So, I began last school year energized and ready to hit the STEM road at full speed. And it appears that I did since I was not able to post to this blog after the school year started. Things were crazy busy and I loved/stressed every minute of it. I loved the gasps of amazement from the students when we performed some of our activities. From slime, bouncy balls, testing for sugars with benedict's solution and roller coasters to robots, coding and 3D printing, we did it all. However, I stressed about having enough supplies, getting projects done and making sure these were activities that were meaningful and students would learn from. This year, I got my answer. When I asked my 1st graders what they learned about germs last year, our very 1st project, they were able to tell me the experiments we did and why. When I asked my 3rd graders about their hearts, our very 1st project, they could tell me how it worked and what happened when we exercised. That made me feel that what I had done last year was at least successful in their minds.
However, this year, I have to have new projects and experiences for my 1st and 4th graders. I am excited to be introducing new concepts and hopeful that the ones from last year will still amaze the students. My 2nd graders squealed with delight when they learned they would be making those roller coasters this year and my 4th graders keep asking when they will be able to create their 3D object to print on the 3D printer.
I am again energized to start this year and stressed about supplies and learning. If you missed it, I'm looking for pringle snack containers and any broken electronic toys you may have laying around the house. I am going to make a commitment to myself to try to track my journey more closely this year so that I can use this blog as a point of reflection and a way to share my journey with you...my wonderful, supportive parents.
Please, if you have comments or hear something from your students about something going on or something they learned, LET ME KNOW! I am always thrilled when they take what they learn and apply it at home!
Here's to another year!
However, this year, I have to have new projects and experiences for my 1st and 4th graders. I am excited to be introducing new concepts and hopeful that the ones from last year will still amaze the students. My 2nd graders squealed with delight when they learned they would be making those roller coasters this year and my 4th graders keep asking when they will be able to create their 3D object to print on the 3D printer.
I am again energized to start this year and stressed about supplies and learning. If you missed it, I'm looking for pringle snack containers and any broken electronic toys you may have laying around the house. I am going to make a commitment to myself to try to track my journey more closely this year so that I can use this blog as a point of reflection and a way to share my journey with you...my wonderful, supportive parents.
Please, if you have comments or hear something from your students about something going on or something they learned, LET ME KNOW! I am always thrilled when they take what they learn and apply it at home!
Here's to another year!