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4 Authentic State Testing Prep Ideas

by Naomi Meredith

4 Authentic State Testing Prep Ideas

state-testing-prep

State Testing Prep isn’t a fun topic to talk about, but it’s a reality public school teachers face. Instead of stressing about the test, preparing can happen naturally year round. This doesn’t mean teaching to the test, rather helping build students’ skills so they are comfortable with the testing platform.
In turn, students are learning valuable technology skills that can be carried into other content areas.

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State Testing Prep | #1 Get Kids Typing

Just like handwriting, typing takes practice. While there is value in using typing games, this shouldn’t be the only way students learn to type. Typing games can be great homework practice or a morning warm-up.
The real typing practice takes place when students are using the computer authentically.
Yes, it will take students forever to complete assignments through typing. At first.
However, the more it’s an integrated part of the classroom, the less stressful typing will be for students. Published pieces are a great start, but also have students type “unpublished work”. Typing shouldn’t be seen as a final piece type of tool. 
Think about how we, as adults, use computers daily to complete tasks. Not also of us are typing to create a published piece! Emailing, texting and lesson planning are a few of many ways how typing improves efficiency into our lives.
Students should have the same opportunities as well, that are appropriate to their learning environment, to use typing authentically.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Give kids a creative writing prompt once a week where they need to type what comes to their brian and not having to use the entire writing process.
  • Have students typing their thinking about reading when using paper books.
  • Turn the weekly reading log and response into a digital assignment
  • Have students explain their thinking when solving a math problem through typing
The more integrated assignments are, the more kids will respond naturally when they are posed typing questions on a test.

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State Testing Prep | #2 Answer Digital Questions

Along with having students type in a variety of ways, answering questions online is equally as important. Many questions on the computer are different than traditional paper & pencil tests. Both have importance, and both need to be practiced.
Some varying question types that differ on the computer are: scrolling on a page, toggling between two tabs and drag and drop questions.

Below are some great free resources to use with your students year round to practice answering digital questions.

1. Readworks.org: Differentiated reading articles you can digitally assign to students with corresponding questions

2. TweenTribune.com: Kid-friendly current events with deep thinking questions and a few multiple choice. There are often a few differentiated levels of each article as well.

3. Google Forms: Students don’t need a Google Account to answer questions on a Google Form. Take a screenshot of the math problem/reading article you want students to focus on. Then, create different types of questions to correspond with it.

4. IXL.com: While there is a paid monthly membership, students can still answer a certain number of questions for free each day. The site is organized by grade-level, math concepts, and standards. It will immediate tell students if they are correct of incorrect with their thinking.

5. Math Playground.com: Free online math manipulatives. Using tangible manipulatives is important too, but students do need to know how to use digital manipulatives for various testing platforms.

6. GetEpic.com: This is an amazing, free-for-teachers website. With eBooks, audio books, read-to-me and videos not connected to YouTube, teachers can find resources that fit any content area. Teachers can also create quizzes for books with your own questions.

7. BoomLearning.com: This is also a website that has free and paid features. You can assign digital, self-correcting task cards to students for free to correspond with your content. There are many free card decks and paid decks to choose from.

 

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State Testing Prep | #3 Answer Questions Using a Rubric

Students should be given time to practice a short constructed response in comparison to a rubric. After reading an article, have students respond digitally through typing. Then, print their responses for the following day (without names).

Pass out the written responses and in partnerships, have students evaluate the responses based on the criteria rubric. Afterwards, discuss as a class why certain responses were scored accordingly.

This exercise isn’t meant to embarrass kids; rather a learning opportunity on how they can improve. This also gives students a chance for their work to be seen from a different point of view.

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State Testing Prep | #4 Learn Testing Tools

Part of the reason why students become overwhelmed with testing on the computer is knowing how to access the digital tools.

I teach in Colorado and we take CMAS, which. is a form of PARCC. There is a practice website to view and try question types and respond digitally.

As the testing window draws closer, practice with students how to use the tools on the practice website first. Creating a scavenger hunt to help search for and access the tools can help guide students’ exploration.

Here is an example of one scavenger hunt task:

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If possible, have students work in pairs to complete the hunt. This will give students the opportunity to talk about accessing the tools in a less stressful environment and add an element of gamification to the lesson.
 
Does your state use PARCC or CMAS? Click here to grab these scavenger hunts for 3rd-5th grades. They are no-prep and also include a mini lesson to help introduce the test and question types.

