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I’m a new STEM Teacher, what should I focus on? [ep. 1]

I’m a new STEM Teacher, what should I focus on? [ep. 1]

Check out the full episode on new STEM Teacher focus:  

Subscribe to the podcast HERE on your favorite podcasting platform.

Episode Summary

After I interviewed and found out I was going to be a K-5 STEM teacher and coach, I not only got the position, but I also would be getting a brand new remodeled classroom and a handful of supplies. I was so excited for this opportunity! However, I had no idea where to start with this brand new position,  brand new-to-me school district, and brand new room. 

Based on my experience, this episode will cover some things that I wish someone had told me to do back then (I definitely had learned the hard way!) 

Let's dive in and set up your STEM space with success today. We're going to be talking about 3 major things that you should do in your STEM space. Especially if you teach multiple grade levels, these are things that will help you set a foundation so you can be successful all year long. 

Also, to celebrate hitting 100 episodes, I am hosting a giveaway! One lucky winner will win a FREE 30-minute coaching session with me. Check out the resources mentioned section to learn more.

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • Creating a space that works for all grade-levels
  • Building a community that promotes growth mindset
  • Creating systems & routines that can be used all year long, for all grade levels and lesson types 

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

Right after my job interview for an Elementary K-5 STEM teaching position and coach, I started to cry in my car by myself. I called my teacher-honey and I told him there is no way that I was going to get this job, I did horrible, and they were definitely not going to hire me. 

 

I had taken a half day from my current Elementary classroom position that I had for 6 years. I had a little bit of time left, and I went and got a pedicure to calm myself down before I went back to my classroom. I got to call the next day and found out that I did get the STEM position;  here I am a current K-5 STEM teacher and coach 

Not only had I gotten the position, but I also would be getting a brand new remodeled classroom and a handful supplies. I was so excited for this opportunity! However, I had no idea where to start with this brand new position,  brand new-to-me school district, and brand new room. 

Based on my experience,  here are some things that I wish someone had told me to do back then (I definitely had learned the hard way!) 

Let's dive in and set up your STEM space with success today. We're going to be talking about 3 major things that you should do in your  STEM space. Especially if you teach multiple grade levels, these are things that will help you set a foundation so you can be successful all year long. 

#1-Create a space that works for all grade-levels; learn the flow of the classroom

The first is to create a space that works for all grade levels. Learn the flow of your classroom and definitely see what works and what doesn't. You are definitely going to make some changes along the way based on how things work in your classroom and based on where the furniture is set up. This will take some time to find a system that works best for you. 

Of course you want to think about if you have multiple classes coming to see you throughout the day, have a designated space for classes to line up before entering your classroom. This is extremely helpful and important because [if you again see multiple classes],  you will have an overlap of classes at times. Sometimes a class might be early, sometimes you might be a little bit late, sometimes the other teacher might be late picking them up. You definitely want to have that designated space for classes to wait until they are ready to enter the room.

Once they are ready to enter the room, think about where they are going to go when they enter your classroom. A lot of teachers like to have students sitting at their tables, but I actually don't recommend doing this. I have students enter my classroom, K-5

in our group meeting area and in this area. This is where our TV, our whiteboard and any other supplies and materials that students will need to be successful for the lesson directions. All of that is in the designated location. As students come into the room, the come and sit in the big open space. You could definitely, based on your classroom, have a large carpet, sit spots, or numbers for kids to sit. It is extremely helpful to get all the kids together and ready and excited for the lesson. 

If you have them spread out along the room at the tables you might have supplies that they're distracted by. They might be very far away. They might be more more focused on who they're sitting next to! Having them in that group meeting area can really be impactful for every single lesson that you teach throughout the year.

Also when you're thinking about the flow of your classroom, think about where the materials are going to be stored and have those accessible at kid-height. The more you can make kids' materials at their level and ways that they can access them on their own, this will definitely give them that independence and grab what they need to be successful. 

