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Ignite Creativity with this Build a Shelter STEM Project

Ignite Creativity with this Build a Shelter STEM Project

build-a-shelter-stem-project

Imagine being sent off into the wild with limited supplies. You have to stay quite a few days, but need a safe place to sleep. How can you build a shelter that will withstand different types of weather?

In this challenge, students go through the Engineering Design Process. They explore different weather patterns, shelter building tips. Finally, students build a design and test it under various conditions.

Let's take an inside look into this STEM Survival Camp Experience.

Ask & Imagine

After spending a long summer in the sun and adventuring, it can be hard to get back into an academic mindset. To help play off of that energy, this lesson was created for 5th grade students during the Back to School season.

Students were tasked with the challenge, How can you build a shelter that can withstand different elements? While many kids had been camping before, building a shelter from items found in nature wasn't their expertise.

After watching video clips and researching different shelter types, students had a brainstorm list of ideas that might want to try, and those that they didn't.

stem-build-a-shelterstem-build-a-shelterBuild a Shelter STEM Project: Plan

For this shelter challenge, not all items would be used from the Makerspace. While some items were provided, the majority of the structure was created from items found outside. With thoughtful drawing and labeling, students visualized what their shelter might look like.

Once the rules of gathering items from the land were reviewed, students were ready to find the necessary items to build a strong structure.

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Build a Shelter STEM Project: Create and Experiment & Improve

As dirt scattered the floor, students collaborated and built their shelter designs. Ideas began to change once materials were in place. Building with sticks, string and other materials proved to be a challenge!

After a few days of building, stations were set up around the classroom where students could test their shelter under different elements. From there, modifications and improvements to shelter designs were made.

Build a Shelter STEM Project: Share

Finally, as the week came to a close, students shared their final designs by taking photos and adding them to their digital Engineering Design Process notebook. They also took videos of their shelter withstanding the elements within Flipgrid. While some designs were taken home, many were too soggy after the rain challenge!

Grab this Challenge for Your Class!

Students can easily build a shelter. However, key details and learning opportunities can be missed. Go through the entire Engineering Design Process easily. In addition, save time on planning and have easy share options.

Click here to grab this Build a Shelter Challenge for your class!

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Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

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

 

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Must-Have STEM Station Rotation Ideas

Must-Have STEM Station Rotation Ideas

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What are some great station rotation ideas? How can your planning be streamlined?

In previous blog posts, we discuss why you need a station rotation in STEM and tips for classroom management. 

You can also grab a FREE STEM Rotation Planning Guide HERE

STEM Station Blog Series

Tips for Planning STEM Stations

Keep station planning meaningful and purposeful. With the ideas listed below, students can experience many different STEM concepts within two, 45 minute classes. 

With a 4-station model, plan around the acronym STEM. Have each station correspond with each letter; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. 

Also, have a mixture of no-tech and tech options. This will help keep students’ interest while also not having students on a screen the whole time. 

One of the stations can also be teacher-led. This is a great time to lead a small group and teach a skill, revise work from a project, or go deeper into a concept. Add a teacher-station in once classes are able to be independent during work time. 

Below are ideas when getting started, for both primary and intermediate elementary students.  

 

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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Station Rotation Ideas | ‘S’ for Science

  • Epic! Books create a book collection where students can read about the related science topic to bigger projects
  • Make observations for a science experiment
  • Test solutions for a science experiment
  • Explore STEM concepts using Gizmos
  • Code using cards related to science concepts (Example: predator & prey)
  • Notice animal behavior & take notes using live web cams like San Diego Zoo

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Station Rotation Ideas | ‘T’ for Technology

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Station Rotation Ideas | ‘E’ for Engineering

Primary Ideas

  • Engineer Inspiration Boards
  • Pixel Art/Bloxel Boards
    • Run a Google Search ‘Pixel Art of____’ to get different ideas to print out to inspire students
  • STEM & Stories
    • Read the story to the whole group, students complete building challenge at this station


Intermediate Ideas

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Station Rotation Ideas | ‘M’ for Math

  • Tangrams
    • Virtual or using manipulatives. Can Google Search different puzzles to use with students
  • Osmo Genius Kit
    • Tangrams, Words and Numbers challenges. There are different kits for iPad & Kindle Fire, so make sure to double check which one is being ordered before purchasing. 
  • Collecting measurements from a previous challenge
  • Apply new vocabulary in a hands-on way

Station Rotation Ideas | Starter Kits

Want to get started with STEM Stations right away but short on time? 