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Don’t forget to grab these scavenger hunts for your class!

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

state-testing-prep

What questions do you have about preparing for state testing? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email, contactnaomimeredith(at)gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!

 

classroom-management

Tips for STEM Classroom Management During Stations

by Naomi Meredith

Tips for STEM Classroom Management During Stations

classroom-management

You’re ready to start stations in your classroom, but what about the classroom management during stations? 

In the previous blog post, we discuss why you need a station rotation in STEM. Click here to read.

Classroom management of stations is essential for students working the whole time, using materials correctly, and trying new experiences.

Also having students in small groups can help with social distancing and using materials that you may only have a limited amount on. 

Click HERE for your free STEM Station Rotation Planning Guide.

STEM Station Blog Series:

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Classroom Management During Stations | #1 Teach Station Expectations

Be very explicit in expectations as to what will be accomplished at a station. The goal is to have students be independent during this time, so keep directions 1-3 steps.

 

Typically, I’ll host 4 stations that students will rotate through over the course of two days, 45 minute classes. When factoring in explaining the stations and clean-up in between, each station is around 15 minutes long. Students complete two stations a day. 

If needed, post station expectations where it’s located. For example, when my primary students are using Bee-Bots, I have the expectations on how to use those near the station (after we go over them of course!). 

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Classroom Management During Stations | #2 Simple Materials

To help with the independence and clear expectations, keep station materials simple. Having limited items will help students get to work quicker as well as the clean up. 

When using Osmos, I have the iPads set up, the app ready on the screen, and the corresponding pieces open and ready. It’s very clear for the students what materials they will need and which app they will be using to get started. 

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Classroom Management During Stations | #3 Kid-Accessible

Everything needed at the station should be kid-accessible. Unless it’s a teacher-led station, students should have easy access to all of the materials needed for the task. 

 

Students shouldn’t be relying on the teacher to grab materials for the station time. This hinders independence.

Have a designated area in the room where all required materials are set up. If it’s not possible to leave materials out in between classes, have previous classes help set it up before they leave. Or often, I’ll add items to stations while the previous class is in their clean-up stations. Use that time wisely and creatively. 

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Classroom Management During Stations | #4 Use a timer

Use a timer that the class can see. It shouldn’t be a mystery for students how much time they have left to work. Especially for students who have a hard time with transitions.

Some students will want to keep working at their station and not switch. Having a visual timer can help all students prepare for the next steps and what they can accomplish in the given time frame. 

 My favorite timer is Classroom Screen. It’s free to use and there are other widgets that can be used on the screen in conjunction with the timer. 

 If students feel that there isn’t enough time at their station, consider repeating the stations again. Switch out some of the activities slightly, but keep the same format. 

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Classroom Management During Stations | #5 Keep track of kids

If you are teaching within a specials rotation, or even if stations are in your regular classroom, keeping track of where the kids are is super important.

Trust me. 

Someone might be absent one day, get pulled for a group… really anything! Simply write the names of the kids in the group on the whiteboard or on a station rotation digital chart.

 This will ease headache and arguing as to who completed what station. 

Classroom Management During Stations | #6 Clean Up Completely Before Rotating

This step is one of the most important. Students need to clean up fully before rotating. I’ll tell students, “Clean up and stand at your clean station.” 

 I’ll walk around to each group and ensure all the materials are put away and correctly. This is also the time if students need to wipe down and clean pieces with cleaning wipes. 

For younger students, here is the process I use:

  • Timer goes off
  • “Clean up and stand at your clean station.”
  • Students clean up, teacher walks around to stations to ensure things are being put away correctly
  • When cleaned, student stand at clean station
  • Teacher checks all stations one more time
  • All stations clean
  • Teacher says, “If you are at the Technology station, raise your hand!”
  • Students at station raise hand
  • Teacher says, “Please point to the Engineering station”
  • Students point, don’t move yet
  • Teacher says, “If you are at the Engineering station, raise your hand!”
  • Students point, don’t move yet
  • (Use same process for all stations) Once every student is pointing to next station, they will walk to new station

 

This may seem annoying at first, however, these explicit steps will help ensure materials are put back where they need to be. This also helps students learn to be respectful of the space and the tools at hand. 

 

Classroom Management During Stations | Let Me Help You Plan!