When you have your materials stored in the classroom, I highly recommend labeling your materials with words and pictures. This is helpful for all learners, and even us teachers so you will know where the supplies go when you find them on the floor. 

Also when you have the flow of the classroom, have a designated location for students to line up at the end of class. This should be a place where it's easy for them to get to, there aren't extra supplies that are around to distract them, or other students projects. That way, they will be ready for the other teacher who is ready to pick them up for the day. 

Really think about this flow that will work all year long for all grade levels. This will help set up the systems and routines (which we'll talk about in a little bit) that can be built on year after year.

#2 Build a community that promotes growth mindset

The second thing that I wish someone had told me when I was getting started is really focus on building a community with your students and promote Growth Mindset.

A big misconception that I had coming into this STEM space is that all kids are excited to be creative and build things wouldn't you want to do that as a kid. Well I found out quickly enough that this isn't always the case; a lot of students were actually scared of trying new things! They wanted to know exactly what the project was going to look like, and they were more shy about showing their creativity.

Promoting a growth mindset in your classroom is definitely going to take time and something to continue to build throughout the years. I don't necessarily teach a specific growth mindset lesson. I know a lot of classroom teachers like to do that, but in the STEM space, your time definitely is limited [with kids]. I like to promote growth mindset as it comes up in the classroom.

Sometimes, I'll even write a positive note for students to take home to share with their class and to share with their families. Some of the growth mindset sayings that I will say over and over again that are hanging up in my classroom are:

“We can do hard things.” Often I will hear kids say, “This is too hard! This is impossible! I can't do it!” Then I go back and give them a high-five and say, “Yup!It is hard! We can do hard things! That is why you're here and I am definitely doing my job! You are doing a great job of what you're working on!” 

I also really like to promote, “We are creators with technology not just consumers” and “We practice to make us better.” (Not perfect because perfect doesn't exist!) 

These are growth mindset things that I like to say over and over in our classroom. When it's being demonstrated by students, I will pause the class and shout it out to them and really help that encouragement and build that classroom community over the years. and this is.

You can find these and the 8 growth mindset sayings I use in my classroom here: naomimeredith.com/tptgrowthmindset

#3 Create systems & routines that can be used all year long, for all grade levels and lesson types 

The third thing that you'll want to do when setting up your classroom is to create systems and routines that can be used all year long. This is for all your grade levels and lesson types; specific materials and lessons will have their own systems. A lot of these are going to overlap with learning the classroom flow. These are those systems and routines that you're definitely going to need. Build that classroom management now!

If you are a classroom teacher before, (like I was), all of your Back to School prep when it comes to classroom management still applies. You're just teaching it in chunks and what is manageable for multiple grade levels. You definitely don't want to skip this step! 

It will take time to learn your classroom, but the systems and routines will help you create a climate and culture that students can thrive in year after year.

Here are some things to think about the routines in your classroom. These aren't a full list of things, but a lot of these same systems and routines mirror what you would do in the regular classroom. 

Think about: 

-how students are going to enter to the room

-where and how they're going to gather supplies

-how are they going to use classroom furniture (Some classrooms might even have flexible seating. Definitely model how to use that furniture and where students are going to sit) 

-what are the routines for how students need to ask for help for projects

 -what are some signals to get the class attention (You want to probably keep consistent for all of your classes and have a few tricks that you add in throughout the year because it does get loud, pretty quick. It is controlled chaos but there are times you definitely need to get the classes attention when you're in the middle of a project!) 

Recap

So again, we talked about things that are going to help you be successful and set up that foundation throughout the year. Here's our recap of those 3 major things to plan and think about before diving into that content: create a space that works for all grade levels, build a community that promotes growth mindset, and create systems and routines that can be used all year long for all grade levels and lesson types.

 

Materials are organized at kid-accessible heights and labeled with words and pictures.

 

Shared meeting area at the front of the room by the TV. Other relevant posters & information are on the whiteboard. More student supplies in drawers.

 

In the middle of storing student projects on the shelves, organized by grade level. Materials not in use for this unit are stored on higher shelves.

