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STEM Classroom Management

Assuring Students with Disabilities Are Heard in STEM

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Those with disabilities may often feel excluded or unwelcome in certain spaces. In a field like STEM where differences are extremely beneficial, disabilities should not be an impediment to excelling in a STEM career or classroom. With that being said, some environments are more inclusive than others, and it is critical as an educator or student to assure that those around you feel (and are) appreciated and celebrated. Read on to learn ways you can be supportive of all your STEM students.

Give Students Access to Resources Specifically Geared Towards Those with Disabilities

Being surrounded by people who think or act differently than you can be a challenge. When we see role models that resemble ourselves, we feel like we belong. By providing students access to resources or organizations that honor and understand them, you are helping to wash away some of the stigma that can come along with having a disability. The organizations, groups, and resources that are listed at this link may afford your pupil the opportunity to meet other students like them who share the same passions. Another spectacular webpage is Mount Sinai’s librarian-curated list of resources for diversity initiatives in STEM fields. Be sure to draw attention to scholarships and job opportunities that specifically pertain to your student’s interests and disability. 

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Highlight Successful STEM Trailblazers with Disabilities 

Although some view disabilities as a serious impediment to success, many STEM leaders have completely debunked the myth that disabilities define you. Specific STEM figures with disabilities include Stephen Hawking, John Forbes Nash Jr., Temple Grandin, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Leonardo Da Vinci. Additionally, there are several lesser-known, present-day members of the field that are impacted by various disabilities. These current STEM leaders include: astronomer Wanda Diaz Merced, deaf and hard-of-hearing advocate Caroline Solomon, and mathematician Vernon Smith. When students feel they can identify with STEM leaders, they are more likely to harness the confidence needed to achieve their goals. Therefore, be mindful about your curriculum and the STEM individuals you highlight. Ideally, all your students should see a bit of themselves represented in their coursework.

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Accommodate Students with Disabilities

The vast majority of the world was designed with non-disabled folks in mind. Take a hard look at your classroom and practices and think critically about whether or not there may be major obstacles to those with disabilities. Is your room wheelchair accessible? Do students with difficulty seeing have the ability to reserve a seat at the front of the classroom? Do you allow for students with testing accommodations to easily use them? Small adjustments and actions can go a long way. Remember what you and many of your students take for granted and be sure to eliminate as many barriers as possible in order to promote effective and enjoyable learning.

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Check In with Your Students

The best way to assess how accessible and friendly your classroom is to those with disabilities is to ask the students themselves. Have an open line of communication with your students so that you can assure their needs are being met and that you are doing everything you can to aid them in their learning. Many students are nervous to come to their teachers with their troubles or suggestions, so make it abundantly clear that you will do everything you can to help. 

When in doubt, be empathetic. Attempt to imagine what it would feel like to live with a disability every day. Ask yourself what you would wish others did to help, and try to carry out those actions. Remember to always be patient, supportive, and understanding. 

Written by: Lucy Reid

Your NSTEM Journey Begins Here!

Objections to Teaching STEM and How to Overcome Them

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There are quite a few objections to STEM education that teachers express. Here is a list of a few of those objections and possible solutions.

1. STEM education is messy.

Let’s be real. Life is not always perfect. Most things take time and effort and can just be plain messy. By experiencing some mess from project-based learning, students can learn how to best solve “messy” problems. Many experiments that teach STEM the best are often really messy. By teaching students that “messy” is okay, it enables them to explore and discover new ideas and subjects. What kid doesn’t like a bit of a mess?

To solve the messy problem, you can create a designated “messy” area in the classroom in which kids and older students can work on these projects without creating a mess throughout the entire classroom. Students need an area where they can experience and grow through working on projects.

Photo by todd kent

2. STEM is too expensive.

STEM teaching can be very expensive, especially if the school does not have the support of grants or scholarships. However, most schools have a foundation that provides teachers and students with grants. Teachers can also set up fundraising efforts to provide the materials that they need.

