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6 STEM Classroom Bulletin Board Ideas [Back to School Series] [ep.170]

6 STEM Classroom Bulletin Board Ideas  [Back to School Series] [ep.170]

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Check out the full episode about STEM Classroom Bulletin Board Ideas:

 

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Watch the video version of the episode here: 

Episode Summary

It’s officially time for back to school, which means you’re most likely preparing to start decorating your classroom. With so many ideas available for decorating your classroom, what should you set up? What are some creative ways you can set up your bulletin boards? In today’s episode, I’m sharing six STEM classroom bulletin board ideas that you can implement for the new school year.

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

You're ready to decorate your STEM classroom, but what should you set up? And in terms of bulletin boards, what are some creative things that you can hang up in your classroom, and also kind of some things that you can keep up all year? Maybe you didn't think about that when it comes to your bulletin board situation. I'm going to be sharing with you six bulletin board ideas that you can hang up in your classroom. There is a creative twist to these, so I'm so excited for you to hear these.

Welcome to the Elementary STEM Coach Podcast, a show that will help you with lesson ideas, systems, and actionable tips to apply to your classroom. I am your host, Naomi Meredith, a former classroom teacher turned current STEM teacher and coach. With over a decade of experience teaching and a master's degree in STEM leadership, I am here to coach you throughout the year to help you gain back more time to create innovative experiences for your students.

Grab your earbuds and let's get started. Welcome to back to school season. You may or may not want to hear those words right now.

I totally understand however you were feeling. I actually posted an Instagram reel the other day, and it said you and your teacher, Bestie, are hanging out by the pool. One of you is obsessing about setting up your classroom.

The other one of you is waiting to hear when you guys are going to go get your next iced coffee. I've definitely been both teachers depending on the year, especially when I used to have started new positions in a school or a grade level. I've always been the one to obsess about my classroom and go in and get organized and figure all that out.

But then as I've been comfortable in that position and know what to expect overall, I'm the second where when is my next iced coffee. I don't know if you know this about me, but I love iced coffee and I especially love oat milk lavender iced lattes. That is my go-to, but it has to be from a local coffee shop that makes their own syrup.

So fun fact about me. So what are some bulletin board ideas that you can have for your classroom? So before I jump in really quick, something that I really want to try to do and I love to chat is keeping these episodes this school year a lot shorter. A couple of the podcasts that I listen to that actually aren't teacher related are doing this and I absolutely love it.

And I feel like I get enough information and I'm good to go for the rest of the day and I will binge some of them. So I'm going to try to keep these 10 minutes or less or around then. So I know you are busy and you want to get on your way.

So if you're like, I want more, I have almost 200 episodes and there are many that are longer than 10 minutes. So we're going to try this out and see how it goes. But of course I never run out of ideas.

My husband's like, how, what are you going to even talk about on your podcast when you almost have 200 episodes? I'm like, there's so many things. There's a lot, a lot of things to talk about. So you like to talk, then that's where we're at.

Okay. So six different bulletin board ideas in my STEM teacher one-on-one course that, um, you can jump on it into the whole course, or you can just jump in on specific modules that I am slowly releasing on teachers by teachers. But these are some of the things in terms of decoration and bulletin boards that I recommend.

So I actually have printed off the checklist, um, that goes along with this. So definitely helpful for your classroom setup. If you see me looking down, I am looking at the checklist if you're watching the video version.

So the first one, when it comes to bulletin board setup is having your classroom rules and expectations. This is something you need for any classroom, but it doesn't have to be ugly. And so think about how do you want to teach this to students, but also how are you going to display it in your space? And this is something you want to keep up year round and also something that is easy to see all the time and can be something you can refer to.

I recommend having maybe three to seven classroom rules. Five is pretty good. Three to five is actually pretty good for a STEM space.

And so definitely figure out where to put that. Next is having growth mindset sayings. And I'm sure this is something you have thought about, whether you're a classroom teacher or going into STEM or you've been teaching STEM for a while.

How can students use growth mindset and what are some things that you are going to be constantly remind them? Not have a good growth mindset. What are some of those things? We make mistakes to help us grow. Something that I like to say is practice makes better.

Perfect doesn't exist. And I don't say that to them. So practice makes better.

I had my growth mindset sayings on, like you could still see them, like kids could read it still. They would all the time. But I have them as light bulbs and they would be on the top of one of my walls.

