Variables that affect solar oven efficiency

This image shows a variety of supplies, including foil, plastic wrap, scissors, a bowl, a thermometer, and tape. The text reads, "Solar Ovens: Reflectivity and Insulation."

So you’re building a solar oven?  Solar ovens are a great DIY project! You can create an effective cooking device cheaply from household items. Also, solar ovens use renewable energy from the Sun, which is good for our environment. You’ll learn many important science concepts and develop your engineering skills through the design and building […]

Valentine’s Day STEM Activity for Middle School

Valentine's Day STEM

This Valentine’s Day STEM activity is the perfect solution for keeping students engaged during the holiday season! This is especially true when you’re teaching hormonal middle schoolers… on Valentine’s Day. Eeeeeeek! Let me help you navigate the chaos and keep your students learning in between celebrations! Light-Up Valentine STEM Activity In this engaging project, students […]

Must-Try Christmas STEM Activities for Middle School

This image shows Christmas ornaments on a blue background. The text reads "Christmas STEM activities."

Looking for engaging Christmas STEM activities this holiday season? Keeping students engaged is challenging when the weather changes and winter holidays are around the corner. If you struggle to keep your students’ attention and get to the end of the period, you are not alone! Now imagine having an exciting Christmas engineering project on hand […]

Middle School STEM Challenge: Conductors and Insulators Activity

This image shows materials for insulator and conductor activities, including an insulated cup, beaker, thermometer, timer, and hot cocoa packet. The text reads "insulators and conductors."

Looking for an engaging insulators and conductors activity for your middle school students? Want to get your students excited about thermal energy? Wondering how to help students understand the real-world applications of conductors and insulators? If you are a teacher looking for the answers to any of these questions, read on! Want to skip straight […]

Middle School STEM Challenges for Every Season

This image shows a tree during winter, spring, summer, and fall. The text says "Holiday STEM Challenges."

Do you have STEM challenges planned for keeping students engaged when the weather is changing and holidays are around the corner? It can be a struggle to keep your students’ attention and get to the end of the period on a normal day. This is especially true when holiday excitement is in the air. Now […]

4 Must-Try Winter STEM Activities for Your Classroom

This image shows snowy trees and a blue sky. The text reads "Winter STEM."

Are you searching for engaging winter STEM activities to bring seasonal magic into your classroom? Or maybe you need to keep your students engaged during the excitement and chaos before the holiday break? Either way, check out these exciting hands-on engineering design challenges that will keep your students interested. Short on time? Grab ready-to-go winter […]

Understanding Fear of Failure in STEM Education

This image shows school supplies on a blue background. The text says "STEM and the fear of failure."

Fear of failure and not having the “right” answer is one of the most common challenges STEM students face. This anxiety is especially prevalent when your class gives them their first real STEM experience. While most traditional courses condition students to expect clear “right” answers – where consistent effort typically leads to good grades – […]

Thanksgiving Table STEM Challenge for Middle School

This image shows a Thanksgiving table with lots of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. The text reads "Thanksgiving STEM Challenge."

Are you looking for the perfect Thanksgiving STEM activity to bring some seasonal fun into your classroom? Or maybe you need to keep your students engaged during the excitement and chaos that comes with approaching school breaks… Either way, check out this Thanksgiving Table STEM challenge that is sure to keep your students’ interest. Thanksgiving […]

The Essential STEM Supplies List

The image shows pens, scissors, paper, hole puncher, and tape. The text reads "Must-Have STEM Supplies (that aren't really STEM supplies)."

After 15 years in STEM education, I’ve discovered something surprising: some of the most valuable STEM supplies aren’t actually “STEM supplies” at all! These are the everyday items that have become absolute game-changers in my classroom. I’ve compiled this STEM supplies list to help make your teaching life easier. Want to skip straight to the […]

Halloween STEM Activities

This image shows Halloween pumpkins, bats and a full moon. The text reads "Halloween STEM."

Are you looking for the perfect Halloween STEM activities to bring some seasonal fun into your classroom? Or maybe you need to keep your students engaged during the excitement and chaos that comes with school Halloween celebrations… Either way, check out these exciting engineering design challenges that are sure to keep your students’ interest! Corn […]