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5 Holiday Virtual Class Party Ideas

by Naomi Meredith

5 Holiday Virtual Class Party Ideas

virtual-class-party-ideas

Celebrate the winter season with these virtual class party ideas. Of course being in person is amazing, but if that’s not possible, there are some fun remote options. Check out these ideas and see which ones will work best for your class.

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co. 

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

 

Virtual Class Party Ideas  | Watch the recording down below:

Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

Virtual Class Party Ideas  | Gift Wrap STEM Challenge

This will take a tiny amount of prep before the party date. All students need is wrapping paper, tape, a ruler & a small box. You can also print the Engineering Design Process notebook beforehand or just share digitally; up to you! One possibility is have a pick up station at school a few days before the party with the supplies. Make sure students know to not get into the items before the party.

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In this STEM activity, students will determine the most effective method for wrapping a gift. There are three video tutorials included that students can watch and rewatch to help them wrap their box. Afterwards, they will unwrap the box and make some math calculations such as the area and perimeter of the paper used and pieces of tape.

Set a timer for students to choose their method and wrap their gift. After making their calculations, students can share out their findings using the discussion questions provided.

I used this lesson with my 4th and 5th grade classes and was successful. A lot of kids actually appreciated they knew how to properly wrap with wrapping paper too!

Click here to grab this STEM Challenge for your class!

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Virtual Class Party Ideas  | Virtual Field Trip

There is nothing wrong to having a classroom party being a bit educational. A virtual field trip can be a fun way to explore the world and have a shared experience. Below are some winter themed explorations that would be great for a holiday party.

Virtual Class Party Ideas  | Scavenger Hunt

Get kids up and moving with a scavenger hunt and some competition. Before starting, the teacher will explain the rules and guidelines of the game. For an element of competition, the teacher can split the class up into teams and each team gets a point if every member finds the item. Or, it can be individually scored.

Next, the hunted item is displayed along with a timer. Students have the set amount of time to collect the item and bring it back to the meeting space. Be prepared of lots of laughter and creativity in this game!

Click here for the FREE scavenger hunt slides to use in your class. 

Virtual Class Party Ideas  | Sleigh Makerspace

Like the Gift Wrap Challenge, sending home materials a few days before the party can be helpful. All that is needed for this Sleigh Makerspace challenge is thin cardboard, straws and tape; which can commonly be found at home. While the challenge is to fit as many presents as possible in the sled by using unifix cubes, students can always make presents or fit various small toys they have instead.

 

virtual-class-party-ideas

As a class, students will learn about sled design and the difference between a sleigh and a sled. Next, students will have time to build their sleigh and make modifications based on the checklist provided.

If possible, create virtual breakout rooms where students can share their sled designs.

Click here to grab this Sleigh Challenge for your class! 

Virtual Class Party Ideas  | Virtual Bingo

Again, games are such a hit at children’s parties! Try a virtual game of bingo. There are a few ways this can be delegated to your class depending on their age. When there is a winner, you can always send them a sheet of stickers in the mail, which would be fun to look forward to.

 

  1. Using this Virtual Bingo Card Generator, you can type in your own list of words and it will create 30 different cards that you can send to your class using the provided link. Send this in your party chat box when ready to play.

2. This website also allows you to create a custom board or search through ones already created. Picture versions are included. You can only download 8 different boards, so there will be a few winners at the same time.

Consider sending the individual boards to students using Seesaw, Schoology, Google Classroom or the LMS your school uses.

3. Have students create their own boards! Model how to draw a grid and provide a word bank for students. They can fill in each of the spots by drawing and/or labeling.

 

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Virtual Class Party Ideas  | Holidays Around the World, Rotating Rooms

Have a team that you love planning with? When I taught 2nd grade my first couple years of teaching, this an idea we used while teaching in person. Try rotating rooms, virtual style. Benefits to this is the teacher only has only activity to worry about and switches into the Zoom code, which the kids stay where they are. It’s a nice change to meet with other kids and also make your experience amazing since it’s the only one you’re teaching.

