM activities suitable to various grade bands. Simply search your grade level and take advantage of these excellent resources linked to Next Generation Science Standards. With 118 lessons for K-5, you can almost make every day of the school year a Siemens STEM day.Citgo STEM Activities: https://www.fuelingeducation.com/
Citgo has also joined the STEM Education movement to fuel the STEM talent pipeline. After partnering with TV science personality Steve Spangler, Citgo offers trainings for teachers, grants to schools and downloadable STEM toolkits for teachers. This would be worthwhile especially for students learning about energy, but there are toolkit resources for grade levels K-8.STEMisphere Searchable Resource Directory: http://stemisphere.org/
The STEMisphere is a one-stop shop for schools in the Carnegie STEM pathway, of which our district is taking part. It offers STEM-based information for educators, families, students and community partners. Professional development opportunities, STEM resources, and other information can be found in one convenient location.Fall-Themed STEM Ideas:
Who doesn't love fall-themed educational activities? This website has plenty to offer in terms of pumpkin, apple and leaf-themed STEM ideas. It is especially helpful in that many of the activities can be tied to literacy with picture books, lending itself to cross-curricular station work.https://www.educationworld.com/a_news/fall-fall-these-seasonal-stem-activities-1953123423
This link offers several STEM connections to the transition of fall. Exploration opportunities involve "Why do leaves change color?" and "Track Fall's Falling Temperatures." There's even a pumpkin math activity for early childhood learners.https://lemonlimeadventures.com/15-must-try-fall-stem-projects-for-kids/
Some of these ideas would be great for fall celebrations. Some deal with the science behind halloween candy, so they even could be used as a fun way to use up that extra sugar stash from the holiday. Dissolving gummies, oozing pumpkins and candy structures will certainly keep kids engaged.http://www.realmomswingingit.com/single-post/2016/10/26/15-Fall-Themed-STEM-Activities
This nicely organized collection of STEM activities is targeted for at-home extension activities. However, several can be utilized in the school setting, as they are actually pretty scholarly in nature. Some of these would be really good to use as enrichment for higher level learners.http://www.playideas.com/fall-stem-ideas-for-kids/
I absolutely love that this resource brings nature into the classroom. Ideas include using acorns as counting tools, creating a nature table, as well as building sensory jars to inspire observational learning. What a great way to get young learners to notice the natural beauty that exists beyond our walls!https://ihomeschoolnetwork.com/15-awesome-autumn-stem-activities/
Here are a few more leaf/tree, apple, and pumpkin-based activities. This runs the gamut of age-appropriateness, and there are good ideas for any grade level. Incorporate the scientific method with browning apples or visit the ultimate pumpkin math collection, organized by target grade.https://stemactivitiesforkids.com/2017/09/30/halloween-stem-activities-students-will-love/
This is a sampling of traditional Halloween activities. Candy grabber, Halloween elevator and spider webs are just a few topics covered here. This would be fun for a costume party activity.Winter-Themed STEM Ideas:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KmZxGicmGU3htW389XukqbSqkqx5vEDgZHt8yH3Ayuc/
Carly and Adam run a STEM blog. This year they unveiled STEM activities for the 12 Days of Christmas. They cost about $3 for each full plan on Teachers Pay Teachers, but there are some neat ideas here - some paired with popular holiday picture books. Please follow links to each activity!Spring-Themed STEM Ideas:
https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/spring-stem-activities-for-kids/
This website offers a collection of Spring STEM Ideas organized by the following categories: Plant something for Spring; Observe something for Spring; Experiment something for Spring; and Engineer/Build something for Spring.https://www.schoolingamonkey.com/spring-stem-activities/
I know we're not technically schooling monkeys, but this website has some great resources, like borax free earth day slime, an eggshell garden and dissecting a flower.https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/spring-stem-activities-for-kids/
This website, created by teachers, offers STEM activities that deal with Easter eggs.Additional STEM Programs/Resources:
STEM Revolution: https://www.stemrevolution.com/
Online tool for professional development, STEM activity resources and search capabilities. Courses, resources and teacher forum.Teach Engineering: https://www.teachengineering.org/