There are lots of great, affordable experiments and projects such as paper or straw projects. Providing students with opportunities to design projects by using creative solutions can help students cultivate the creativity necessary for success in the workforce. Students can learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math without spending thousands of dollars. The more creative the solutions, the better off that the students will be.

3. STEM Education can be too risky.

STEM education is different from other subjects because it can involve project-based learning and opportunities to explore the world uniquely and creatively. It teaches exploration rather than rote memorization. It means that students can learn to think outside of the box to form solutions to open-ended problems.

While STEM education can be risky, it seems to be worth it because the students learn valuable skills that are useful in the real world. As long as the students are kept safe when working on the projects (such as not using hot glue guns or soldering), it is a great way to teach students how to build with their own hands

4. STEM education is not focused

To some people, STEM education seems to look like it is not focused. However, as long as the assigned projects allow students to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, then it is worth it and it is focused.

Photo by Tim Collins

5. Some teachers who teach STEM don’t have a background in STEM fields, so they shouldn’t teach STEM to students.

While it’s true that some STEM teachers do not have a background in STEM, that does not necessarily mean that they are incapable of guiding students in these disciplines.  There are plenty of alternative ways to learn more about teaching STEM, teachers can attend conferences and training sessions to learn about STEM education. 

Written by Chelsea Kowal

Your NSTEM Journey Begins Here!

Make STEM Education Simple and Fun for Your K-2 Classroom With These Five Tips!

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Photo Courtesy of Waterford.org

In today’s evolving world, nurturing young minds with the right skills and knowledge is paramount. One of the most effective ways to prepare our children for the future is through STEM education, a holistic approach focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It equips young learners with critical problem-solving skills and fosters innovation, qualities that are beneficial in the 21st century. However, what if we could take this commitment to STEM education further? 

That is where the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM) comes into play. NSTEM is a dynamic initiative that aims to revolutionize STEM education, making it accessible, exciting, and transformative for students of all ages. Here are five tips on making STEM education simple and fun for your K-2 classroom.

 

Tip 1: Embrace Hands-on Learning

Hands-on learning is a powerful educational tool, especially for young children. They immerse themselves in the learning process when they actively engage in hands-on activities. Building a tower with marshmallows and toothpicks is a perfect example of this approach. This hands-on STEM activity captures children’s imagination and fosters problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and better knowledge retention. As they experiment with different combinations of marshmallows and toothpicks, they are not merely constructing a tower but exploring fundamental structural concepts such as balance and stability. It is a fun and tactile experience that makes learning about these concepts enjoyable for K-2 students.

Tip 2: Use Everyday Objects in STEM Education

Everyday objects have a growing ability to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-life experiences, making STEM education more relatable and accessible to young learners. When children use a simple magnifying glass to explore the leaves and bugs in their school garden, they embark on a fascinating journey of discovery. This hands-on activity sparks their curiosity and helps them see the direct application of STEM in their immediate surroundings. Through close observation, they can witness the intricate details of nature, gaining insights into biology, ecology, and the wonders of the natural world. It is a new way to encourage a lifelong love for science and show children that STEM is all around them, waiting to be explored.

Tip 3: Encourage Questions/Curiosity

Encouraging questions is equivalent to providing fuel for the fire of a child’s natural curiosity. It is a simple yet powerful way to nurture their curious minds and promote inquiry-based learning. One activity is the Mystery Object Exploration activity. Students are allowed to channel their curiosity into a hands-on experience. By investigating an unfamiliar object, they seek to uncover its properties and functions. This activity sharpens their observation skills and encourages collaborative learning as students work together to solve the mystery. As they pose questions and seek answers, they develop critical thinking abilities and a sense of wonder. Thus laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and exploration.

