Year 2 - Action Research STEM is the current "buzz" word shaking schools. This clever acronym has inspired meaningful change in many school and helped bring a fun and making into kids lives. However, as an elementary teacher, I often wonder how STEM really applies to a group of 6-year-olds or 9-year-olds. Are these kids REALLY scientists, engineers, technicians??
The answer is NO. Kids ARE LEARNING the skills necessary to become these things. And that is where I bring in the Habits of Mind. These 16 habits are a list of qualities or characteristics you want people to have. For example, persisting; what teacher doesn't want their student to be persistent? I believe the Habits of Mind represent the true STEM in Elementary. I have spent a year doing "STEM" projects and integrating the Habits of Mind into our classroom. Through activities and surveys, I have collected the following information and Data. OverviewEach activity had targeted STEM Skills and Strategies. This format follows out Reading Skills and Strategies of our Wonders Reading Curriculum. The skills and strategies were introduced and addressed at the beginning and end of each activity.
The Activities
Space Lander MissionTargeted Skills & Strategies:
STEM Skill:
Student's Reflective Thoughts |