Planning out your STEM Rotations doesn’t have to be difficult. Click here to grab your FREE STEM Rotation Planning Guide. Inside are templates and ideas to get you started with implementing your first round of STEM Rotations!

Don’t forget to grab your FREE Guide before you go!

 

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

classroom-management

What questions do you have about starting STEM Stations in your room? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email, contactnaomimeredith(at)gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!

More About the Author, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.

With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM certificate, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

STEMTech Co. Navigator Feature: Lisa Yaker

by Naomi Meredith

STENTech Co. Navigator Feature: Lisa Yaker

STEMTech Co. Navigators are teacher representatives for Naomi Meredith’s brand. These educators are here to help other teachers all over the world navigate STEM & Technology in their K-5 classrooms. They have the opportunity to implement and use STEM and technology lessons sent monthly, created by Naomi Meredith.

To learn more about this program and to apply, click here.

In this post, we will learn more about fellow Navigator, Lisa Yaker, a STEAM & Technology coach at an International school in Panama.

How many years have you been teaching?

I have been teaching K-5 as Media Specialist for 7 years… this is my first year as STEAM coach and also first year adding PK.

State/City/Country You’re Currently Teaching In

Panama

What are your top 5 favorite STEM and/or Tech tools? 

1. Cardboard

2. Paper

3. Tape

4. Laffy Taffy

How did you become interested in STEM & Technology in relation to teaching? 

As the librarian, I really wanted to add technology and digital citizenship training to my classes. 

My students always wanted to use the computers in the lab, but I realized they didn’t even have a basic technology vocabulary. So I knew I needed to start adding this immediately to the curriculum. 

Soon, I began teaching digital citizenship, parts of a computer, typing skills, etc… Luckily this was just in time when the pandemic hit and they all needed that computer knowledge ASAP! 

STEM was something the school wanted to add and asked me if I would teach it. Honestly, I was apprehensive at first. I have an art background and I am not that good at science. But I have honestly fallen in love with STEAM and just want to keep learning new things to share with my students.

 

What do you love most about integrating/teaching STEM & Technology? What are some positive changes you have seen in your students and/or school? 

I love teaching them how to problem solve, how to think critically. 

Like when these types of conversations happen, “Oh, you don’t have any beads? Ok, so what can you use instead?… OMG YES Penne Pasta has a whole in it! That works perfectly”. 

The other amazing change I’ve seen is in my LP students (students on a learning plan). 

Students on learning plans typically have some form of learning difficulty or behavior that makes school more difficult for them. STEAM allows them to express themselves, discover new strengths and succeed.

Unlike math, where there is a specific right and wrong answer, STEAM does not have right and wrong answers. Just a rubric to assess if they accomplished the objective or not. It isn’t about how pretty or perfect it is.

 

What is a project or lesson that you’ve seen be very successful in your classroom that you think other teachers might be interested in? 

OMG Ice Cream in a Bag was hands-down the most fun and amazing project we have done. 

I had parents and siblings all joining the class to dance around the room with our “ice baby” (that’s what we called our bag of ice wrapped up in a towel). A student said it looked like a baby and “ice baby” stuck! 

Then, we all ate yummy fresh made ice cream sundaes together! We learned about matter (turning liquids into frozen) and how salt makes ice even colder. 

Making Oobleck was a very close 2nd place. Kids LOVED it and I promised to do a huge one in a baby pool when we get back to school in person.

Where can teachers find you to connect with you?

Instagram: @storytime_steam

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

Have questions about this program? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email at contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com and I would love to chat with you!

 

how-to-use-sphero

How to Use Sphero in the Classroom

by Naomi Meredith

How to Use Sphero in the Classroom

how-to-use-sphero

Robots in the classroom are a great way to integrate content and STEM. Learn how to use Sphero in your classroom and great lessons to get started with. 

There are a few different Sphero to choose from. If you have a limited budget, the Sphero Mini is a great starting point. For a robot that has more complex coding options and is larger (great for integrating building projects), try the Sphero Bolt. 

 

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the link, no extra cost to you, but I receive a kickback from purchases. 

 

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How to Use Sphero | Purchasing Options

Robot Name: Sphero (Bolt or Mini)

Price Range: Prices Vary, $50-$200/robot

Type of Device Based Coding: Device required. Can be programmed with a tablet or computer 

Typical Age Range Used with: 3rd-5th grades

Types of batteries: Charging Base

Additional {Optional Attachments}: Sphero Mini Activity Kit, Sphero RVR, Turbo Cover, Jump Ramps, Maze Tape, Sphero Mini: Pins & Cones, Chariot

How To Use Sphero | Why I recommend them

Once your students have some coding experience, either with other robots or even coding online with Scratch your students can be successful with Sphero. 

