The Importance of STEM Education for Middle Schoolers
STEM is a field that’s rapidly growing in importance in today’s job market. In fact, STEM careers are projected to grow 10.8% between 2021 and 2031, compared to just 4.9% growth for all other occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). But here’s the catch: only 20% of US high school graduates are actually prepared […]
7 Tips for Teaching Coding to Beginners
Hey there middle school teachers! Are you interested in teaching coding to your students but don’t quite know where to start? Don’t worry – we’re here to help. We understand how daunting it can be to teach something as complex as coding, especially for those who may not have a lot of experience with the […]
Creating Effective STEM Lesson Plans: Tips and Tricks
STEM education at its core is about applying science, technology, engineering and math skills and knowledge to solve problems. Therefore, the focus of STEM lesson plans should be on developing students’ problem-solving abilities. Therefore, STEM lesson plans usually consist of longer term projects where students are doing the majority of the work and teachers are […]
5 Reasons Why You Should Teach Robotics To Your Students
Did you know “the US is home to 310,700 industrial robots, and that number increases by at least 40,000 each year?” (Flynn 2023). Teaching robotics is a great way to prepare students for the modern day workforce. There is a great chance today’s students will be working alongside robots in their future careers. Robotics combines science, engineering, math, […]
5 Reasons To Teach Coding: Understanding the Benefits
Teaching coding can open up a world of possibilities for your students. From helping them to think analytically to opening the door to lucrative careers, here are six of the biggest reasons to teach coding. Looking for a coding unit plan? Check out this done-for-you computer science resource! 1. Prepare Students for the Future With […]
How to Plan an Unforgettable Family STEM Night Event
Family STEM night is an excellent opportunity for both students and their families to engage in hands-on learning and explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (Find out more about the philosophy behind STEM education.). Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, planning this event requires some effort and creativity. This guide will […]
7 Reasons You Should Use STEM Research Projects in Your Middle School Classroom
Incorporating STEM research projects into the middle school classroom can open up a world of opportunities for students to explore their creative sides and learn practical skills. Learn more about how these projects can benefit your students and discover some ideas here. Short on time? Grab a ready-to-go STEM research project! 1. Explore student-generated questions […]
How to start a STEM program: 5 tips for your first weeks of school
The first few days of a new semester are always exciting, but they are also so important for creating the classroom culture and routines that will guide the rest of the school year. While some classroom procedures and routines can be used in any classroom, there are specific considerations for a STEM classroom. Whether you […]
Get Your Guide to Computer Science Education Week 2022
I’ve been looking forward to Computer Science Education Week 2022 since December 2021! It is one of my favorite weeks of the school year. There’s a buzz in the air and my students and I have a blast! Also, I get to spend time teaching real-world skills that spark new passions and introduce new career […]
5 Middle School Coding Activities for Computer Science Education Week and Beyond
In recent years, the expansion of computer science programs and the importance of teaching middle school coding (and elementary school coding too!) have been all over the news. You may be wondering why coding is so important for kids or what benefits are associated with learning to code. The importance of middle school coding According […]