The above activities can be hosted in each of the rooms or even a Holidays Around the World Experience could be meaningful.

Each teacher would teach about a different holiday from around the world. This can be done by:

  • short video clip
  • reading a story about the holiday (there are many options on Epic! Books)
  • playing a game as a class from the holiday
  • participating in a short craft or directed drawing experience

This graphic organizer can be a way for students to keep track of their learning through this cultural experience. There are printable and digital options.

Click here to grab the graphic organizer for your class! 

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

 

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What questions do you have about these activities? Have any other ideas to share? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

unplugged-coding-activities

Unplugged Coding Activities for Remote Teaching

by Naomi Meredith

Unplugged Coding Activities for Remote Teaching

unplugged-coding-activities

Unplugged Coding activities can work great for synchronous learning during remote teaching. Whether you are celebrating the Hour of Code or introducing coding to your class, check out these suggestions for your next unit.

If you are interested in what other activities you can do during the Hour of Code, check out my blog post here. 

 

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co. 

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

 

Unplugged Coding Activities  | Watch the recording down below:

 

Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

Unplugged Coding Activities | What are they?

Unplugged coding activity that can be done without the computer. Students still practice computational thinking and ordering tasks sequentially with these device-free tasks. These types of activities work well for stations, when device access is limited, or even for sub plans.

Code.org have a great variety of unplugged coding activities to choose from. Of course, I’ll be suggesting some of my favorites as well down below.

Unplugged Coding Activities | Human Robot Station

STEM Stations are a great way to encourage creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. With the tools that I created for you, it should save you time with prep and give you more time to provide an awesome experience for your kids.
For this station, students practice being the programmer and the robot with this hands-on, get-your-body moving STEM lesson. When first getting started, I’ll model this as a whole class; the teacher is the programmer and the students are the little robots.
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unplugged-coding-activities
Hold up each different type of card and model what the action looks like. For example, when the forward arrow is shown, step forward. After students are comfortable with each movement, gradually add on more cards to create a line of code.
Once the kids understand the process, choose a student to be the programmer while the rest of the class (including the teacher) are the robots. Wheel of Names is a great name picking tool, which you can read more about that in my blog post here. 
Students can write the directions on a piece of paper and hold up the camera, say the commands, or even use the virtual whiteboard within the meeting, like Zoom has. Eventually, split students up into virtual breakout rooms. Explain that each student will eventually have the role of being the programmer or the robots.
Within this resources, digital & printable files are also included to learn more about robots and how they work. Click here to grab this easy-to-prep station for your class! 

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Unplugged Coding Activities | Google CS First

I’ve used Google CS First’s coding curriculum a lot during my after-school clubs. It’s a wonderful resource! They have also come out with a coding unplugged resource which is a great asset as well.

There are lesson ideas to try and printable. Some of the printable activities I can envision being shared within a platform like Seesaw.

What I like about their resource is how all the lessons walk through the learner each step sequentially. Definitely check this free resource out.  

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Unplugged Coding Activities | Cup Coding

This activity I’ve done as a station during in-person, Hour of Code. 3rd-5th graders were the most successful with this task since there are a lot of steps. All students need are 10 (plastic) cups which most students have. If students don’t have cups at home, they can cut out 10 small pieces of paper that can be stacked flat on the table instead.

The teacher will help create the common vocabulary for this lesson and where to place cups in their proper location. I’ve had students draw a grid in the past to help visually see each step. For example, box 1 is step 1, the line is step 2, box 2 is step 3 and so on.

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Also, the arrow vocabulary is introduced. Right, left, up, down. So, if a student wants to move a cup to the second box, their code would be: up arrow, right arrow, right arrow.

Next, the picture of how the cups should be stacked is shown. Students can use their own cups as a guide to help them write the code.

