Slaughter's innovative Moment
Full STEAM Ahead
Things to consider with STEAM
STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) is about getting away from the SILO thinking of my content into the idea that in real-life everything is interrelated and connected. Think of a tree: there is much more to a tree than what we see. These incredible connections are happening within and outside that tree. That is what it is about, identifying how things can work together.
Gears Thinking:
Each content area is connected in the real world. STEAM is about making the connections, delving into more in-depth thinking, creating engaging and meaningful tasks, and empowering students to think for themselves.
Reflection is the most important piece of the lesson.
Planning
- Love this resource created by John Spencer. It gives a great picture of how the different innovative practices connected to Makers and STEAM can be utilized.
- If you have not read Empower or Launch by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani, pick it up!
Design Thinking
- The cycle of design. Remember: this is a cycle that can be interrupted over and over until the product is one the students are ready to share.
- Another great idea, revisit previous designs later in the year and see how learning has adjusted the plan. Imagine the conversation you could have at the time.
Six Characteristics of a Great STEM Lesson
Don't forget!
- Great educators know how to strategically create groups and create a format that ensures that all students participate. Using Google is a great way to do this!
- Allow students some free playtime with the materials.
- The most important thing teachers can do is ask the right questions and focus on getting them to work on inquiry.
The myths according to the great John Spencer
STEM, STEAM, PBL - GETTING CAUGHT UP IN THE NAME
EXPENSIVE!
NEED LOTS OF SPACE
HIGH-TECH
UNSTRUCTURED
FLUFF
YOU HAVE TO BE AN EXPERT!
What is the (science, technology, engineering, art, math) in this? How could I combine those areas to create a more meaningful lesson?
BIG or Little: It's about the questions and the thinking.
Lessons can be BIG: all-encompassing, lengthy events. (Remember: if they are longer, you must have check-in points)
Lessons can be little: quick challenges can have a big impact when you ask the right questions and focus on specific points.
The smallest task can have a big impact when you ask the right questions. Simply doing a STEM project will not change much of anything. The thinking is what takes it to a new level.
Some of my favorites!
These two are great examples from Alex Hill and Matt Shoemaker. They are teachers right here in Missouri!
- Native American Tribe: Give them a tribe, let them investigate the topography, culture, strengths, weaknesses. Have students identify an issue they could face and then come up with a design to test.
- Fever 1793- Investigate plaques, viruses, how they spread, create a PSA.
Some other great examples of STEM Lessons.
- Three Pigs: Build structures test if they wolf (blow dryer will blow it down)
- Bears in a Boat: Build a boat test how many bears can board the boat without it sinking.
A YouTube Playlist I love is David Lee's My Projects. He is inspiring!
Remember: It is less about the activity and more about the questions and thinking.
Constraint is not a bad thing!
“Stop always telling people to think outside the box. Some of the best innovations come from within the box.” -George Couros
Resources and time are not limitless, as we know as educators, therefore we need to give students constraints. Teach students to be innovative with what they have instead of “admiring the problem.”
If you find a great STEAM lesson out there, think about changing the constraints and see how it impacts the thinking or product.
When building the lesson, consider...
What is the crucial knowledge they need to be successful?
What will be my challenging problem or question be?
How do I want them to show their understanding?
What will the criteria be? Will there be constraints in materials, time, area...?
How will students show their reflections?
How can you provide student voice and choice?
What kind of Critique will be given and by who? Can you make time for revisions? What about checkpoints?
How can they share to the public?
I will bid you a farewell with this video from John Spencer.
Mystery Doug
Vectary and Cospaces VR
Here is the playlist for Vectary .
My good friend Julie Gambil introduced me to Cospaces VR. She is an ELA teacher that has had her 8th grade Honors English class create virtual environments for book scenes.