So they decorated my classroom, but they were also things I referred to constantly and kept up all five years that I was in the STEM space. Next is, it sounds very simple, but it actually, like hear me out on this one, is I had giant letters up on my whiteboard. So one of my walls was an entire whiteboard.

And in the top right corner, I had a block letters that I printed and cut out with my bulletin board letters. And it said STEM. And underneath each letter, I had a little circle poster that would represent what does each letter mean.

So there's some images. What is science? Images for what is technology? What do the letters actually mean? That was a huge thing too. So kids actually knew, oh, STEM isn't just a buzzword.

It's not a STEM on a plant. It actually means something. And this is something I referred to constantly, constantly with kids.

And you're not teaching in isolation. And I did mention this a lot in my STEM in action series that was just before this one. But I would explain to kids, hey, this is what science means.

Here's how we're using science. When I had new students or my younger students who had never had me before, I would refer to this constantly. So this is, again, something I would hang up.

Bulletin boards don't also, or just decorations in general, don't have to be ginormous. It doesn't have to be a board. So you probably are noticing, oh, it doesn't have to be a board.

It can just, how are you using your space? It can be decoration, but how are you referring to it? So having those STEM definition posters, what does STEM mean? Very, very helpful. Next, this is a fun one, but again, a teaching tool is having a STEM and technology alphabet. And I just recently updated my STEM and technology alphabet.

I'm so excited about this because there are three different color schemes that you can print out and have it match your classroom. And there's also black and white versions so you can print on whatever color paper you want. And having a STEM alphabet, again, is a great resource.

And I also have had a teacher who messaged me and she said, I actually have your alphabet. And when I use your lessons, because I have vocabulary in all my STEM lessons that are content specific, she would print out the vocabulary that went with that lesson in a smaller version and hung it up with the STEM alphabet. So it was more like a vocabulary wall that connected to the STEM concept.

So I thought that was a fantastic idea. I also have a whole alphabet set up in my home office right now. So I love the update.

It's just more visually appealing, needed a little bit of a refresh. So that is, again, something that you can hang up in your space. The fifth decoration that you can have in your classroom, again, this is something I hung up all year.

I hung it right outside of my classroom where students were coming in. And side note, classroom teachers loved this, is having a STEM affirmation station. And so what you do is you grab a cheap mirror.

I found mine at Walmart. It was $7 at the time. Hung it up with Gorilla Glue tape.

And then there's different affirmations that go along with STEM, like, I am a mathematician. I am an inventor. I am a creator.

And you can hang that up all along the mirror. And teachers, when they're picking up their kids, they love to check your hair. So that is a fun one.

And again, right outside my classroom, if you are allowed, that was a really great addition to my STEM space for all the kids. And the final one that actually is a bulletin board is I actually didn't have official bulletin boards. But there was a space right outside my door that I created a bulletin board with some paper, had a border, had a cute little garland on it.

And I would change it out with seasonal bulletin board kits. So I made a different theme for every month that went along with STEM. And then I printed, cut out, laminated.

And I could hang those up every year. Or if there's a student teacher nearby or a parent volunteer, I would just hand them the bag with the theme. And they could hang that up.

And it was all finished up. So all STEM related, but a fun little theme. Because you guys know I love a good theme.

After these ideas, what are you hoping to try in your classroom? You can go ahead and make all the things, not stopping you. But if you want to save some time and get into more lesson planning, every single thing that I mentioned, including this checklist for setting up your classroom, you can find in the show notes for this episode, or they're also in my TPT shop, Teachers Pay Teacher Shop, Naomi Meredith. And you can just print, go laminate, and you are all done in a day.

Thank you so much. And I will see you in the next episode. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode of the Elementary STEM Coach Podcast.

I would love to connect with you over on Instagram at Naomi Meredith underscore, or send me an email to elementary STEM Coach Podcast at gmail.com. Also, make sure to check out my website, Naomi Meredith.com to see all the show notes from today's episode and shop my K through five STEM resources. Any questions you have needs for resources or ideas for episodes, get in touch. I'll talk to you soon.

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

 

Check out this playlist on Spotify I put together with all the episodes related to Back to school! 

 

STEM Classroom Bulletin Board Ideas #1: STEM Alphabet

Get this alphabet and 3 different color schemes for your classroom here. 

 

STEM Classroom Bulletin Board Ideas #2: Growth Mindset Sayings

Get these growth mindset lightbulbs for your classroom here

 

STEM Classroom Bulletin Board Ideas #3: Classroom Rules for STEM & Technology Classrooms

Get these rules for your classroom here. 