 There are many different types of out there. I had the original version (the white ones) and they stopped charging and connecting to my devices. If you can afford newer ones, go with that option. 

 There are a few apps to choose from. I found that the Sphero Edu app worked best for a classroom setting and used “real” coding. It can be overwhelming at first for elementary student eyes, but with anything, start slow to go fast! 

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Lesson Ideas

Inside the Sphero Edu app, there are ideas to try. With my 5th grade students, we went through the Engineering Design Process (EDP) while learning about the Iditarod. Students were posed with the challenge: How can you create a sled that Sphero can pull through the Iditarod race? 

After going through the (EDP) students came up with interesting designs which posed new challenges when coding. This lesson had high engagement and the 5th graders the following year asked if we could be doing “that sled lesson”. 

 Another lesson I taught in 4th grade with was snowflakes. Again, another Engineering Design Process challenge where we explored the science and math behind snowflakes. The coding involved a lot of angles and symmetry.

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getting-started-with-sphero

Additional Accessories

There are a few accessories to try (listed above). However, when getting started with Sphero in the classroom, accessories aren’t necessary. 

One accessory that is worth the investment are pool noodles. These can be used to block off various corners and exits. There are moments when there is a bug in the code and Sphero will quickly roll away and hit something. The noodles will keep the robot safe from knicks and impacts.

 

How to Use Sphero| Grab these lessons!

Don’t waste your time planning new lessons. Grab this bundle of 2 Sphero lessons that have been used with hundreds of students in my 4th & 5th grade STEM classes. 

All Engineering Design Process pages are printable & digital on multiple platforms. Grab this bundle for your class!

sphero-lesson-plans

how-to-use-sphero

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

What questions do you have about using Sphero in your classroom? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email, contactnaomimeredith(at)gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!

Why You Need a Station Rotation in STEM

by Naomi Meredith

Why You Need a Station Rotation in STEM

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Wondering if a station rotation is worth having in a STEM space? Why even get started with this instructional model? While stations don’t have to be used every class time (they definitely can!), it’s worth adding into your instructional model. Below are the benefits I’ve seen in my K-5 STEM classes when using a station rotation. 

 

Click HERE for your free STEM Station Rotation Planning Guide.

 

STEM Station Blog Series:

station-rotation

Station Rotation | #1 More Experiences in Less Time

Lack of time is a common thread in the teacher community. To maximize the time you are given, stations are a great way to do this. Instead of working on one project during class time, students have opportunities to experience more. 

With stations, many bite-sized activities can happen over the course of a couple of days. Experiencing robots, a building challenge, making scientific observations and attacking a math challenge can all get done at once. 

When planning units, think about the lessons that aren’t as intense and save those for a station rotation. These experiences are still meaningful, but don’t require an entire class time to complete it. 

 

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Station Rotation | #2 Less Materials Needed 

Buying quality STEM supplies isn’t cheap! Of course, buying supplies isn’t always needed to get started with STEM. [You can read about how to start your Makerspace by clicking here]

When purchasing materials is an option, don’t feel obligated to buy a class set. Or even half a class set! Station rotations make it possible when you only have 4-6 of an item. 

In my STEM classroom, I only have 5 Bee-Bot robots since they are expensive. However, that has been plenty in my classroom since they are a high quality robot for primary students and they can be used at a station easily. 

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Station Rotation | #3 Opportunities for Small Groups

There are many opportunities when students need to be explicitly taught concepts in STEM. Sometimes, this can be difficult in a whole group setting. 

With a station rotation, this can naturally bring an opportunity to pull small groups. Or, if you don’t want to take students away from the experiences, have one of the stations be a teacher-led station. 

Some teacher-led ideas can be: 

  • teaching a new tech skill
  • introducing a new app
  • completing a first step in a bigger project
  • catching up on past projects

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Station Rotation | #4 Easy to Manage

The biggest goal when hosting station rotations is to build student independence when exploring STEM concepts. Once this is implemented in the classroom, station rotations are fairly easy to manage. 

With minimal materials and student directed, this is a great time as a teacher to facilitate the learning. Helping individual students can often be easier during this time since students all have a task they are working on. 

