Technology can be difficult to introduce in younger grades. By the time students get to middle school, more complex technology topics can be introduced. Engaging students is crucial for STEM activities to keep them motivated and interested. Technology is growing in the stem career field and getting students interested in middle school can foster a love that turns into a career. From pumpkins to dancers, these activities will spark middle school students interest in technology.
Pumpkin Clock
A fun twist on the classic potato clock, this veggie activity will keep students engaged in STEM. You can get the potato clock kit here and you will need two small pumpkins as well. The kit comes with copper and zinc wires and the clock. The materials are reusable so you can explore other products that you can make into a clock! This activity integrates science and technology, creating a fun, hands-on STEM activity for middle school students. This pumpkin clock works because small particles in the pumpkin convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Students will be amazed with how this pumpkin fueled clock really works.
Tiny Dancers
This entertaining STEM activity integrates art and students’ creativity. The materials needed are copper wire, pliers, AA battery, neodymium disc magnets, crepe paper and hot glue. The website includes a template and instructions for the activity. The battery and magnets create a homopolar motor making the copper wire spin. The copper wires can be molded in any shape, but for this activity use the pliers to mold a dancer that will spin a top of the battery. Students can use the crepe paper to create an outfit for the dancer. Disclaimer: the batteries are extremely strong and must be used with caution. Also, monitor the motors as they do heat up. Watch your students be amazed by these tiny tech dancers.
Stop Motion Animation
Middle school is the perfect time to introduce more complex technology activities, like stop motion animation. Students can take on their creative mind by creating these short films. Stop motion is a series of pictures that when played in rapid progression make inanimate objects look animated. Students can use iPads, tablets or their phones for this project along with any props needed and a free stop motion app. Students can be as creative as needed with props, backdrops, and editing. This STEM activity also fosters creativity and storytelling. Give this hands-on activity with your students when you want to focus on STEM, art, and storytelling.
Written by Olivia Kirven
Lastly, one of the most defined forms of reinforcement is token reinforcement. For this type of reinforcement, teachers can create what is referred to as a ‘Classroom Economy’. Within a classroom economy, students receive tokens or points based on their desirable behavior. Students then collect their tokens and exchange them for various prizes such as a piece of candy or a group pizza party. Using token reinforcement can encourage a sense of community among students and is an effective way to continue to promote good behavior in the classroom. 