There are a lot of variations of this and if done whole group, can be something that could be done a couple of class sessions.  The full detailed lesson plan can be found here. 

 

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

 

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What questions do you have about these activities? Have any other ideas to share? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

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In-Person Hour Of Code Activities to Try

by Naomi Meredith

In-Person Hour Of Code Activities to Try

Here are some Hour of Code Activities to try in your classroom while in person. There are so many options to choose from! I’ll share the ones that have been the most successful in my K-5 STEM classes. These are all low-prep, and highly engaging to help expose students to the world of coding.

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co. 

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

Click here for the FREE printable PDF of this resource.

Hour of Code Activities  | Watch the recording down below:

Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

Hour of Code Activities | Resource Prep

Before getting into the lesson planning, these are questions that I ask year after year to ensure that I’m prepared for the Hour of Code unit.

    1. Check out hourofcode.com for ways to promote Computer Science at your school and promote to families
    2. Prep necessary vocabulary that will aid student instruction. I created Coding Vocabulary that you just need to print-and-go!
    3. Organize supplies so they are easy for students to access and clean up when finished. I like to use clear plastic containers to leave in the center of each table with the necessary supplies for the lesson. Especially as a specials teacher, this helps tremendously so I am not running around in between classes gathering supplies!
    4. How you will share computer coding links with students? {Google Classroom, Seesaw, Schoology…}
    5. Do you need to set aside instruction instruction time for students to set up any coding accounts? {Example: Scratch}
    6. Will kids be using one device for paired programming or each student code on their own device?
    7. Is a station rotation model or whole group going to work best for your class?

 

You can teach these lessons in a way that works best for your kids, your classroom and the resources you have available. Each resource below is clickable or type in corresponding link.

Click here for the FREE printable PDF of this resource.

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Hour of Code Activities | Kindergarten

Day 1 & 2: Teaching the Difference Between Software & Hardware

Day 3: Device Coding

Day 4 & 5: Coding Unplugged & Device Coding *1/2 class do an activity a day

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Hour of Code Activities | 1st Grade

Day 1 & 2: Teaching the Difference Between Software & Hardware

Day 3: Device Coding

Day 4 & 5: Coding Unplugged & Device Coding *1/2 class do an activity a day

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Hour of Code Activities | 2nd Grade

Day 1: Device Coding

  • Intro Video: The Hour of Code is Here
    • Student Practice: (iPad/tablet) Scratch Jr.
    • Under ‘Teach’, there are 9 great beginner printables that progress off one another for students. I like doing pair programming the first day to help students problem solve together. I also made a little checklist to help students check off when they complete a challenge.

Day 2 & 3: Device Coding & Coding Unplugged

Day 4 & 5: Device Coding & Coding Unplugged

  • Intro Video: Computational Thinking by Brainpop Jr. & Conditionals by BrainPop Jr.
  • Student Practice: Robot Turtles Board Game
  • Since only half the class is playing at a time, when I’m introducing the game, we will play as a group in teams of 4. Once they get the hang of it, I will split them up onto the 2 remaining game boards.

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Hour of Code Activities | 3rd Grade

Day 1: Device Coding

Day 2 & 3: Device Coding & Coding Unplugged

Day 4 & 5: Device Coding & Coding Unplugged

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Hour of Code Activities | 4th Grade

Day 1: Device Coding

Day 2 & 3: Device Coding & Coding Unplugged

Day 4 & 5: Device Coding & Coding Unplugged

hour-of-code-activities

Hour of Code Activities | 5th Grade

Day 1: Device Coding

Day 2 & 3: Device Coding & Coding Unplugged

Day 4 & 5: Device Coding & Coding Unplugged

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

 

hour-of-code-activities

What questions do you have about these activities? Have any other ideas to share? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

Want more resources to support Technology & STEM all year long? Grab this FREE downloadable guide that I’ve put together for you!