Tip 4: Collaboration and Collaborative Projects

Collaborative projects are invaluable for young learners as they go beyond academic knowledge to impart essential life skills. When students engage in activities like building a mini-robot from recycled materials in a group setting, they not only grasp engineering concepts but also develop teamwork and communication skills. Each participant brings a unique perspective and ideas, fostering a rich environment for creative problem-solving. Collaborative projects empower students to share their thoughts, listen to others, and work harmoniously towards a common goal. They learn the art of compromise, negotiation, and the power of collective intelligence. Moreover, in projects involving recycled materials, students gain an awareness of environmental sustainability, making such projects educationally beneficial and socially impactful.

Tip 5: Storytelling

Storytelling is a bridge that connects the imaginative world of creativity with the structured realm of STEM subjects. It is a powerful tool that engages STEM and fosters young learners’ creativity and communication skills. The STEM-Themed Story Writing and Illustration activity invites children to embark on a dual journey of discovery. They get to craft narratives that incorporate scientific concepts, breathing life into otherwise abstract ideas. Through storytelling, students can relate to STEM subjects personally, making them more accessible and relevant. Writing and illustrating these stories enhances their communication skills and encourages them to express complex ideas compellingly and understandably. This blend of creativity and science sparks a love for STEM and equips children with valuable skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The importance of making STEM education enjoyable for our youngest learners must be considered. We ignite their curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills by embracing hands-on, inquiry-based, and collaborative approaches and making STEM education simple and fun. These early experiences lay the groundwork for a lifelong passion for STEM and empower them to thrive in an increasingly complex world. 

We encourage you to consider starting an NSTEM chapter at your school. NSTEM, with its commitment to innovative STEM education, can provide invaluable resources and support. By joining hands with NSTEM, you can help create a brighter future for our children. To get started, explore these NSTEM resources to access a wealth of materials and guidance, enriching STEM education in K-2 classrooms and beyond. 

By Srihitha Sunkara

Do you want more resources on the topic of making STEM education simple and fun? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list. 

K-2 is where it all starts with STEM education. The National STEM Honor Society focuses on “From K to Career, NSTEM from the Start!” To begin your K-2 Chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.

4 tips for Empowering STEM in Your K-2 Classroom

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Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Are you a K-2 teacher considering introducing STEM in your classroom plan? Teaching STEM to children as young as K-2 is an excellent way for your students to create a STEM identity and prepare them early for intense STEM subjects in their later years. Their comprehension and retention will become far more advanced for their age. Also, they’ll be more likely to want to learn and pursue STEM. The first-time experience of learning STEM can also create a positive association with STEM learning and build student confidence and familiarity with complex STEM concepts in later years. Here are four tips on empowering your K-2 students to love STEM.

 

     1. Understanding the three things that students need to be successful in STEM.

  • A STEM identity

This means that students see themselves as capable and successful in learning STEM subjects and have an interest and aspiration in STEM fields. 

  • STEM mentors

It’s not necessary to be an expert in STEM to teach STEM. Your role in trying to inspire your students towards STEM is to be a mentor. You don’t have to have all the correct answers. Instead, you must provide your students with opportunities for STEM exposure and explore and deepen their understanding. 

You can also introduce your students to successful STEM role models. Through students being able to see successful STEM individuals who vary in race and gender, they will better be able to identify with STEM and imagine themselves participating in STEM. Furthermore, you can provide your students with STEM mentors through a mentorship program with students of a higher grade who participate in STEM. This way, your students can have guidance in their STEM learning journey that they can more easily relate to.

  • Technology fluency

When students have fluency in technology, they will have the confidence and skills to creatively solve real-world problems with technology. Technology fluency can also boost a student’s proficiency in STEM. This fluency is developed through hands-on experiences with STEM.

     2. Create a comprehensive STEM curriculum.

When implementing STEM into your lesson plan, it is essential to make sure that the STEM curriculum you create is comprehensive, systematic, and consistent. Having your students sporadically participate in STEM activities will not help your students’ recollection, understanding, and application of the subject matter. By tasking your students with practicing STEM subjects daily, they will be better prepared for rigorous STEM academics and develop a strong STEM identity. They must be taught STEM subjects incrementally and in a manner unique to each student’s needs to master the content. Step-by-step instruction is vital for teaching STEM. This is called convergent learning.