STEM Classroom Bulletin Board Ideas #4: STEM Definition Posters

Get these STEAM posters for your classroom here

STEM Classroom Bulletin Board Ideas #5: STEM Affirmation Station

Get this affirmation set up for your classroom here.

STEM Classroom Bulletin Board Ideas #6: Seasonal STEM Bulletin Boards

Click here to view the whole collection of print-and-cut STEM bulletin boards fro your classroom here. 

 

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

 

More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is an online K-5 STEM Coach in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there. 

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!

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Create Your STEM Lab School Supply List

Create Your STEM Lab School Supply List

stem-lab-school-supply-listAre you wondering what to put on your STEM Lab school supply list? Maybe you are setting up a brand new space or hoping to add some upgrades. Either way, this post will help with planning and finding the right materials for your classroom.

This blog post contains Amazon Affiliate links. When you purchase through my link, no extra added cost to you, but I receive a small commission in return. 

 

Watch the video replay down below:

 

Create Your STEM Lab School Supply List | #1 List Current Assets

stem-lab-school-supply-listSome STEM spaces are fortunate enough to have supplies already stocked from previous teachers. Others are bare bones and have nothing to work with. Wherever your status is, take stock of what you have. Also ask, “Will this be used?”

It’s ok to get rid of things as well! No, you won’t need the CD player “just in case”. Be realistic about what is available, the space given and who will be using the space. 

 

Create Your STEM Lab School Supply List | #2 Create a Budget

stem-lab-school-supply-listOnce current items are assessed, if possible, create a budget. Understand the guidelines for your school and deadlines when money needs to be spent. 

Something to keep in mind is a class set is not required for most items. Think about how students can use the materials in pairs and also small stations. Check out my STEM Station post HERE. 

Especially trendy and technology items, those age-out quickly. Being stuck with fancy “paper weights” can be a pain but also make purchasing more items in the future not as convincing for those who provide the classroom budget. 

When creating my shopping lists, I look at multiple sources before purchasing. Don’t shy away from deals or even ask for them! 

Create Your STEM Lab School Supply List | #3 Plan Ahead

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Likewise, create shopping lists for the current year, but also future years. Not everything will get purchased at once. However, create a plan of what you hope to gather in the future. 

Sometimes there are opportunities when community stakeholders and local businesses are looking to purchase items for schools. Having a ready-made list will make the decision making a lot easier. 

Finally, set aside some funds for repair costs. While not common, it’s hard being in a situation when an items needs repairs but there aren’t any funds to do so. 

Create Your STEM Lab School Supply List | #4 Consumables vs. Non-Consumables

Find a balance between consumable (items that are typically used once) and non-consumable items needed in the class. 

Some consumable items are inexpensive, but require a large quantity over time. The cost can add up fast! 

With non-consumable (items that can be used multiple times) be thoughtful in what products to choose. Some items are worth the higher price tag, which will be addressed in the next section. 

In addition, think about how these items can be used in multiple projects. Classic LEGO Bricks can be used in endless projects for grades K-5 and are worth investing in. 

Need help on what to choose? Check out my top 20 favorite STEM supplies HERE

 

Create Your STEM Lab School Supply List | #5 Quantity vs. Quality

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There are a lot of great, quality STEM materials that are inexpensive that are non-consumable. However, there are items that are quite the opposite. 

Think about how many students, on average, will be using the items. Often, purchasing a higher priced, durable item, is worth the cost. 

Compare Models

For example, the Code & Go Mice and Bee-Bots complete similar tasks. They are robots for primary students that use directional/arrow coding to move. For a general classroom, with about 24 students, I would recommend the Code & Go Mouse. They are inexpensive and will last through a typical class size. 

For use with more students throughout the year, like a STEM specials class, I would recommend the Bee-Bots. While more expensive, they are more durable and can withstand high use. 

Check out this blog post with all of my robot recommendations for kids.

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Create Your STEM Lab School Supply List | #6 Donations & Grants

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Once shopping lists and budgets are created, think about ways to gather materials from outside sources. 

Again, many local businesses look for ways to support schools. It never hurts to ask! Writing grants also bring the opportunity to include higher priced items into the classroom space. 

The site I’ve had the most success with is Donors Choose. The site walks teachers through the grant writing process, creates a space for donations to be collected and even handles purchasing the items when funds are raised. 