3 Easy Holiday STEM Decorations

by Naomi Meredith

3 Easy Holiday STEM Decorations

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Let’s get festive for the holidays with these easy STEM decorations! All of these ideas are low-prep and have a nice STEM-twist. Whether you are teaching in the classroom or want a fun virtual background, these ideas will get you into the holiday spirit!

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co. 

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

 

 STEM Decorations  | Watch the recording down below:

Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

Cut & Hang Bulletin Board

It always seems like that during the holidays, there is a bulletin board or door decoration competition to compete in. Or maybe, it’s been awhile since the Halloween decorations have been switched out.

Working virtually? These also make for a fun, festive background while teaching.

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I’ve saved you creative-time with this idea. Print, cut out, and hang these decorative pieces for your next bulletin board or door. They can be printed in color or onto colored paper. Of course laminating the pieces so they can be used year after year is also helpful!

Click here for the Let It Code bulletin board kit. 

Larger Than Life STEM Characters

Make sure to have ample floor space for this project (and no furry friends or kids running around!). Think about the STEM tools that are used the most in your classroom and ones that kids love. Some ideas might include: LEGO Mini Figures, robots and technology-tools. Create life-sized versions of these to hang in your room for the holidays. Or even year round!

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stem-decorations

Head on over to your favorite craft store to grab colored poster board to make your creation. Scared of messing up? Sketch what you want each of the pieces to look like on a scratch piece of paper. Notice how each piece is a simple shape that can be cut out, then put together to make the larger design.

See how I created the Dash Robot and a large LEGO Mini-Figure of myself HERE! 

Cardboard Maker Tree

Create a makerspace themed tree for your classroom by using this free template. All the materials you need are:

  • cardboard tube
  • thin cardboard (think: cereal boxes, pasta boxes, soda can boxes…)
  • recycled container (for the tree to stand up in)
  • scissors
  • razor
  • tape and/or hot glue gun
  • (optional) clear plastic ornaments found at craft stores
  • (optional) small makerspace/STEM type items to fill the ornaments with

cardboard-christmas-tree-diy

cardboard-christmas-tree-diy

To add another layer of the holidays into your room, gift wrap STEM & Winter themed books and place them under the tree. Every day leading up to winter break, unwrap a book each day to count down. It’s your own book advent calendar!

 

Want to find the perfect way to wrap a gift? Try this Gift Wrap STEM Challenge with your class!

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Have a great holiday season with a bit of STEM Style! 

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

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What questions do you have about these decorations? Have any other ideas to share? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

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STEM & Technology Holiday Gift Guide for Kids 2020

by Naomi Meredith

STEM & Technology Holiday Gift Guide for Kids 2020

STEM & Technology Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

The ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for kids! This is to help you decide on which STEM and Technology gifts you should keep an eye out for your classroom or even your own children. Each item is paired with a resource from my shop that can implement in your classroom right away.

These are tools that I’ve used in my K-5 STEM classroom as well as a few others that are on my wishlist. Below each image are the clickable links to each of the resources.

 

Want a magazine-style of this guide? Click here to get the FREE downloadable version you can flip through.

 

Amazon Affiliate links are included in this guide. When you purchase through my link, there is no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return.

5 STEM Gifts for Kids You Need in Your Classroom | Watch the recording down below:

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co. 

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

holiday-gift-guide-for-kids

Science | Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

1 // Human Body Model Torso Kit & Human Heart Digital Interactive Notebook

2 // National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit & Rocks & Minerals Reading Comprehension Worksheets

3 // National Geographic Mega Fossil Dig Kit & Fossils Reading Comprehension Worksheets

4 // Talking Microscope for Kids featuring Bindi Irwin & Life Cycle of a Spider | Robot Coding & Unplugged

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Technology | Holiday Gift Guides