So what are some management tips? 

Stay tuned for the next blog post in this series: Tips for STEM Classroom Management During Centers

Station Rotation | Let Me Help You Plan!

Planning out your STEM Rotations doesn’t have to be difficult. Click HERE to grab your FREE STEM Rotation Planning Guide. Inside are templates and ideas to get you started with implementing your first round of STEM Rotations! 

Don’t forget to grab your FREE Guide before you go!

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

station-rotation

What questions do you have about these activities? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email, contactnaomimeredith(at)gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!

More About the Author, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.

With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM certificate, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

St. Patrick’s Day STEM Activities

by Naomi Meredith

St. Patrick’s Day STEM Activities

st-patricks-day-stem-activities

Need some fresh St. Patrick’s Day STEM Activities? Scroll down for resources that can make your classroom and engaging, and even educational experience. These low-prep and high-engaging lessons are a great addition to celebrating Spring.

These ideas will be a hit for your students! All of these resources can be found in my shop as separate lessons or even as a complete bundle.

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St. Patrick’s Day STEM Activities | #1 There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover

After reading the story There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover by Lucille Colandro, students can build their comprehension of the story. Using any items on hand, students will build each of the items that the Old Lady swallows. Cardboard & tape are a great way to get started!

They will also engineer a way to stand up the Old Lady’s face so the items can easily be placed in her mouth.

This silly activity is great for story retell and a hands-on, literacy lesson.

Click here to grab this lesson for your class! 

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St. Patrick’s Day STEM Activities | #2 Shamrock Math Facts Coding

Practicing math facts doesn’t have to be boring! Using any type of robot, students can practice their coding and math facts in three different ways.

  • Code & write the equation
  • Code, write & keep the card
  • Coding Math Fact Memory

Through this lesson, students will also build their coding vocabulary like debugging and writing a coding program.

Click here to grab this lesson for your class!

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St. Patrick’s Day STEM Activities | #3 Engineer Inspiration Boards

Younger students love using these Engineer Inspiration Boards as a way to create different items that correlate with a theme. Print a board out for each student, or even share digitally, and students can build using any items available in the classroom.

Students have the opportunity to dive into building right away. Or, have students take the time to thoughtfully plan their idea, build and share. This is great introduction to the Engineering Design Process for the primary classroom.

Click here to grab this for your class! 

st-patricks-day-stem-activities

St. Patrick’s Day Classroom Ideas | #4 March Bulletin Board Idea

It always seems like that during the holidays, there is a door decorating competition. Take out all the guesswork and use this print-cut-and-hang design. There is a color and low-ink option based on your school printing availability. Bonus points if it gets laminated and used the next year!

Click here to grab this set for your class!

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St. Patrick’s Day Classroom Ideas | #5 Digital Reading Comprehension

March is a great time to mix up your regular reading routine. Try implementing digital reading graphic organizers into your instruction. These sets pair well with Epic! books or any other website or books you like to use in your classroom. Don’t waste your time printing copies; click and share with students quickly.

Click here to grab the life cycles graphic organizer for your class! 

St. Patrick’s Day Classroom Ideas | #6 Sphero Sleds

The annual Iditarod race is held in Alaska during the beginning of March. This lesson I’ll often teach during the Winter months, however, this still works well during the month of March!

After learning more about the Iditarod and dog sledding, students design and build a sled for Sphero to pull. Race tracks are included with checkpoints to help the experience come to life.

Click here to grab this lesson for your class. 

Bundle & Save!

All of the resource mentioned above are bundled together to save you time! Bundles are a great way to save money. You also automatically get any updates free for life! Click here to grab this bundle for your class and be festive with your STEM instruction. 

Resources mentioned in this post:

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

What questions do you have about these activities? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email, contactnaomimeredith(at)gmail.com, and I would love to chat with you!

 

STEMTech Co. Navigator Feature: Binal Kamdar

by Naomi Meredith

STEMTech Co. Navigator Feature: Binal Kamdar

STEMTech Co. Navigators are teacher representatives for Naomi Meredith’s brand. These educators are here to help other teachers all over the world navigate STEM & Technology in their K-5 classrooms. They have the opportunity to implement and use STEM and technology lessons sent monthly, created by Naomi Meredith.

To learn more about this program and to apply, click here.

In this post, we will learn more about fellow Navigator, Binal Kamdar; a Computer Engineer by education & founder of ‘TeachSTEAM Hands-on Education’.

