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 […]
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 […]
7 Tips for End-of-Year STEM Lab Organization
Getting your STEM lab organized before the end of the school year can be an exhausting task, but following these seven simple tips will help you get it all done in a flash. From taking pictures and cleaning out your cabinets to creating a classroom set-up box with everything you need for Day 1 of […]
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 […]
A common problem of STEM students
Fear of failing and not having the right answer is a common problem of STEM students. Especially if your class is their first STEM experience. In most other courses, students are expected to have the “right” answer. If they are paying attention and working hard, they should be able to get a “good” grade on […]