Another option is to create an Amazon Shopping List. Like a wedding registry, friends and family can purchase items you’re hoping to add to the classroom.

Consumable Purchases

For consumable items, like cardboard, tape, and recyclables, consider asking families. Often, these are items that will be thrown away and can be given new life in a Makerspace. Emailing the school staff never hurts as well! There was a project where I needed bubble wrap, I sent an email, and got more than I imagined the next day. 

To help conceptualize what consumable items would be helpful, check out this editable Makerspace letter. 

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Just Tell Me What to Buy!

Still need help as to where to begin? Here is a complete inventory list of my K-5 Innovation Lab. Included are organized categories of types of items and must-haves with different budget price ranges. 

Just type in your name and email down below and it’s all yours to help with planning your STEM space!

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Resources Mentioned in this Post:

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy: 

Must Have STEM School Supply List by Naomi Meredith 

Why You Need a Station Rotation in STEM by Naomi Meredith 

Best Robots for Kids for STEM & Technology Lessons by Naomi Meredith 

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What other questions do you have about setting up your STEM space? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

3 Easy Holiday STEM Decorations

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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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

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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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10+ Creative STEM Classroom Decorations

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10+ Creative STEM Classroom Decorations

These STEM classroom decorations are easy to put together, are purposeful and add a sense style. Scroll down to see the different options to add to your classroom decor.

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#1 STEM Classroom Decorations: Technology Word Wall | Printable Alphabet Posters

What is it? 

Take a different path away from traditional alphabet posters and add a technology twist. Each letter of the alphabet is highlighted with an important STEM word, picture and definition. 

Throughout the year, add various content specific vocabulary words under each heading. Students will be able to access the words during various tasks. 

Make the word more interactive by adhering a long piece of ribbon on the back of the header letter. When creating vocabulary word cards, attach a clothespin on the back. After a word is finished being introduced to the class, clip the word onto the ribbon. 

If students need to spell a specific word during an activity, they are able to unclip the word, use it as a reference, and clip the word back when finished. 

Where can I get it? 

$5.00, Technology Word Wall | Printable Alphabet Posters

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#2 STEM Classroom Decorations: Engineering Design Process Poster PDF | Vocabulary & Clipart

What is it? 

While the Scientific Method is still important to teach, the Engineering Design Process is equally important as well. This is a process that engineers use in their daily careers to plan, invent and think through solving problems. 

The typical steps are: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Experiment & Improve, Share

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Not all projects are suitable for the Engineering Design Process. However, many projects can be updated and solved through these steps. Even if not all steps are addressed throughout a challenge, students get accustomed to a flow that will help them be more successful. 

Where can I get it? 

$3.00, Engineering Design Process Poster PDF | Vocabulary & Clipart

 

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#3 STEM Classroom Decorations: Paper & Cardboard Construction Ideas

What is it? 

Once students get the freedom to build and create, their ideas fly through the roof. Teaching students structural techniques can be valuable to help make their creations stranger. 

This isn’t saying to tell students HOW to build their invention. Rather, teach students strategies they can implement into their construction design. 

For example, during a 1st grade animal project, I wanted students to implement an L-brace in their design. I gave them cardboard and taught them how to create this technique. What helped immensely is I filmed my hands creating an L-brace, then played it on a loop.

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While students were building, they were able to re-watch the video as often as needed. Also when a student was absent, I had this mini lesson available and the student could be independent in their work. 

Have books of building ideas in a designated location in the classroom; a library format or special display. Students love flipping through these to gather ideas. 

A 3D poster with paper & cardboard construction examples is also helpful. Students can see how these techniques should look and try to replicate them in their inventions. 

Where can I get it? 

Google search ‘cardboard attachment posters' and ‘3d paper sculpture techniques' and you'll find a lot of examples to choose from

stem-classroom-decorating-ideas

 

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#4 STEM Classroom Decorations: Giant STEM Characters

What is it? 

It’s important to hang up meaningful information on limited wall space in the classroom. Of course, this can be done creatively and cute!

Two popular tools in my STEM class are Dash Robots and LEGO. You can find a list of my top favorite STEM classroom supplies by clicking here. 

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These large characters are created out of poster boards and lots of imagination. While I do have step-by-step directions to make Dash, the giant LEGO minifig was all free-hand and trial and error. 