I’ve put together a STEM Starter Kit that you can use in your classroom. There is an option for primary (K-2) and intermediate (3-5). 

In each set, there is an activity that corresponds to each letter of STEM; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. 

As a bonus, you will also receive STEM vocabulary posters. There is also a digital version that can be used to type student names to keep track of who is at each station. 

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Primary STEM Station Bundle Activities 

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Intermediate STEM Station Bundle Activities

 

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

station-rotation-ideas

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!

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!

 

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Tips for STEM Classroom Management During Stations

Tips for STEM Classroom Management During Stations

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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!

Why You Need a Station Rotation in STEM

Why You Need a Station Rotation in STEM

station-rotation

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:

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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!

How to Start a Makerspace

How to Start a Makerspace

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Are you wondering how to start a makerspace in your classroom? What are some simple steps when getting started? Whether you are a classroom teacher or teaching in a STEM space, these go-to tips can help you set up a Makerspace by the end of the week!

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.

How to Start a Makerspace | Watch the recording down below:

How to Start a Makerspace | #1 Space

Before collecting materials, create a designated space where Makerspace materials and access will be stored in the classroom. By choosing the location, this will help determine how much materials you can actually have, not the other way around.

In this space, ensure that there is room for bins, shelf and/or drawers that are easily accessible for the kids. The goal is to have students be independent in this space; when choosing materials and cleaning up.

Also decide if this Makerspace will be an actual work area or a grab and go type of system. With my K-5 STEM classes, the grab and go method has been successful. However, some classrooms can be more conducive to the Makerspace being an isolated station.

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How to Start a Makerspace | #2 Storage

Once the designated location has been chosen, decide how materials are going to be stored. Materials can pile up quickly and look like a trash heap! While having an abundance of resources is helpful, you don't want your classroom to look like another episode of Hoarders.

Keep like items together instead of a free for all. Items like thin cardboard, cardboard tubes and egg cartons can have their own bins. Smaller knick-knacks like beads, googly eyes, and buttons can each have their own smaller container inside of a larger drawer.

Having a system as to where items go, again, helps with the student independence and cleanup.

 

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How to Start a Makerspace | #3 Labels

Create labels that include the name and the picture of the items in that location. Even for older students, I've found this method to be extremely helpful. Even for me as a teacher when I find random items in the classroom!

Also, think about how labels can be added and removed easily. Printing, cutting, then laminating the labels, and attaching with Velcro can be an easy method. Stocks of some items, especially specialty items, can change quickly.

Having a stock of material labels on hand will save time in the long run. That way, extra labels don't need to printed and created on the fly. In fact, this would be a wonderful classroom job! Designate a students to be in charge of organizing the Makerspace and labels at the end of each week.

 

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How to Start a Makerspace | #4 Collect

Now that overall systems are put into place, it's time to collect materials. Since the majority of items in the space are recycled, families are usually very willing to gather materials at home. Sending home a list of requests, print or digitally, is extremely helpful.

Also, make sure to let families know to clean out any food containers and take extra bits off toilet paper rolls. Seems like common sense, but trust me, it's not!

I even create my own Makerspace collection system at home and bring to school. It isn't pretty, but we all know that those sparkling water boxes are magic for building. Unsure of what type of items work well for Makerspace? Just out my STEM Supply List blog post HERE. 

Check out this editable Makerspace Donation letter that will save time and help you gather materials quickly. 

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How to Start a Makerspace | #5 Upkeep & Replenish

As the Makerspace is being used, you'll notice which items are popular with students. Thin cardboard, masking tape and cardboard tubes run out the quickest in my room! Sending out supply requests every so often can help replenish the space.

Also, enlist in your co-workers! There have been times when I've been in need of bubble wrap and have gotten piles of it the next day.

Keeping a donation box by your classroom door and by the front of the school can also help. Students, teachers and families will be reminded when they walk by. This also serves as a great holding area for when you're ready to organize the new materials. Make the donation box extra fancy by using a recycled box!

 

Products mentioned in this post:

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

how-to-start-a-makerspace

how-to-start-a-makerspace

What questions do you have about setting up your Makerspace? Have any other ideas to share? 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!