Convergent learning is teaching all students the same material, using the same instructive models so that they can arrive at the same conclusion. Convergent learning ensures that students gain foundational knowledge. Once students have a basic understanding of the subject matter, they can be taught with divergent learning. Divergent learning involves creating opportunities for students to apply what they have learned. Starting with convergent learning and progressing to divergent learning helps ensure students gain competency in STEM concepts. Students will learn how to use their knowledge to build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Other types of teaching methods are-

  • Project-Based Learning: This teaching method uses real-world scenarios and hands-on projects to engage students in STEM and make the STEM lessons more meaningful and applicable to the students. It can get students personally invested in the subject matter and excited about learning the content. It also can give students a deeper understanding of what they’re learning.
  • Inquiry-Based Learning: With this method, students are taught to make connections between the world and what they have learned through utilizing real-world examples. Students are encouraged to ask questions and think critically. They also learn about the importance of the connections that they discover.
  • Problem-Based Learning: This approach teaches students how to apply what they have learned by working to solve open-ended questions. 
  • Indoor vs. outdoor learning: Using physical activity to teach subject matter is excellent for performance and retention for STEM. Children need activities that engage their curiosity and kinetic energy.

 

     3. Creative positing learning experiences with STEM.

Always provide positive reinforcement and encouragement while motivating students to participate in STEM activities. Show students that failing is okay and trying again is encouraged. Remember, patience is very conducive to adequate teaching and motivation. Students need to be challenged but within the confines of their comfort zone so they are not discouraged, are excited, and have fun. Students who are challenged to be overwhelmed will withdraw and give up. You want to create opportunities for students to feel independent and accomplished. Also, vary the topics to cater to each child’s unique interests and learning style. You can promote clubs and groups that students can join to get them interacting with students with a positive mindset for STEM and who have a strong STEM identity.

    4. Utilize teamwork to motivate interest, engagement, and initiative for STEM.

Teaching students STEM by working with others can provide them with positive STEM learning experiences and leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They will learn how to solve problems and design within a team dynamic. While learning to apply the subject matter they’ve learned, the whole group will brainstorm, plan, design, and evaluate to solve a problem. This will lead to tremendous and informative group discussions of STEM content. These are skills that will be very beneficial for your students once they start their careers.

By Jacqueline Dua

Need help to come up with creative ideas to teach STEM? Browse nstem.org for some creative inspiration.

When you’re struggling to come up with ideas on how to teach STEM or empower your K-2 students to love STEM, the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM) is a resource that can guide you. We have many resources within our resource library and informative blogs like the ones below. Also, while you browse our website, consider learning about our NSTEM chapters and how you can get your school to have their chapter with NSTEM.

o   3 exciting Learning Experiences for Kindergarten Students

o   Explore the Benefits of Wind Power with These 3 Creative Wind Power Projects for Your K-2 Classroom

o   The Top 3 Virtual Science Experiments for Your K-2 STEM Classroom  

o   3 Fascinating Solar Projects for Your K-2 Students 

 

Do you want more resources on the topic of tips on empowering your K-2 students to love STEM? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list. 

K-2 is where it all starts with STEM education. The National STEM Honor Society focuses on “From K to Career, NSTEM from the Start!” To start your K-2 Chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.

Best Field Trip Locations for K-2 Students

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Kindergarteners on field trip
Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Do you want to give your K-2 students the best field trip experience? Giving young kids new experiences and opportunities is very important in all classrooms. If you want to know the best field trip locations for your students, worry no more. Here are some of the best field trip locations for K-2 students.

1.  Scientific Exploration at the Science Museum 

Going to a science museum is a great way to engage your students with science in a very hands-on way. Your kids are able to see many new exhibits, and they can do interactive activities with professionals and try new experiments. It is such a great way to give your students a break away from the classroom and allow them to learn something new. 

By going to the museum, your students can access a lot of new educational materials that they would usually not be able to. You could also be giving some of your students a new idea for a career path they would want to pursue. When looking for a field trip, you can’t go wrong by going to a science museum. 