 

Related Episodes/Blog Posts:

 

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

 

More About your host, 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!

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!

STEM Back to School Bootcamp

Calling all K-5 STEM teachers, media specialists and gen. ed teachers!
Join me to quickly learn essentials when setting up your STEM space for Back to School. These are actionable strategies that you can easily implement right away that will start your year will great systems and lessons. All videos are pre-recorded and available to watch in your own time.
Day 1: STEM Teacher Prep
Day 2: Classroom Inventory & Purchasing
Day 3: Getting Started Lessons
Also, have the chance to win prizes and other special offers!

FAQ's

When is it?

Originally aired July 20-22, 2021, but it's all recorded so you can watch in your own time!

How much does it cost?

Free!

[Video Replay] Day 1: STEM Teacher Prep

Resources mentioned in this video:

[Video Replay] Day 2: Classroom Inventory & Purchasing

Resources mentioned in this video:

[Video Replay] Day 3: Getting Started Lessons

Resources mentioned in this video:

Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy: 

How can I help you navigate your STEM & Tech journey? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

 

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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. 

makerspace-letter

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!

Back to School STEM Activities Shopping Guide

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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!

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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

stem-classroom-decorations

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.

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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

 

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#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. 

 

 

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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! 

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How to Teach STEM During Back to School

How to Teach STEM During Back to School 

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Are you in a new STEM position and overwhelmed by the thought of what you are going to do the first month of school in your STEM class? Keep it simple with these practical back to school ideas for how to teach STEM.

Tips & Tricks for how to teach STEM

When I was preparing for my first year teaching STEM, I had no idea what to teach either. I teach my specials rotation Wednesday-Friday for students K-5. I have 4 rotations with over 600 kids. So I basically see each class 3 times/month. You can see more in detail what my week is like by reading about it here. 

Having the background in the general education classroom before teaching STEM helped me realize that a lot of the back to school stuff applied to my new space, just in a different way. 

 

Here is what I did and it really helped me have a successful rest of the school year and I think that it will help you too!

 

How to Teach STEM: Classroom Rules & Expectations

Every classroom needs to have a clear management system so students can feel safe and be successful in your space. Even if you don't have the students all day, this definitely still applies in your classroom, if not more, since you have limited time! 

 

If you're coming from a general ed classroom like me, ask yourself those same questions that students need to know: 

  • How do you want students to come into your classroom? Where do you want students to sit when they first come into your classroom?
  • When students leave the room & for the restroom, what are the policies?  
  • How should students respond and behave during a lesson? 
  • What are your expectations during whole group, group work and partner work? 
  • How much time are you going to allow for a mini-lesson, student work time, clean up & reflection? (I need to work on my reflection piece for sure!)
  • Where do students line up at the end of class?
  • Is there some type of class reward for good behavior? What about individual students? 

Along with that, these have been my go-to classroom rules in my STEM classroom and they also work well in regular classrooms when students are handling technology.

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Click on the image to grab these posters for your classroom!
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Teaching specials again and just reviewing rules with the kids? Think of how to make it a game like this one; which team can put together the puzzle pieces of the classroom rules the quickest?

For specific projects, new rules & expectations often need to be introduced during the year. For example, during the first month of STEM, robots aren't typically introduced. However when they are brought out later in the year, additional rules need to be established to ensure the robots are cared for properly.

 

Classroom Materials

This one took me a few months to get the materials in places that made the most sense. Like I said, I teach K-5 and it will definitely take some trial and error to have a system that works for all grades. 

 For example, I thought having a bucket of crayons and scissors would work well with 1st grade. For some reason, this wasn't the best fit and there were a bunch of sharing issues.

As a solution, I came up with STEM Supply buckets which have the basic tools and student might need during a project. If they need the supplies, they can grab their own box. This really helped build independence with my students of all ages. 

In turn if germs are an issue, think of having students bringing their supplies boxes with them. That can help limit the amount of hands touching all of the supplies during the day.