This website has K-12 STEM-based lessons available in a searchable format. If you have a topic in mind, you simply type in, say, "Natural Disasters," and multiple lessons pop up with grade level designations for that search area. It doesn't have lessons for absolutely everything under the sun, but it certainly has a lot from which to choose. It's worth a quick search. You never know what you might find!Discovery Ed Virtual Field Trip on the Making of New Spiderman Movie (Nov. 29) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discover-the-spider-verse-virtual-field-trip-tickets-51029314052?utm_campaign=vft2018_cep&utm_medium=email&utm_source=hotlist&utm_content=eventbrite
Tune in to the NEW Virtual Field Trip for a unique STEM and literacy-packed sneak peek of the new movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Go on a wild ride to learn all about the Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Critical-Thinking behind making the film, and discover the important lessons the Spider-Verse can teach us. Brought to you by Discovery Education and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this Virtual Field Trip will be a learning adventure like never before!Discovery Ed Virtual Field Trip on the future of Aviation (Dec. 4) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/generation-beyond-aviation-virtual-field-trip-think-like-the-skunk-works-tickets-51878904199
For more than 75 years, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works ® has created revolutionary aircraft and technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Join the team in Palmdale, California at the Lockheed Martin facility to explore the unique Skunk Works® approach to innovation and design, including examples of successful collaboration and teamwork on highly secretive projects during a live, real-time Twitter chat at 1:00 PM ET by sending pictures and questions to @DiscoveryEd using #GenBeyond - they love to see how your students are participating!Picture-Perfect STEM (NSTA Press): https://www.nsta.org/store/product_detail.aspx?id=10.2505/9781681403281
This resource by the National Science Teachers Association pairs the 5E model with children’s books to inspire STEM Learning. The lessons are ready to use and well organized. Each Palmyra elementary school now has a copy of both the K-2 and 3-5 book in its STEM room.Project Lead the Way: https://www.pltw.org/
Project lead the way is a formal program for STEM education. It comes with a full curriculum and requires professional development. However, some of the resources are worth reading to enhance your STEM knowledge base.Engineering is Elementary: https://www.eie.org/
This is another curriculum that comes with a price tag. Lessons can be previewed before purchase. Some of the activities look very good for building engineering skills, but it may not be a true representation of trans-disciplinary STEM integration.Coding for Kids: www.code.org
30-percent of U.S. students have accounts on code.org, according to this website. Coding is a great way to challenge students in a fun and interactive way. It hits multiple STEM skillsets and serves as a perfect activity for active learning stations or early finishers.Nature Guys Podcast: http://natureguys.org/
The Nature Guys run a fascinating podcast. They cover all kinds of topics, from insects to unique plants. There may be opportunities to work these retired naturalists' web shows into classroom connections.Project Learning Tree - Multidisciplinary Environmental Based Learning Projects: https://www.plt.org/
Project learning tree uses the environment to educate students about the world. The curriculum is pretty awesome, but it comes at a cost and requires formal training. However, there are some free downloadable activities on the website worth trying out.Article- "STEM - At home, In the Classroom, and Across the World": https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/article/stem-at-home-in-the-classroom-and-across-the-world/?utm_source=underscore&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=teacher-fall-2018
This is a quality read for anyone wishing to learn more about STEM Education. It highlights the need for quality STEM integration at all levels of our lives. Disregard the fact that it may try to sell you materials. It does a nice job of breaking down STEM and why we teach it. This is an innovation contest just for girls in grades 3-5. It is technology based and includes a $1000 grant to the submitting teacher and $250 gift card for the student winner.Covid 19 STEM resources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zEQL4ZLLZ1SRj-fFjF6axJenryeXkfYLwkcF5oigJks/edit?usp=sharing
Online STEM resources for asynchronous at-home learning.