1 // Makey Makey & All About Donuts | Unplugged Coding Activity 

2 // Osmo Genius Starter Kit & Digital Math Manipulative Bundle 

3 // Touchscreen Chromebook & Getting to Know Google Tools Scavenger Hunts

4 // Blue Yeti USB Microphone & Video Recording in the Classroom | Printable & Digital Posters

 

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Engineering | Holiday Gift Guides

1 // Marble Genius Marble Run & How to Make a Cardboard Marble Maze

2 // Brain Blox Wooden Blocks & After the Fall Book Activities

3 // LEGO Bricks Basics & Monthly STEM Activities Bundle | Engineer Inspiration

4 // Straw Connectors & How to Make a Cardboard Airplane

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Art | Holiday Gift Guides

1 // 3D Doodle Pen & Themes Bundle | Engineer Inspiration Boards

2 // Holographic Wrapping Paper & Gift Wrap STEM Challenge

3 // Pipe Cleaners/Chenille Straws & STEM and Stories: Ten on the Sled

4 // Assorted Playdoh & Snowmen Playdough STEM Station

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Math | Holiday Gift Guides

1 // Plugo Count Math STEM Game & Digital Unifix Cubes

2 // Geoboard & Toothpick Snowflakes STEM Station

3 // Wooden Tangrams and Pattern Blocks & Cardboard Maze STEM Station

4 // Visual Countdown Timer & Cardboard Wall Maze

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Robots | Holiday Gift Guides

1 // Sphero Bolt & Sphero Sleds STEM Challenge

2 // Dash Robot & Snowman Robot Coding

3// Ozobot Starter Kit & Animal Winter Migration Ozobot STEM Challenge

4// Bee-Bot & STEM and Stories: Very Hungry Caterpillar 

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Makerspace | Holiday Gift Guides

1 // Magnatiles & All About Magnets | Beekle Lesson Plan 

2 // Crayola Modeling Clay & Stop Motion Animation for Kids | Basics for the Elementary Classroom

3 // Elmer’s Celebration Slime Kit & Engineering Design and Kid-Safe Slime

4 // Jumbo Colored Popsicle Sticks & Pumpkin Bridge STEM Challenge 

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

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holiday-gift-guide-for-kids

What’s on your holiday list this year?  Feel free to direct message me or tag me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

 

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How to Organize Your Email Hacks

by Naomi Meredith

How to Organize Your Email Hacks

how-to-organize-your-email

When I first started teaching, communicating with parents via email wasn’t a “thing” in my district. Of course, I got a few emails from my co-workers and administration, but my email life was pretty manageable. Then I switched to a district where emails get flown at me left and right. I knew I needed to find a way to streamline my digital communication outlets, specifically in my email. 

Managing your email inbox doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Learn how to organize your email and stay on top of all of the important messages. 

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co. 

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

How to Organize Your Email  | Watch the recording down below:

Email Groups

This can be time consuming to set up, however, once it’s complete, you’ll be thanking your past self! Create groups of people that you typically send to the most; parent lists, specialist teams and grade level teams.

That way when you to send out a mass email, type in a couple of letters of the group name and it inserts everyone’s in the email box.

Address Emails All (Work Day) Long

Add your work email app onto your phone (not connect it to the mail app that’s already there.) For example, my school district uses Outlook, so that specific app is loaded onto my phone.

Then, go into the settings and play around with the notifications. Set specific work office hours (also included within my email signature, see tips below) and only have email notifications go on during those hours.

Turn email notifications off during the nights and weekends! It will be hard at first not emailing people back at 8:00pm on a Friday. Along with that, don’t answer emails after those work hours.

how-to-organize-your-email

Most emails can wait. If it’s an emergency, they can call. Setting up email boundaries for yourself is extremely important and necessary for work-life balance.

Also, don’t wait until the end of the day to delete your emails. This takes a large portion of your time that can be used for other things. Yes, usually a couple require longer reponses. However, most can be addressed in the moment and can be done quickly on your phone.

Delete!

