Are you looking for innovative ways to boost engagement and promote active learning in your STEM classroom? Look no further than STEM choice boards!
STEM choice boards provide students with the autonomy to choose their own learning path, sparking their curiosity and motivating them to dive deeper into the subject matter. By offering a range of activities and projects that cater to different learning styles and interests, these activities create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. Give your students opportunities to explore exciting topics, such as engineering, robotics, computer science, and 3D printing. Join the movement and unlock the magic of stem choice boards in your classroom today!
Short on time? Grab no-prep STEM choices board here!
What are choice boards and why are they effective?
Choice boards, also known as learning menus or activity grids, are a versatile instructional tool that allows students to make decisions about their learning. They typically consist of a grid or chart with a variety of tasks or activities related to a specific topic or concept. Each activity on the choice board provides students with different ways to engage with the material, such as hands-on projects, research tasks, or creative assignments.
One of the main reasons why choice boards are so effective is because they give students a sense of ownership and control over their learning. Instead of passively receiving information, students become active participants in the learning process. This autonomy not only boosts student engagement but also promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When students have the freedom to choose activities that align with their interests and learning styles, they are more motivated and invested in their work.
Choice boards also provide teachers with a valuable opportunity to differentiate instruction. By offering a variety of activities that cater to different learning preferences and abilities, teachers can ensure that all students are challenged and supported. This flexibility allows teachers to meet the diverse needs of their students and create a truly inclusive classroom environment.
Engaging students with STEM choice boards
One of the benefits of using STEM choice boards is the many different ways they can be used to engage students.
STEM choice boards are great for:
- Assigning independent work
- Keeping early finishers on-task
- No-prep sub plans
- Review activities
- Formative or summative assessments of student learning
- Lesson plans for weird schedule or low student attendance days
- Easy homework assignments
- Extra credit or extension activities
You can prompt students to choose any activity that interests them, to complete a certain number of tasks, or to finish the board. The possibilities are amazing!
Tips for implementing choice boards in the classroom
Implementing STEM choice boards in the classroom requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Align with your curriculum goals: Ensure that the activities on your choice boards align with the curriculum objectives and learning goals. This will help you maintain a balance between student choice and academic rigor.
2. Identify your purpose: Decide how you will be using the choice boards in your classroom. Will they be assessments? Extension activities? Review? This will help you frame and introduce the resources to your students.
3. Model and scaffold: Provide clear instructions and examples for each activity to help students understand the expectations. Consider working on the first choice board as a whole class. You can project it on the screen and have students vote on an activity to complete. This will set students up for success when they work on future choice boards independently.
4. Offer support and feedback: Provide ongoing support and feedback to students as they engage with the choice board activities. This can be done through individual conferences, peer feedback, or whole-class discussions.
5. Celebrate and showcase: Provide opportunities for students to share and showcase their work. This can be done through presentations, classroom displays, or quick opportunities to share out. Celebrate their accomplishments and create a sense of community and collaboration.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth implementation of STEM choice boards and maximize the benefits for your students.
Grab ready-to-go middle school STEM activities
If you’re looking for ready-to-go STEM choice boards to use in your classroom, check out these no-prep activities.
Each of these STEM choice boards includes:
- 9 different activities related to basic STEM vocabulary and concepts
- Detailed teacher notes for easy implementation
- A self-checking Google pixel art puzzle
- Printable, Google, and Easel versions of the choice board
- An answer key
Grab a STEM choice board today to get back your nights and weekends while knowing your students will be engaged learning about cutting edge technology and engaging STEM topics.