Having large characters like this in the STEM classroom can be a great reference for specific activities. It also can be a meeting place marker; “When you’re done cleaning, go stand by the giant Dash!”

Where can I get it? 

Grab some poster board and follow my step-by-step directions to make Dash

 

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#5 STEM Classroom Decorations: Classroom Rules for Technology | Rules for Technology in the Classroom

What is it? 

It’s easy to assume that all students know how to use technology appropriately since they have been using it from an early age. However, technology used for academic purposes as opposed to recreational are entirely different entities. 

Students need to be taught how to show respect when using the tool and also how to use it when working with others. Classroom rules and expectations I teach the first month of STEM, along with these other topics you can read about here. 

During back to school or even when a new technology tool is introduced, students need to have clear routines and expectations set in place. 

3 tips when creating classroom rules for technology: 

  • Write them in positive language
  • Add images to help connect the rules to words
  • Write no more than 10; it’s easier to implement

Where can I get it? 

$3.00 Classroom Rules for Technology | Rules for Technology in the Classroom

 

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#6 STEM Classroom Decorations: Label spaces clearly 

What is it? 

When a guest walks into your classroom, is it clear what your space is all about? As mentioned above, be very intentional about what hangs on your walls. 

 

Text features are constantly taught to students year after year to help them gain information. Play off of this concept and add large, bold words in important areas in your room. 

You don’t need to be an expert at drawing bubble letters to create crisp displays. Create giant letters using word art on Google Slides or PowerPoint. Create one letter for each page. Print without a full onto the paper of your choice. Finally, cut out and hang. 

Where can I get it? 

$3.00 Large Bulletin Board Letters | Print & Cut

 

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#7 STEM Classroom Decorating Ideas: Growth Mindset Posters 

What is it? 

With my time being a K-5 STEM teacher, I developed quotes for growth mindset that worked well in our space. These were growth mindset quotes that I would refer to on a daily basis when working on projects. 

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A fixed mindset is the belief that you have a certain amount of intelligence and can’t surpass that knowledge.  

A growth mindset is thinking that you aren’t given a certain amount of intelligence, it’s something you have to work towards. With more effort and time, you can get better at something. 

Likewise, these sayings can be applied to any regular classroom as well! STEM challenges have a place in any classroom setting. Growth mindset does as well! 

Where can I get it? 

$3.00 Growth Mindset Quotes for STEM & Technology

 

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#8 STEM Classroom Decorating Ideas: Celebrate STEM Style 

What is it? 

If you’re a specials teacher reading this, you know that it’s different from a general classroom teacher when making connections with students. Most specials see all the kids in the school over the course of the month! Feel free to read what my typical week looks like in a K-5 STEM role. 

One way that helped build connections in my classroom is celebrating STEM Style. What is STEM Style? When a shirt explicitly shows a concept that relates to science, technology, engineering or math, that counts as STEM Style. 

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To keep track of all the daily varieties, I have a spot on the floor marked “Smile for STEM Style!” that student stand on. This helps with having a clear background that shows off the classroom and not random children. 

I’ll take a quick picture on my phone, then later upload all the photos into the digital picture frame right next to where the students line up at the end of class. 

Where can I get it? 

Here is an inexpensive digital picture frame that works great! It does require a flash drive for pictures to be stored. For management, I’ll upload the photos to a Google Drive folder, then download the folder onto the flash drive. This is an Amazon Associate link. It doesn't cost you anything extra, but when you purchase through my link, I receive a kick-back in return. 

Often, I’ll even upload the photo to the child’s Seesaw or Google Classroom account. That has helped tremendously with my memory of 500+ kids’ names and gives families a snapshot of their child’s day. 

 

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#9 STEM Classroom Decorating Ideas: STEM Identity Lightbulbs

What is it? 

Positive affirmations are so important when developing a sense of personal identity. For students to pursue a STEM career, they need to see themselves as having that role. These STEM identity lightbulbs are perfect for hanging on the classroom door, bulletin board or around a mirror. There are even matching bookmarks that students can take home weekly to build up their personal STEM identity. 

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Where can I get it? 

$3.00 STEM Identity Posters & Bookmarks : Everyone has talents for STEM

 

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#10 STEM Classroom Decorating Ideas: Black Women in STEM Collage

What is it? 

For me, transitioning from being a former classroom teacher to a K-5 STEM teacher, this is an area I am growing at in my STEM space. As a white woman, I know that I have a one sided experience.