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the link, no extra cost to you, but I receive a kickback from purchases. 

How many years have you been teaching? 

20 years. I have been developing content for children aged 3-13 years & training teachers to promote hands-on education & learning through play since 2005. I am also one of the first certified Six Bricks Facilitators of India. 

 

I have also facilitated as a coach for the robotics competitions like World Robot Olympiad (WRO), FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) & FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) for over a decade & coached more than 45 teams successfully & marked many national & international achievements.

State/City/Country You’re Currently Teaching In

India

What are your top 5 favorite STEM and/or Tech tools? 

1. Six Bricks

2. LEGO Education Story Starter Set

3. WeDo 2.0 set with software

4. Stud.io – a software to build, render & create building instructions for LEGO models

5. Google Doc, Sheet, Slides


How did you become interested in STEM & Technology in relation to teaching? 

Being a science & math student, I always connected them with things around us. Conceptually, STEM didn’t exist back then. 

As I began my career as a computer educator in 2001, I began to teach & apply software tools to strengthen Science & Technology. I used to design programs like Planet World to teach solar systems through Microsoft Word. Another program was Jungle Safari to teach animal science through Microsoft PowerPoint for children aged 5-15. 

I came to know about LEGO Education in 2005. Since then, I found the perfect tool to connect understanding with application to reinforce STEM.

 What do you love most about integrating/teaching STEM & Technology? What are some positive changes you have seen in your students and/or school? 

Integrating STEM & Technology brings understanding about how things work in the real world. Each & every concept taught with this combination comes clear & lasts longer.

 

Some positive changes:

1. Children become life-long learners

2. Better at problem-solving/critical thinking

3. Inquisitive & observant with scientific inquiries

 What is a project or lesson that you’ve seen be very successful in your classroom that you think other teachers might be interested in? 

  • Story Sequence & Depth Perception with Six Bricks
  • Coding with Bricks to teach Encryption and Navigation
  • Sudoku
  • Tangram

Where can teachers find you to connect with you?

Website: teachsteam.in

Instagram: @teachsteam

Interested in becoming a STEMTech Co. Navigator? Click here for more information about the program and how to get started.

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

stemtech-co-navigators-naomi-meredith

Have questions about this program? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email at contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com and I would love to chat with you!

 

STEMTech Co. Navigator Feature: Pamela Alba

by Naomi Meredith

STEMTech Co. Navigator Feature: Pamela Alba

STEMTech Co. Navigators are teacher representatives for Naomi Meredith’s brand. These educators are here to help other teachers all over the world navigate STEM & Technology in their K-5 classrooms. They have the opportunity to implement and use STEM and technology lessons sent monthly, created by Naomi Meredith.

To learn more about this program and to apply, click here.

In this post, we will learn more about fellow Navigator, Pamela Alba, STEAM teacher for Kindergarten-4th grades.

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the link, no extra cost to you, but I receive a kickback from purchases. 

 

pamala-alba

How many years have you been teaching?

I was english teacher for 2 years for kids to adults. Later, I became a Technology teacher from K to 4th grade. Last school year, I started as a STEAM teacher from K to 4th grade.

State/City/Country You’re Currently Teaching In

Santo Domingo. Dominican Republic

What are your top 5 favorite STEM & or Tech tools? 

Tech Tools:

  1. A digital portfolio – Seesaw or ClassDojo
  2. Nearpod
  3. Popplet
  4. Google Apps
  5. Scratch


STEM

  1. littleBits
  2. Osmo
  3. Ozobot
  4. LEGO WeDo 2.0
  5. Recycled materials


How did you become interested in STEM & Technology in relation to teaching?

When I started as a coach for First Lego League Jr. for my 1st-4th grade students, I noticed the lack of independence and team work. From there, I decided to research about STEAM and how I can implement it in my country. As I continued to investigate about it, the more I noticed the need that my students had. It took me a whole year to put together a proposal for my school. 

What do you love most about integrating/teaching STEM & Technology? What are some positive changes you have seen in your students and/or school?

What I enjoy most is the “WOW” of students. It’s that moment when they can figure out the problem. The one student who learned to work in a team. Every lesson or project is a joy for me. I have had cried from joy many times during a project!

pamala-alba

pamala-alba

What is a project or lesson that you’ve seen be very successful in your classroom that you think other teachers might be interested in?