2.  Hands-On Learning at the Aquarium

An aquarium can provide your students with a fun-filled and leisurely experience. With entertainment and interactive experiences, they can learn more about underwater environments and ecosystems. They can also learn more about the underwater world from real professionals and become more interested in the science pathway. 

Aquariums are fascinating and educational at the same time. It will encourage scientific discovery and exploration in these young minds, which can lead them into science pathways as they grow up. It will also appeal to many of the students’ learning needs through interactive lessons, visual learning and listening to lectures and facts about these animals. 

3.  Astronomical Discovery at the Planetarium 

The planetarium is a very underrated field trip that will incorporate science into your young students’ minds. It is a very relaxing activity where your kids will be able to learn more about space and our galaxy through visual and audio activities. It will educate the students about stars, planets and constellations. 

Space is one of the most interesting and unknown fields throughout science. By opening your students’ minds about this domain at such a young age, it can inspire their young minds to explore many new fields of study when they get older. It is also a great way to stimulate brain development through creativity and imagination. 

With all of these great options and opportunities for your students, field trips will inspire their minds and encourage them to pursue any science dreams they may have. 

By Francesca Lisbino

Do you want more resources on the topic of field trips? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of STEM resources that are searchable by category, school level and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list. 

K-2 is where it all starts with STEM education. The National STEM Honor Society focuses on “From K to Career, NSTEM from the Start!” To start your K-2 Chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.

6 Ways to Inspire High School Students to use STEM to Solve Real World Problems

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A group of students sitting in a classroom during lecture.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay

As a high school teacher, you know how important it is to inspire your students to use their STEM skills to solve real world problems. By engaging your students in hands-on learning and problem solving, you not only help them develop their skills, but also encourage their curiosity and interest in science, technology, engineering and math. Here are 6 ways to inspire high school students to use STEM to solve real world problems:

1. Project-based learning

By assigning real-world problems or challenges as the focus of a project, students can use their STEM skills to come up with creative solutions. This approach not only allows students to apply their knowledge, but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here is a NSTEM resource to add project-based learning into your classroom.

2. Guest speakers

Inviting experts in various STEM fields to speak to your students can provide inspiration and real-world examples of how STEM skills are used in the workforce. Here is a NSTEM resource to add guest speakers into your classroom.

3. Field trips

Visiting a local business or organization that uses STEM skills can provide valuable insights into how these skills are applied in the real world. Each state has a number of land trusts and conservation organizations that offer outdoor exploration and field trips. NSTEM’s resource database is searchable by state. The Kessler Outdoor Classroom, a NSTEM resource, is one example of these vast resources.

4. Internships or shadowing opportunities

Giving students the opportunity to work with professionals in a STEM field can provide hands-on experience and inspire them to pursue careers in these fields. Here is a NSTEM resource to add internships into your classroom.

5. Community service projects

By collaborating with local organizations and using STEM skills to address community problems, students can make a tangible impact while also learning valuable skills. Here is a NSTEM resource to add community service into your classroom.

6. Competitions

Participating in science or engineering competitions can provide students with a sense of accomplishment and encourage them to continue developing their skills. Here is a NSTEM resource to add competitions into your classroom. 

 

By incorporating these 6 ways to inspire high school students to use STEM to solve real world problems, you can engage your students in hands-on learning and encourage their curiosity and interest in STEM fields. By providing opportunities for hands-on experience, collaboration, and problem-solving, you can help your students develop their skills and inspire them to pursue careers in these fields. 

By Lakshya Jain

 

Do you want more resources on the topic of STEM education? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of STEM resources that are searchable by category, school level and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.

Project-based learning enrichment provides high school students with college and career readiness. It gives them real world relevance, transforming students into collaborators and imaginative problem solvers. They will gain the upper hand in a global landscape, stemming from enhanced confidence and grit. NSTEM provides these young STEM enthusiasts with a close community of like-minded fellow students and educators. To start your high school chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.