 

how-to-organize-your-email

How to Organize Your Email Hacks

How to Organize Your Email Hacks

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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.

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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.

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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

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!

digital-interactive-notebook

How to Use a Digital Interactive Notebook in the Classroom

How to Use a Digital Interactive Notebook in the Classroom 

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When I was a classroom teacher, I needed a way to integrate non-fiction resources to help build background about topics for literacy and science. 

There were plenty of books in the school library that we were using, but I also wanted students to access information using online resources.

Soon, I came up with a digital interactive notebook template that I could send to students with a variety of resources to engage and learn from. 

 

These can be an asset in your classroom and be used in any content area. 

 

Digital Interactive Notebook: What is it? 

A digital interactive notebook is a way to combine all of your digital resources for students in one file that is already organized for you! Students have access to all the links and places to respond within one paperless platform. 

There are still benefits to interactive notebooks that involve cutting and pasting. Having digital options allows for less prep time and assigning quickly to students. 

Using this technology option also helps build students’ digital literacy skill; copy & paste, resizing images and toggling between website tabs are just a few skills students will continue to practice. 

 

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Digital Interactive Notebook: How Do I Prepare One? 

I prefer creating my templates in Google Slides and save the template as the background. I then add the moveable and editable pieces on top that I want students to access. 

The same templates I create in Slides can also be downloaded and used in Seesaw or Powerpoint. 

If you are using a premade template, there are some steps I typically go through to make sure the content fits my needs. 

  • Delete, add & duplicate slide templates that you think will work best for your content
  • Layer & link your content over the top
  • Delete any unwanted text boxes and tables. The design in the background is ‘glued down’ to protect the rights of the original artists
  • If you are worried about the original being shared with students, make a master copy of your edited notebook as a backup.
  • Share your final notebook with your students on the digital platform of your choice
  • If possible, the checklist on the last slide works well printed out. However, this isn’t necessary and can be filled out digitally.

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Digital Interactive Notebook: How do I assign it? 

There are many ways to share digital interactive notebooks easily with students. Here are some of my go-to ways: 

  • Share the link with students in Google Classroom, Seesaw, Schoology or other platforms your school uses!
  • When posting in Google Classroom, make sure to click ‘Make a Copy for each student’ before posting!

Click here to watch my free, 3 part video series all about Google Classroom. 

  • Create an activity in Seesaw. With Seesaw Plus & For Schools, you can create multi-page activities that work well for digital interactive notebooks.
  • When using PowerPoint, share in Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft Teams using other Microsoft tools.

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Digital Interactive Notebook: Are there templates I can use? 

I have created a growing collection of templates that you can edit and use to fit your content needs.

These sides are already organized for: 

  • Before exploration reflection
  • Vocabulary
  • Videos
  • Photograph Observations
  • Graphs & Analysis
  • Individual Articles
  • Paired Selections & Comparison
  • Maps & Noticings
  • Podcasts & Reflection
  • Scientific Process
  • Engineering Design Process
  • Data Analysis based on Observations
  • Labeling an Image
  • Analyzing quotations
  • Digital Creation

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As a bonus, there are student checklists to help students keep track of their progress for each slide. There are also video tutorials to share with students (or use while you're creating) to help you with Google/PowerPoint creating. 

  • Creating & Editing a Text Box
  • Using the Shape and Line Tools
  • Inserting Your Own Images
  • Inserting Images from Google
  • Adding & Duplicating Slides

Each template includes various digital file types to meet your sharing needs: Google Slides, PowerPoint & Seesaw.

 

All Seesaw files are pre-loaded into activities. Upon purchase, you'll get the share link to copy & edit and add to your Seesaw Activity library, then assign to students. I saved you A LOT of steps!

Grab your favorite template style here from my shop! 

 

Digital Interactive Notebooks: Are there any that are already created for me?

Yes! I also have content specific digital interactive notebooks that have all the resources linked inside for you. Check out my growing collection here! 

 

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy: 

Getting Started with Google Classroom: Video Series 

How to Teach Online for Home Learning

digital-interactive-notebook

Have you tried digital interactive notebooks in your classroom? 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!

Dot Day Ideas for STEM Classrooms

Dot Day Ideas for STEM

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This post contains affiliate links. When purchasing through the link, it’s no extra cost to you, but I get a kick-back in return. 