When my email notifications are on, I address emails immediately. I have emails connect to my Apple Watch (which you can read more ways to use your Apple Watch in your classroom HERE).

A large portion of the emails that come in I can delete right away. After I scan the email, I immediately delete.

How to Organize Your Email: Folders for Everything

I also set up A LOT of folders to organize emails as they come in. Some people set their folders up, emails come in, it will go straight to the folder for you and you don’t have to do anything about it. I don’t usually use this method since I like reading the email first and organizing it second. Strive for only have 10-15 emails in the inbox at all times. (Most tips about this next.)

When naming folders, add in the school year range at the end. That way, at the end of the year, the emails are still organized but you can “hide” the folders from my sidebar. This makes the list a lot cleaner. I also don’t ever delete my trash can just in case I need to search for something within there.

Included here in my email signature template, there is also a list of go-to folders I use each school year to keep me organized.

Email Templates

Think about typical emails that are sent regularly; weekly newsletters, student updates, technology troubleshooting and tutoring sessions.

Create templates emails that can be inserted as “canned responses”. Some email providers have options to save templates. If not, save in your drafts, then copy & paste the pre-written message. Everything is saved and formatted how you like, and can be used right away. This saves so much time in the long run!

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For technology troubleshooting emails, I have an on-going Google Slide that I’ll add to throughout the year when common issues arise. It has step-by-step directions, typically with visuals, to help troubleshoot the issue.

When I receive emails about these common issues, I will download the particular slide that shows the steps (click here to learn how to download Google Slides), then attach that to the email. Again, a major time-saver and I’m not rewriting the steps every time.

Upgraded Email Signature

It can be tiring typing your name after every single email. This seems silly, but it actually all that time adds up.

I quickly figured out how to make an email signature, but it was really ugly. {And those of you who know me, I like to make most things pretty.} It’s actually possible to have an image as the email signature with all the info you want as well! Also, adding in your picture helps families and those in the district put a face to the name.

Click here to grab the pre-made template that you can edit and create your signature quickly.  Included as a bonus, you’ll also receive checklists to help you clean your email list, and my go-to list of email folders.

how-to-organize-your-email

how-to-organize-your-email

 

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy: 

how-to-organize-your-email

What questions do you have about these email tasks? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

 

how-to-changoutlook-email-signature

How to Change Outlook Email Signature

by Naomi Meredith

How to Change Outlook Email Signature

how-to-chanoutlook-email-signature

Finally have an email signature created but not sure how to add it in your email? Once added correctly into Outlook, the signature will be automatically added after the body of the email. Follow these easy steps on how to do this in Outlook.

How to Change Outlook Email Signature Video Tutorial

Having an email signature is essential. This allows your audience to know exactly who you are and other ways to contact you in the future. It’s also an opportunity to add a face to the name. With your email signature, you want to make sure people know who you are when it’s best to reach you and other qualifications that make you stand-out and be memorable.

After changing the size dimensions of the Google Slide and editing, this can then be downloaded and inserted into your email platform. If for some reason the image turns out blurry after downloading, screenshot the image. This can sometimes get a more clear image for your email.
Email signatures can be added at the end of all of the message automatically. This isn’t something you need to do manually every single time.

Unsure how to do this? 

Don’t feel like formatting the dimensions of the Google Slide on your own? I’ve saved you time with my Photo Email Signature Template. Just open, edit, download, and add!

Click here to grab this template for your email signature creation!

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

how-to-change-outlook-email-signature

How did your email signature turn out? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

Want more resources to support Technology & STEM all year long? Grab this FREE downloadable guide that I’ve put together for you!

winter-stem-activities

Winter STEM Activities Kids Will Love

by Naomi Meredith

Winter STEM Activities Kids Will Love

winter-stem-activities

Try these Winter STEM Activities in your classroom that the kids will love. Make the chilly days feel warmer by sparking creativity. There are a variety of low-prep, hands-on activities to try.

