833 Elementary Science Scoop
Spring 2016
Now is the Perfect Time for STEM! Strategies to End the Year with Fun
To understand math, students must know how to apply what they know to solve real world problems. Engineering design challenges as integrated STEM experiences are a perfect opportunity for engaging, hands-on instruction which keeps students learning while they have fun. In this webinar, Dr. Sara Delano Moore shared strategies for integrating STEM into your math classroom through engineering design. These same strategies can also be engaging activities to start the new year in the fall. Learn more about engineering design as an authentic and fun way to learn STEM.
MN School Forest: How's the Water?
With Minnesota’s many lakes, rivers, and streams, water quality affects all of us. Consider connecting students to your local water resource such as a stream, wetland, lake, or your local watershed. Students can learn about runoff, plant filtration, water quality testing, erosion, macroinvertebrates, or stream flow. Your work with students will help the next generation understand and care for our water. Plus, who doesn’t want to spend some quality learning time near the water on a beautiful day? Below are some lessons to get you started.
What Lives in the Creek? grades Pre K-1 science, from Misi Stine, St. David’s School Forest. Students explore a creek or wetland to find macroinvertebrates and talk about clean water.
Plants Role in Water Filtration, grades 4-7 science. Using potted plants, students investigate how plants filter different materials in water.
Aquatic Times, grades 5-8 ELA and science. By creating a newspaper, students research, learn, and write about aquatic habitats and the organisms that reside there.
from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources info.dnr@state.mn.us
Bethel University offers STEM Certificate for Teachers
THANK YOU Elementary Science Teacher Leaders!
AES Stephanie Larson (grade 5)
BES Sarah Sorenson (grade 3)
CGE Cathy O'Brien (grade 3)
CVE Reid Tschumperlin (grade 5)
GCE Christine Bromen (grade 4)
HES Ann Ross/Diane Bezdicek (intervention)
LRE Lee McNiesh (grade 3)
MES Ginger Garry (grade 2)
NES Kathy Lamoureaux (grade 5)
NFSI Amanda Nilles (grade 2)
PHE Sue Elchert (grade 4)
PES Mandy Mach (science specialist)
RRE Kelly Wetschka (grade 1)
ROE Maribeth Swalve (grade 3)
WES Alana Hansen (grade 5)