Starting a new school year is the perfect opportunity to set the tone for an exciting and successful STEM classroom experience. Picture a classroom where students are excited to learn and ready to embrace the collaborative and inventive nature of STEM from the very start. Check out these creative and engaging first-day activities to help you build a positive classroom environment from day one and excite your students for the STEM adventures that await.
Short on time? Grab this First Week of STEM Class bundle and get everything you need now.
All About Me Activities
Start the year by building a positive, inclusive classroom community. Grab this free download and get to know your new STEM students.
This download includes 5 printable and digital versions so that you can find the perfect fit for your STEM classroom.
You can use the finished activity to…
- Create an awesome back-to-school bulletin board.
- Play as an automated slideshow for an open house.
- Make an “About the Author” page in students’ STEM notebooks.
- Use as the basis for 2 truths and a lie or other ice breaker and community-building activities.
Teach the STEM Classroom Rules and Expectations
Are you looking to create a positive classroom culture and promote safe STEM practices? Teach your STEM classroom rules and expectations in a meaningful and fun way. These rule posters and activities are perfect for setting the tone for learning on the first day of school.
First, your students will read about the importance of rules in STEM class. Then, they’ll brainstorm a list of rules that could support learning and safety in STEM class. Next, review the five official rules of STEM class. Students will identify examples of students following and not following the classroom rules in a card sorting activity. They’ll use their answers to complete a color-by-code activity and take a quiz to demonstrate their knowledge of the STEM classroom rules and expectations.
Review the STEM Class Syllabus
Outline your course content, communicate class expectations and policies, and build school-home connections on day one. These STEM-themed syllabus templates are fully editable in Google Slides.
Creating a clear and comprehensive syllabus for STEM class has never been easier. Just open the templates in Google Slides, customize the text, and print or share with your students and families.
Explore Student Interests in STEM
Grab this STEM student interest survey to uncover your students’ opinions and misconceptions about STEM. This back-to-school activity will provide powerful data you can use throughout the school year to tailor your teaching methods and inspire your students.
Use the survey at the beginning and end of the school year to measure how your students’ ideas about STEM have changed. The Google quiz makes it easy to generate and analyze data.
This student interest survey will give you the insights needed to foster a dynamic and responsive STEM learning environment. Start the school year with a clear understanding of your students’ perspectives and end it with a record of their growth!
Introduce Your Students to STEM Class
Do you want to help your students understand the importance of STEM education? Grab this Introduction to STEM Scavenger Hunt.
In this activity, your students will:
- Define STEM.
- Learn about the important skills they’ll develop in STEM class.
- Explore how STEM education can benefit their futures.
First, your students will read a captivating short story that guides their mission throughout the activity. Then, they’ll read an informational text about criteria and constraints broken up into ten scavenger hunt task cards. As students visit the task cards, they’ll answer questions about STEM education and find clues in the text to help them complete their mission. Once students have discovered all ten clues in the text, they can solve the mystery.
Looking for more support starting your STEM class?
Grab everything you need for the first week of school with this First Week of STEM Bundle! This bundle includes the resources you need to build a positive classroom culture and start your STEM class right, and you’ll also get a great discount.
Grab your First Week of STEM Bundle now, and you’ll have all the resources you need to inspire your students and prepare your classroom for a successful year of STEM adventures!