 

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Individual essential supplies to complete STEM projects. (click on image to grab labels.)
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When specific supplies aren't used all year, like robots, have a clear location to store and charge them. Also consider adding additional rules & expectations when using this tool.
Think about ways materials can be organized so students can get the tools that they need successfully without having to relying on the teacher constantly. I know baby ducks are super cute when they follow their mommies, but it's not super cute when students follow their teachers all around the classroom.

Teach students how they can get their supplies, and put them away, for each class time and also which ones might not be needed for certain times. 

If there are a lot of pieces required for a specific task, consider taking pictures of what it should look like cleaned up. Pictures go a long way and it's a lot easier to explain rather than verbally.

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Take pictures of how certain stations and materials should look when cleaned up. This will help students be successful.

 

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Create a few spaces that are “teacher only”. My 2 places that are off limits to students is my table with my computer and my 2 storage cabinets. Otherwise, everything is available for kid-use!

Handling Technology & Passwords

I got really lucky and was fortunate enough to have a brand-new, renovated classroom to start my first year teaching STEM. The room before used to be a computer lab with desktop computers lining the walls. Those devices eventually got reassigned to other areas of the school building. There are a few laptops and iPads left in the classroom for various projects. 

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how-to-teach-stemMy classrooms 2nd-5th mainly use laptops for their projects. There are many times that I want students to bring their student device with them. I will schedule groups of emails to go out to my classroom teachers the week I have their class to let them know to have their students carry their student device to my room (with 2 hands of course) and/or roll down their class cart.

I actually don't keep passwords on hand. Quickly, students learned that if they didn't have theirs memorized yet, they kept a sticky note on their computer as a reminder of their credentials. For my younger students (K&1), I rarely need student passwords during STEM class. During co-teaching, that might be a different story which you can read about here. 

This is an alternative option to charging classroom devices if your school is on a budget.

This is a system that has worked well in my building and has visually helped the students see that a lot of the work that we do in class isn't just “stuck” in the STEM classroom and can be completed in other locations in the building. 

 

Digital Citizenship

Digital Citizenship should be taught all year long in any classroom setting. However, especially if it's your first year in your STEM position, digital citizenship is the perfect place to start the first month. This will help you gauge what your students know and don't know about the topic. I go more into detail on how I teach digital citizenship, which you can read here. 

Two favorite digital citizenship resources are Google Interland and Common Sense Media.

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Team Building STEM Challenges

At the beginning of the school year, teachers are working hard to build up their classroom community and how all the students in the room can get along and be successful. You will be a huge help by doing different team challenges in your classroom as well the first month you have kids. 

Not only will this help students get to know one another in new ways, it will help you get to know them as well! There are millions of ideas on Pinterest. Start a new board with STEM Challenges or you can just follow mine here.

 

Fail Forward

We all know that the first month of school is crucial to help build the rest of the school year. Keep in mind though, it definitely won't be perfect.
Here are some fails my first month of teaching STEM.
  • I didn't know that school's wifi password and people kept asking me for it. Which makes sense since I'm the STEM teacher… 
  • Half of my classroom walls weren't finished. They were temporary with an awkward door so I ended up making it a graffiti wall for students to sign when they were done with digital citizenship.
  • I had a first grader eat crayons the second day of class and spit them back in the group crayon bucket. I guess he already ate all his other crayons back in class…
  • A kindergartener wound up in the 5th grade hallway even though my classroom is directly across from hers.
  • I had these awesome fancy mats for students to sit on that sounded like pool noodles being slapped on wet concrete when they were put on the floor. Multiply this sound by 150…

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How to Teach STEM- Resources for Getting Started

 To help you even more, here are all of my go-to materials to aid you in your STEM position; my STEM Starter Kit Bundle. Over 25 different resources to get your classroom started on the right foot!

 Activities for back to school included in this bundle: 

Other blog posts you might enjoy: 

In conclusion, what do you typically teach the first month of STEM? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!