Your Guide to Teaching Algorithms in Computer Programming

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By Trilby Hillenbrand Are your students struggling to grasp the concept of algorithms in computer programming? This comprehensive guide provides practical strategies and resources to effectively teach this crucial subject, whether you’re a seasoned STEM teacher or just starting. We’ll explore how to break down complex algorithms into manageable steps, engage students in hands-on activities, […]

Top 5 Unplugged Coding Activities to Teach Computer Science

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By Trilby Hillenbrand In today’s digital age, teaching computer science is more important than ever. But coding doesn’t always have to involve screens and devices. Unplugged coding activities offer a hands-on, screen-free approach to teaching fundamental computer science concepts.  Short on time? Grab ready-to-go computer science lessons and activities. By stepping away from the computer, […]

Kickstart Your STEM Classroom: Engaging First-Day Activities

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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 […]

Explain the Engineering Design Process: A Guide for Teachers

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Imagine your classroom buzzing with the excitement of students tackling real-world problems, collaborating to brainstorm innovative solutions, and eagerly building prototypes to test their ideas. This is the reality of a STEM classroom! But it takes work to get there, and it starts teaching students how to solve problems. This guide will show you how […]

Quick STEM Challenge Idea for Middle School

This image shows two worksheets titled "Cell phone stand engineering design challenge." There is a notebook, pencil, scissors, and glue in the background.

By Trilby Hillenbrand Looking for a quick STEM challenge that you can throw together with minimal prep while still getting the fun and meaningful learning experience you love? Challenge your students to create a DIY cell phone stand. This quick STEM project combines creativity and engineering skills while developing 21st-century learners. Let’s dive in. Disclosure: […]

Harnessing the Breeze: A Guide to a Wind Power Car STEM Project

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By Trilby Hillenbrand Let’s create wind-powered cars! It’s not just a cool idea from the future; it’s a fun project your students can do today. Find out how to engage your students in hands-on learning while they build, test, and race a wind power car. Sustainability and innovation are a perfect match! Disclosure: This post […]

Creative and Unique End-of-Year Student Awards for Middle School

The image text reads, "end-of-year student awards." The image shows a certificate for the "Most Valuable Player" and a DIY trophy showing a foil figure sitting on top of a cup wrapped in foil with a crown on its head and the caption reads "most valuable player."

By Trilby Hillenbrand The weather’s getting warmer, and everyone’s counting down the days until summer! End-of-year awards are a great way to close out the school year and celebrate your student’s achievements and hard work throughout the school year. However, this year, imagine a twist on the student awards format that celebrates your students and […]

Create Coding Wizards with Our Middle School Computer Science Worksheets

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By Trilby Hillenbrand Hello, Middle School STEM Teachers! Unlock the world of computer programming for your students with our computer science worksheets, specially designed to make teaching the basics of computer science and coding a breeze. Whether you’re integrating individual lessons into your existing STEM curriculum or planning a new computer science unit, our bundle […]

Robotics Worksheets for Middle School Students

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By Trilby Hillenbrand Hey, STEM Teachers! Ready to elevate your middle school STEM class with robotics but could use some support to kick things off? Explore this bundle of robotics worksheets—your go-to resources to ease the challenge of teaching something new while captivating your students as they delve into the fundamentals of robotics. Dive into […]

The Power of Teaching Flowcharts for Programming

The text reads, "Flowcharts for Programming." The image shows worksheets that teach computer science students how to use flowcharts to plan their code.

Are your computer science students so excited about coding that they are skipping the important planning stages? Or do they find coding linear algorithms easy, but get frustrated when you’ve introduced conditionals? You can solve these common problems by introducing your students to flowcharts for programming.