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co. 

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

Winter STEM Activities  | Watch the recording down below:

Sphero Sleds

A Sphero Lesson Plan where students go through the Engineering Design Process. A lesson where students create a sled for Sphero and code to pull it through the Iditarod Dog Race!

Throughout this challenge, students will learn about sled design and apply that to their work. While coding through the race, the use of angles and sped will help determine if Sphero can successfully travel through the maze.

Click here to grab this lesson for your class! 

winter-stem-activities

winter-stem-activities

Gift Wrap STEM Challenge

STEM activity with student Engineering Design Process printables & digital pages to help determine the most effective method for wrapping a gift. An area and perimeter activity that can be used year round.

Using the 3 videos provided, students are to pick one of the wrapping methods shown. Then, they actually wrap the gift with the method.

Afterwards, students will unwrap the gift and count how much tape was used, and the area and perimeter of the paper on the box. Encourage students to write on the wrapping paper to show their work.

winter-stem-activities

Once students calculate their wrapping paper numbers, have students compare their results to determine which wrapping method might be best. There will be a lot of debate on this topic!

I found packs of smaller boxes at the Dollar Store for kids to wrap so that all the boxes were the same size. I had wrapping paper I bought on sale from the previous year. Or even asking for donations would be an alternative to get more wrapping paper for this challenge.

Click here to grab this lesson for your class! 


winter-stem-activities

Playdough Snowmen | 3 States of Matter & Measurement

Learn about the 3 states of matter & how to build the best snowman. Build your own snowman and use the corresponding states of matter activity and measurement activity.

Students will model what each of the states of matter are, according to a snowman.

For the next challenge, students will build a snowman as tall as they can and use different tools to measure their creation.

This is perfect for a station that students might rotate to throughout the week or even during a class party. The must-have material needed before getting started is playdough of some kind.

Click here to grab this for your class! 

winter-stem-activities

Toothpick Snowflakes | Angles & Symmetry

There is a lot of science behind how snowflakes are made in nature. Learn how snowflakes are made, build a snowflake with toothpicks and solve math problems by using your design!

After planning and building their snowflake design, students will modify their work and record the following math observations:

  • intersecting lines
  • acute angles
  • obtuse angles
  • right angles
  • straight angles
  • perpendicular lines
  • parallel lines
  • lines of symmetry

This lesson works well either whole group or as a math station that students travel to throughout the week.

Click here to grab this lesson for your class! 

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Ten on the Sled | STEM & Stories

STEM activity with student Engineering Design Process printables & digital pages to accompany the book Ten on the Sled by Kim Norman. A Winter STEM activity for Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd grades.

Connecting STEM & literacy is a great ways to boost students’ reading comprehension by helping them remember the story.

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After listening to the story, students will watch a video about sled design to inspire their creations. Next, students will build their sled that needs to fit all ten animals out of popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners and straws. I didn’t use tape to add an extra challenge and encourage kids to think about their materials in a way they haven’t before.

For the animals, I printed out the included images and had kids cut and tape them onto unifix cubes or LEGO pieces. This allows the animals to stand up on the sled.

Click here to grab this lesson for your class! 

winter-stem-activities

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winter-stem-activities

What questions do you have about these activities? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

 

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How to Add a Timer to Google Slides

by Naomi Meredith

How to Add a Timer to Google Slides

how-to-add-a-timer-to-google-slidesLearn how to add a timer to Google Slides with this video tutorial. This tech tip can can help students manage time in your classroom. In just a few clicks, classroom productivity can be enhanced.

How to Insert a Timer to Google Slides Video

When picking the video timer to add to the slides, double check the timer sound first. There have been many occasions when I’ve had a timer that’s made the worst sound. Sometimes it’s even sounded like the fire alarm going off!

Google Tools Scavenger Hunts

Interested in growing your students’ Google Tools capabilities? These scavenger hunts are a great way to have students find and apply common digital literacy skills. 