I have two favorite projects:

1. The first one can be applied to any problem that the school has.

We had a situation with our white screen. When we wanted to project, we had to roll it down every time. However, it was too high to reach! So, students designed a hook so we could pull it down easier. They really enjoyed it and how we used it every day during class.

2. We did a project integrating STEM & living things.

Students researched about an animal. They then designed and built a habitat for that animal. Next, the students learned about 3D printing. We printed a 3D model of each animal with for their habitat.

Finally, they used a green screen app and recorded the animal’s information. This made it look like the students were inside the habitat they created.

Where can teachers follow your teaching journey?

Instagram: @mrspamalba

TeachersPayTeachers Store: Mrs Pam Alba

pamala-alba

Interested in becoming a STEMTech Co. Navigator? Click here for more information about the program and how to get started.

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

stemtech-co-navigators-naomi-meredith

Have questions about this program? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email at contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com and I would love to chat with you!

Books about Women in STEM for Kids

by Naomi Meredith

Books about Women in STEM for Kids

books-about-women-in-stem

These books about women in STEM can inspire kids to reach their dreams. Or even create new ones! Women in STEM fields is one of many under represented groups. These important stories from the past can help shape our future and add more diversity within the STEM space.

The books listed below are alphabetized by title. If there are any I should add to the list, please send me an email at contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the link, no extra cost to you, but I receive a kickback from purchases. 

Books about Women in STEM: Titles A-E

Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists by Martha Freeman and Katy Wu

“The twenty groundbreaking women—including Rosalind Franklin, Marie Tharp, Shirley Anne Jackson, and more—came from all kinds of backgrounds and had all kinds of life experiences. Some grew up rich. Some grew up poor. Some were always the smartest kid in class. Some struggled to do well in school. But all had one thing in common: They were born curious. Are you curious, too?” (Amazon description)

Computer Decoder: Dorothy Vaughan, Computer Scientist by Andi Diehn

“Elementary-aged children follow Dorothy’s journey from math teacher to human computer and beyond, a journey made difficult because she was an African American woman working during a time of segregation. Dorothy worked incredibly hard to meet the challenges that greeted her at every turn and rose to the level of supervisor, the first black supervisor in the history of her company! But another challenge awaited when a mechanical computer threatened to replace the teams of human computers. How will Dorothy figure out this problem?” (Amazon description)

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca

“As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor. When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threatened this goal, she persevered―brightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness!” (Amazon description)

Books about Women in STEM: Titles F-J

Fossil Huntress: Mary Leakey, Paleontologist by Andi Diehn

“What was the world like millions of years ago? Did early humans walk on all fours? Did giant sloths lie in trees? Did dinosaurs have feathers? Even as a young girl, Mary Leakey was fascinated by questions like these! Meet Mary as a girl growing up in France and visiting the site of archeological wonders, such as Pech Merle, Fond de Gaume, and La Mouthe. As an adult, Mary spends much of her life working in the field in Tanzania, making discoveries that change the face of paleontology forever. True grit, passion, and high standards for scientific rigor made Mary a pioneer in the field of paleontology!” (Amazon description)

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca

“When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!” (Amazon description)

The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague by Julia Finley Mosca

“After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted―finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.” (Amazon description)

Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer by Andi Diehn

“When Mary Jackson was growing up, she thought being an engineer was impossible for her. Why? After all, she was fantastic at math and science. She worked really hard to learn all she could in school. Why did this smart little girl think she couldn’t be an engineer? Readers ages 5 to 8 explore the life of Mary Jackson, who overcame the challenges of segregation and sexism to become the first female African American engineer at NASA!” (Amazon description)

Books about Women in STEM: Titles K-O

 

Books about Women in STEM: Titles P-Z

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor by Robert Burleigh

“This illustrated biography shares the story of female scientist, Marie Tharp, a pioneering woman scientist and the first person to ever successfully map the ocean floor.

