That's STEM-tastic!
Lower Merion School District's Elementary STEM Newsletter
That's STEM-tastic!
STEM could stand for Students and Teachers Energizing Minds or Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Either way, it means amazing opportunities are being provided for elementary students across our district! "Stemming" from the district's partnership with Arcadia University, teachers in all 6 elementary schools are infusing elements of STEM into their lessons. From design challenges, to MakerSpace projects, to coding, robotics and more, students and teachers are working together to build creative, innovative learning experiences that are simply STEM-tastic!
STEM and Literature Connection
In each issue of That's STEM-tastic, a picture book suggestion is offered so that families can explore STEM ideas through a connection to literature. This issue's offering is one that can act as a springboard to summer learning!
Float by Daniel Miyares is a wordless picture book that tells the story of a little boy and the paper boat that he made. In the adventure, told through amazing illustrations, one can be inspired to create their own boat and set off on learning adventures of their own. Explore scientific concepts like sinking and floating, or artistic endeavors like Origami. And then, chronicle your adventures in your own picture book!
The Force Was Strong at LMSD's Second Annual Elementary Family STEM Night
On May the fourth, also known as Star Wars Day because it sounds like "May the Force," families gathered at Lower Merion High School to explore and create as if they were in a galaxy far, far away! The theme was further defined when members of The Rebel Legion's Ghost Base stopped by to pose for pictures and encourage the young creators to continue to build and create.
Families of students from kindergarten through fifth grade participated in engineering and design tasks that began when they imagined they were colonizing a new planet. They imagined that they needed to create droids, modes of transportation and shelters using different materials, including many that were recycled for the evening's event. Judging from the smiles in the pictures below, it is safe to say that the STEM Force was strong that night! For more pictures and additional information, click here.
Making Room for Making
In our last issue, the idea of makerspaces was introduced and defined as a collaborative work space for making, learning, exploring and sharing, stocked with a wide assortment of tools and materials. The real idea though, isn't so much about the physical space or the tools, but the "Maker Mindset;" that is creating something out of nothing and exploring individual interests.
This year, in an effort to provide students with the opportunity to make, each school had its very own "Mobile MakerCart." The carts were stocked with a wide variety of materials to encourage students to become producers, not just consumers. There have been many Maker projects completed this year ranging from Cardboard Arcades, to Rube Goldberg Machines, to indestructible houses for the Three Little Pigs.
As the district continues to move forward with the integration of STEM and Making, next year each student will have the opportunity to participate in three specially integrated Maker lessons throughout the year. Each trimester, a new task will be introduced to connect Making to curricular content and standards in Mathematics, Science and ELA. Be sure to look for our next issue to see how the first set of lessons go in the fall!
STEM Activities at Home
As school winds down, parents' plans to entertain their children ramp up! If you are looking for awesome activities to engage engineers, designers and scientific learners, you might want to check out these sites for some fabulous, fun feats to tackle this summer!
20 Super Cool Summer STEM Activities: With a title like that, of course you'll want to click to see what Project Lead The Way has come up with to keep the STEM learning going all summer long!
40 STEM Activities for Kids: For double the STEM fun of our first link, check this one out!
Science Buddies Parent Resources: The award-winning scientists at this site update content weekly and offer a plethora of resources to engage kids of all ages!
Johns Hopkins Center For Educational Outreach: Click on the activity link to find resources and activities to explore an assortment of topics including CSI, stop-motion animation and civil engineering.
Summer STEM Day Trips In and Around Philadelphia
Visit The Franklin Institute this summer to explore two exhibits that relate to mathematics and problem-solving, cornerstones of the STEM movement. In the first exhibit, A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature, visitors learn about the mathematical patterns that surround us in everything, from sunflower seeds to the spots on a giraffe. Another interactive exhibit that is best experienced with a group is Escape Rooms. Use codes, clues and puzzles to collaborative to reach a common goal.
Get more out of your visit to Morris Arboretum by visiting them online before you visit in person. Use the link above to download fun activities for the whole family to enjoy outdoors at the arboretum. (You can also keep it "green" and view the activities on a cell phone or other device without printing them!) For information on special events at the arboretum, click here.
Another great place to explore the outdoors is Valley Forge National Park. Sure, the park is full of history, but there are also ways to learn about animals and even make art in the park! Use the link above to find out more about becoming a Junior Park Ranger, and Family Art in the Park. Click here for information about special events including bird watching, star parties hosted by Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers and much more.
Math Success and Growth Mindsets
Jo Boaler is a Professor of Mathematics Education at Stanford University and co-founder of the website youcubed. The site's mission is to make research and resources available to teachers and parents supporting the idea that all students can learn math to high levels and that fostering a growth mindset increases achievement. There are links to articles about fostering mathematical development, helping with homework and much more. There are even links to online courses. For information from Dr. Boaler's parent page, click here.
Summer Math Workout with DreamBox Learning
DreamBox is a valuable online learning resource for LMSD elementary students that is available all summer long. Students can log in to DreamBox any time over the summer for an individualized, challenging math workout. Using DreamBox during summer break can give students an extra boost with concepts and skills. Using this district webpage link, students can access their accounts and continue their individualized learning journeys anytime!
For information for parents about DreamBox or setting up a parent account to track your child's progress, check the DreamBox FAQ page.
Want To Keep Up with STEM in LM?
Twitter users are invited to follow @ElemLMSTEM to learn about the cool STEM activities that are happening in the elementary schools. Multiple teachers at every building will begin using this account to highlight their innovative approaches to STEM integration.