You and your students will get to enjoy [for each digital tool]:

  • Prompting for student learning and reflection
  • A pre-reflection sheet to rate comfortability with the technology tool
  • Organized places to write and take notes about the technology tool before using it

 

Student-led scavenger hunt tasks to learn basic functions in an authentic experience

  • 12 Google Drive
  • 8 Google Docs
  • 18 Google Slides
  • 18 Google Forms
  • Post-reflection sheet for students to write excitements, frustrations, and wonderings

Animated and full-color, Google Slide presentation to teach students…

  • What Google Drive, Docs, Slides & Forms are
  • The difference between the Google App and another similar tech tool
  • Where to access each Google Tool
  • Prompting and directions for student-led scavenger hunt

BONUS!

  • All slides & worksheets are 100% editable
  • A Black & White animated version of the mini-lesson is also included for ink-saving printing
  • Colorful anchor chart showing what Google Tools are like in real life

how-to-add-a-timer-to-google-slides

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

 

What other Google tools tricks do you love? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

 

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5 Remote Teaching Ideas To Try

by Naomi Meredith

5 Remote Teaching Ideas To Try

remote-teaching-ideasTeaching online and need a refresh? Here are 5 remote teaching ideas to try in your classroom. Mix it up and have fun with your students!

This video originally aired LIVE on my Facebook Page; Naomi Meredith: The STEMTech Co. 

Come and join in on the fun on Facebook, or watch the recording of this episode.

 

Here are the key takeaways from this episode:

Remote Teaching Ideas | Watch the recording down below:

Welcome Slide as Kids Enter Meeting

Use the transition time into the meeting as a productive time. Ensure that students have all of the necessary materials prepared for the lesson; both the digital and physical items.

Some of those can include:

  • microphone on mute
  • sound on
  • camera on (if possible)
  • physical items needed for the lesson (notebook, something to write with, building materials…)

I’ll display these directives on a welcome slide which you can grab for free HERE

remote-teaching-ideas

Hands-On Activities

It can be exhausting staring at the screen and listening to lectures all day. Consider having hands-on activities the kids can complete at home while in the virtual class setting. A favorite with my younger students are my Engineer Inspiration Boards. (You can see my growing collection HERE).

During virtual class, I’ll display the board by sharing my screen. Students have the opportunity to build any of the items with the material they have at home. I’ll typically email parents the day before to ensure student have something, anything, to build with. Even drawing is a great option.

While students are building, I’ll set a timer on my screen (video directions on how to do that here), and play music in the background. The Disney piano collection is a popular request!

When the timer goes off, I’ll have some students share. I also highly encourage the students to share their creations with me in Seesaw when class time is complete. Grab an extra month of Seesaw Plus for free by using my link HERE!

 

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Randomize Calling Names

Definitely use the icons within your video platform as a way for students to raise their hand and respond. These are great digital tools. Sometimes mixing it up is fun too! Classroom Screen and Wheel of Names are free tools to try. Both have random name pickers. Just like a game show, it’s fun to see which name will be picked from the machine!

 

Guest Speakers

Is there a new science topic you’re wanting to introduce? How about a math concept that an expert uses daily in their job? Could an author speak to the class about their most recent book? Think about ways that guest speakers can be added into the virtual classroom setting. Your students will enjoy hearing a different perspective and gather deeper insight about the topic.


remote-teaching-ideas

Virtual Field Trips

A lot of museums, zoos and public places have virtual field trip options. Use this as a tool to build background and observational skills in your students.

Consider changing your background within the video platform to get started. For example, if you’re learning about the ocean, change your background throughout the meeting with different ocean settings. Then, show students video clips of those places. This definitely would be a lesson that kids wouldn’t want to end!

Here is a list of virtual field trips to check out!

 

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy: 

remote-teaching-ideas

What are some remote teaching tips and tricks you’ve tried that were successful with your students?  Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!