station-rotation-ideas

Must-Have STEM Station Rotation Ideas

Must-Have STEM Station Rotation Ideas

station-rotation-ideas

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. 

stem-learning-stations

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

stem-learning-stations

Station Rotation Ideas | ‘T’ for Technology

station-rotation-ideas

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

station-rotation-ideas

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. 

station-rotation-ideas

station-rotation-ideas

Primary STEM Station Bundle Activities 

station-rotation-ideas

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!