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 – […]

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 […]

Beginning of Year STEM Activities for Middle School

This image shows a DIY cell phone stand with a toy cell phone displayed. The text says "Beginning of Year STEM Activities."

Are you looking for beginning of the year STEM activities? I’ve got you covered!  With this free lesson and some random materials from your cupboard, your middle school students will learn the basics of engineering. Then you can sit back and enjoy your last few days of summer, knowing your first days of school are […]

Thanksgiving Engineering Activities for Middle School

This image shows a Thanksgiving table. The image reads "Thanksgiving STEM."

Are you looking for the perfect Thanksgiving engineering activities to bring some seasonal fun 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 engineering design challenges that are sure to keep your students’ interest. Thanksgiving Table STEM […]

Computer Parts Lesson Plan for Middle School

The image shows a computer lab. The text reads "Computer Parts: Lesson and Activities."

So you’re teaching computer science… Now what? This computer parts lesson plan will transform how middle school students learn technology fundamentals. Our detailed lesson plan for computer parts provides everything you need to start your computer science or technology course by teaching the basics. Using printable or digital materials, students will explore their background knowledge […]

Engage Your Students with this Middle School Coding Unit

This image shows a computer with code written on the screen and the text reads "Coding for Middle School" by STEM in the Middle.

Teaching the basics of computer science can feel overwhelming, but this complete middle school coding unit provides everything you need for 3 weeks of rigorous, engaging instruction. With over 100 pages of print and digital resources, you’ll build a strong foundation your students can build on throughout their computer science journey. Introduction to Computers and […]

The Absolute Best Robot Movies for Kids

Here is a carefully curated list of middle school robot movies for kids that your students will love… and you will, too! As educators, we know the challenge of finding engaging content that truly supports our curriculum. These robotics movie selections do exactly that. Everyone looks forward to a good movie day, but they are […]

Real World Robots: A Middle School Robotics Project

Real World Robots and dog robot

Robots are the future! In this engaging middle school robotics project, students will have the opportunity to explore their own interests and learn a lot as they conduct research about real-world robots of their choice.  Your students will love discovering how robots are changing our world and what robots might do in the future! What’s […]

Starting robotics in middle school

How to start robotics blog post by stem in the middle

This resource will help you with starting a robotics course in middle school by teaching students the basics. In this printable and digital lesson, students will explore their background knowledge about robots and learn the basic components and characteristics of robots through class discussion and a webquest activity. What will students learn? The lesson begins […]

How to Get Started with Robotics in Middle School

First Days of Robotics

I love teaching robotics to middle schoolers! Combining engineering and computer science to make something awesome is what middle school dreams are made of! Not to mention the built it opportunities for collaboration and design thinking… But introducing middle school students to brand new technology can be tricky. This complete guide will show you how […]

WordPress Cookie Notice by Real Cookie Banner