I took time to read, research and reflect. I found that there were a limited amount of diverse resource out there for students to connect to in STEM. So, I created one, and continuing to create; for my students and for yours.

technology-classroom-decorating-ideas

There are 10 Black Women highlighted in this free resource. Don’t feel like you need to copy & paste this all; I made this all pretty for you to print and share digitally. Here is the entire blog post that is devoted to this topic. 

While this isn’t a full comprehensive list, here are 10 Black Women in STEM your students should know. The world of STEM professions is very one-sided and geared towards a certain type of person. We need to provide our students to see heroes in STEM that represent their race, religion, and gender to help change that projection.

Where can I get it? 

Free, 10 Black Women in STEM You Need to Know Posters

 

technology-classroom-decorating-ideas

#11 STEM Classroom Decorating Ideas: Prototype and Patent Images

What is it?

How have some inventions become so popular today? Why are there copy-cats out there, but they aren’t quite the same as the original? Well, there is this fancy thing out there called a ‘patent’ that helps protect the rights of the original design once the patent is applied. Think of all of the amazing inventions presented on Shark Tank. 

 

When applying for a patent, inventors need to include images with every single part labeled and explained. There are so many available to view and print, which makes for great classroom decorations. These also help students see high-quality examples of what invention plans should look like with their explicit details. Also, it’s fun to see where some of their favorite toys got their start.  

Where can I get it? 

Free- conduct a quick Google Search and see what pops up. Some favorite patents to look for are: LEGO, board games, and NASA

 

Love these ideas but don’t know where to begin? I have put together my top decorating sets along with my go-to STEM resources in a starter kit bundle!

You can grab the whole set from my Teachers Pay Teachers store by clicking here. 

 

 

stem-classroom-decorations

What have you used to decorate your STEM classroom? Feel free to direct message me or tag 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! 

dash-rob

DIY: Paper Dash Robot Instructions

dash-robot-instructions

DIY paper Dash robot instructions that guide you through making a cute decoration for your class. The larger than life robot is a crowd pleaser and can be made at any time of the year.

Dash Robot Instructions

This robots is one of my most favorites to use with kids in my K-5 STEM classroom. It's durable, easy to code and can be integrated into any content. Check out more in detail what I think of Dash and other awesome robots that can be used in the classroom.

 

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

 To make Dash, you'll need:

  • Teal poster board
  • Black poster board/construction paper
  • Bright orange poster board/construction paper
  • White poster board/construction paper
  • scissors
  • tape
  • pencil
  • 3 bowls of various sizes (large, medium, small)

dash-robot-instructions

Dash Robot Instructions

First, using the largest bowl, trace 3 circles onto the teal poster board. Then, cut out the circles. I was able to get three on the same sheet, so play around with different bowls in your kitchen to find the perfect size.

There should be some teal poster board left. Cut off a corner to make a large triangle. This will go in the center of dash to connect all of the circle together.

 

dash-robot-instructions

dash-robot-instructions

dash-robot-instructions

To connect the circles, tape the triangle in the middle of the group. Flip Dash over so you can't see the tape and where everything is connected.

Next, using the medium bowl, trace one orange circle. Cut out.

Then, using a medium bowl, slightly smaller than the first, trace and cut out a white circle.

Finally, using the smallest bowl, trace and cut out a black circle.

dash-robot-projects

dash-robot-project

Stack all of the circles that were traced and cut out, center and tape together. Tape on the top circle of the Dash outline to create its cute little face.

Finally, ddd the triangle embellishment underneath Dash's head. Like the center triangle, cut a corner off the black poster board to form a triangle. Next, cut a corner off the white poster board to create a smaller triangle.

Again, stack and tape these triangle right below Dash's head.

To secure all the pieces, add any additional tape on the back. If allowed, laminate your giant Dash so it can be used year after year without getting destroyed!

dash-robot-projects

dash-robot-projects

My paper Dash made its first appearance at our 5th grade parade. I taped him on the back of my car (along with my LEGO MiniFig creation, sorry no tutorials for her yet!) When school starts, Dash will fit perfectly in my K-5 classroom with my large bulletin board letters.

dash-robot-projects

 

For the real robots in your classroom, these fun signs help teach students the rules when using robots during lessons. They also give the robots a “voice” while adding another fun decorating element to your classroom.

dash-robot-instructions

Other blog posts you might enjoy:

Where would you hang your paper Dash in your classroom? Feel free to tag or 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!