Marie Tharp was always fascinated by the ocean. Taught to think big by her father who was a mapmaker, Marie wanted to do something no one had ever done before: map the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Was it even possible? Not sure if she would succeed, Marie decided to give it a try.” (Amazon description)

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Igonotofsky

“Highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary.” (Amazon description)

Women in STEM: Women Who Changed Science and the World Pioneers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math by Sumita Mukherjee

“Meet some incredible and inspirational women who have worked in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and changed the world. Smart women have always been able to achieve amazing things, even when the odds were stacked against them.” (Amazon description)

 

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

 

books-about-women-in-stem

Have any other books I should add? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

stemtech-co-navigators-naomi-meredith

STEMTech Co. Navigator Feature: Darryl Hawkins

by Naomi Meredith

STEMTech Co. Navigator Feature: Darryl Hawkins

STEMTech Co. Navigators are teacher representatives for Naomi Meredith’s brand. These educators are here to help other teachers all over the world navigate STEM & Technology in their K-5 classrooms. They have the opportunity to implement and use STEM and technology lessons sent monthly, created by Naomi Meredith.

To learn more about this program and to apply, click here.

In this post, we will learn more about fellow Navigator, Darryl Hawkins, school library media specialist for PreK-5th grade.

 

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the link, no extra cost to you, but I receive a kickback from purchases. 

How many years have you been teaching?

I have been working in the education field for almost 6 years. I teach primarily students at the elementary level Pre-K through 5th grade as a school library media specialist.

State/City/Country You’re Currently Teaching In

Georgia

darryl-hawkins

darryl-hawkins

What are your top 5 favorite STEM & or Tech tools?

My top five STEM and Tech tools work best for me as the instructor and creating engagement with my students.

1. As a librarian, my go-to resource would have to be STEM-related FICTION books. Books that are entertaining, but also promote critical thinking skills and the engineering process are always the best.

2. Pear Deck has been a game-changer for me. I like to use the Pear Deck Add-On in Google Slides to create student participation in a lesson. Works well with hybrid teaching.

3. I recently received a HUE Document Camera from a donor choose grant I work. It is great for displaying the stem challenge to students. It is also really compact and does not take up a lot of space like a traditional document camera.

4. A fellow librarian introduced me to Digital Choice Boards. They are a great tool for recapping the STEM terms and lessons you have taught for the month.

5. Sphero is one of the resources that were great before the pandemic. The robot promotes collaboration and problem-solving skills with different obstacles for the students. I always like to incorporate them into my December lessons.




How did you become interested in STEM & Technology in relation to teaching?

I have always had an interest in STEM because I am obsessed with technology, but I truly took a liking to it when I was trying to create engaging lessons for my students in the media center.

As a media specialist, we do not have set curriculum, but that can be advantage for many. It allows us to incorporate topics that students do not get exposure to beyond their core class curriculum.

My first STEM lesson started with celebrating Hour of Code in December. From there, I started mapping out a theme for the year geared toward literacy, but enhancing it with a STEM twist to promote engagement, and keep my students excited about the media center.

What do you love most about integrating/teaching STEM & Technology? What are some positive changes you have seen in your students and/or school?

The best part about integrating STEM and Technology into classroom instruction is the number of connections students make to real life situations.

For example, I most recently taught a lesson about light. Students started to make connections about how light is energy, and it can be used for many different purposes. STEM lessons help students to apply curriculum knowledge to practical things in their everyday life.

Another example, was a read aloud I presented to my 2nd graders. The book was called Violet the Pilot by Steve Breen. The main character in the story creates all these flying contraptions from materials in her fathers junkyard where he works.

This story led us to having a discussion about what is a junkyard, and how you can create something new from used materials. I was surprised that many students were not aware of what a scrap yard was. It made me want to have a virtual field trip with them about recycling.


creepy-carrots-lesson-plan

creepy-carrots-lesson-plan

What is a project or lesson that you’ve seen be very successful in your classroom that you think other teachers might be interested in?

I think STEM works well when you are trying to create a lesson that is none holiday related.

When you are on a specials rotations with your students, chances are homeroom teachers will do some type of holiday read aloud or activity with their students before you see them. Therefore, you have to be create and intentional.

I like to take a STEM lesson and make it my holiday theme activity for students. In one lesson, my primary students listened to Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds.

After listening and discussing what Jasper’s problem was in the story, the students had to create a catapult to launch the carrots or candy corn back into the fence. They enjoyed the design component of the lesson. It worked well for both my remote learners and face-to-face students.

Where can teachers follow your teaching journey?

Instagram: @jedi_hawkins

Twitter: @MrHawkins19

 


 

Interested in becoming a STEMTech Co. Navigator? Click here for more information about the program and how to get started.

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

stemtech-co-navigators-naomi-meredith

stemtech-co-navigators-naomi-meredith

Have questions about this program? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ or send me an email at contactnaomimeredith@gmail.com and I would love to chat with you!