 

What is Dot Day? 

Dot Day is an international celebration of inspiration and creativity. After reading the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, help students express their creativity in a variety of ways by creating their own ‘dot’. 

Click here to read more about it on the official website. 

 

Creativity is such a large component of success in STEM. Here are 3 activities that I tried that went well in my K-5 STEM classes that your students will love as well! 

These were all one day, 45 minute lessons, which is just enough time to celebrate! After reading or listening to The Dot, try one of these experiences with your class. 

 

Dot Day Ideas #1: Augmented Reality

I taught this lesson to my Kindergarten and 1st grade classes. This lesson requires tablets and having the free app, Quiver, downloaded before-hand. 

Next, print out the free Dot Day coloring sheet. Make sure to have extra printed because students will want to color more than one! I printed mine 4/page to save paper and to make it easier for students to capture the whole image on their tablet camera. 

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Discuss with students the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality. I have this anchor chart and response sheets that you can use to make it easier to explain! 

This dot will be transformed into augmented reality; it will look like the object is in OUR world.

Students will color their dot page. Markers work best and really make the colors stand out. Within the app, they will hold the camera over their dot and see it magically appear in the classroom!

 

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Dot Day Ideas #2: Spirograph Dots

I taught this lesson to my 2nd and 3rd grade classes. 

There is so much beauty and symmetry to well designed spirographs. This lesson helps students so much with their touchpad control. 

 

Beforehand, figure out how you will share this link with students for this online spirograph. When I taught this lesson, a login wasn’t required. 

 

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If you don’t want to use the digital version, I’ve snagged plastic spirograph sets from Dollar Tree before. 

Explain to students what spirographs are. You can use the anchor chart from this post I made that you can use with your students to help explain this concept! 

 

This video also shows artists who create spirographs for a living which is interesting for students to see. 

 

Finally, students will create their spirograph dot. If they want to save their design, taking a screenshot works well and uploading to the platform of your choice (Seesaw, Flipgrid, Google Classroom…). 

 

Dot Day Ideas #3: Dot Launchers

I taught this lesson with 4th & 5th grades. 

The Dash robot is a wonderful asset to have in your classroom. If you happen to have the launcher accessory, this lesson is for you! 

 

Students will launch their ‘dot’ (the ball), aiming towards a STEM identity word that they view themselves as. Some words include: mathematician, innovator and creator. 

 

 

Aiming for a target with the launchers is more challenging than you think! If possible, have students in groups of 3 and assign roles and have them rotate through:

  • Driver: Tapping the code on the device
  • Navigator: Ensuring that they agree with the code and give suggestions
  • Retriever: Finding the balls once they are released

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You can get the target board here from my shop (with other ways to use these STEM identities in your classroom!)

 

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

5 EASY WAYS TO INTEGRATE AUGMENTED & VIRTUAL REALITY IN THE CLASSROOM

Best Robots for Kids for STEM & Technology Lessons

 

 

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What Dot Day activities have you tried in your classroom? 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!

Back to School STEM Activities Shopping Guide

back-to-school-stem-activities

Back to School STEM Activities Shopping Guide

This Back to School STEM Activities guide is to help you find resources that will be perfect for your STEM & Technology instruction. Whether you are teaching in-person, hybrid or remotely, I have resources already created to meet your needs. 

 

Back to School STEM Activities Shopping Guide: How to Get the Most Out of It

  • Print this out to read it like a magazine or view digitally
  • The clickable Table of Contents will direct you to a topic you’re interested in learning about more
  • All images are clickable and will take you directly to the product they are show
  • All images also have a corresponding number. Find the corresponding description for that page to read more about it

Click here to grab this FREE download!

 

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What's included in this guide?

  • How to use this guide
  • How to get free TpT Credits to Spend on Future Purchases
  • 6 Back to School Essentials for Any Classroom Setting
  • In-Person Learning Resources
  • Google Tools Scavenger Hunts
  • Digital Interactive Notebooks
  • Distance Learning Resources
  • Thank You!
  • Connect with Me!

Click here to grab this FREE download!

 

Other blog posts you will also enjoy: 

back-to-school-stem-activities

 

Need more help finding a resource that fits your Back to School needs? 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!