Showing posts with label STEM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STEM. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Earthquake Resistant Resort Building STEM Project

This collaborative Google Slides project includes 55 slides hyperlinked to a table of contents for easy navigation. 


It includes slides for: task / video explanation, research resources, procedure / design process, materials list, a suggested timeline, presentation explanation, rubric, student planning guides and reflection, and awards. 


Depending on age, this project can take from several periods to up to two weeks. The recommended time frame is 4-5 periods.

The task: Can you design a resort building that will resist an earthquake? Students will work through the engineering design process while communicating effectively. There are 6 different award slides to emphasize the important parts of the project.



Monday, May 25, 2020

Really Cool Rollercoasters

Are you in search of a great STEM project to do at home or in class? This roller coaster design project is so much fun. It can take several hours or days depending on how you structure it. Check out a few of the 45 slides included.

This collaborative STEM project can be planned in person or virtually and be built in person. It's perfect for a modified remote learning situation, block schedule, or typical science / STEM class and can be shared via Google Apps or Google Classroom. Videos, research links, task directions, planning guides, rubric, and editable awards are included in the 45 editable slides.




Students are to design the safest, tallest, coolest looking roller coaster in the world. If your design is the best, it will be built at a local amusement park. They practice the steps of the engineering process as they research, plan and build, test, and retest their designs.


The best part is you can keep track of students' work both in class and from home. You can also comment and edit as needed, including by adding awards for the most creative, tallest structure, best collaboration, best use of materials, most sturdy, and best redesign.

Kids not only love this project, but they also learn to work together and to follow the steps of the engineering design process through a real life application!

Want to try some virtual interactives? These are great for learning about potential and kinetic engergy.





Did you miss out on a trip to Disney or an amusement park? Here are sone virtual roller coaster rides!


Check out more STEM / science posts:




Friday, December 19, 2014

Girl Scouts, Goldiblox, and Girl Power

Something amazing happened recently. I asked one of the sixth graders I tutor to tell me what she was interested in...and what she asked to get for Christmas. 

Her question: Why is everything that is made for girls pink and glittery?

Her answer: I want Goldiblox. What exactly is that, you ask? Watch the videos to find out.

This is your brain on engineering

Inspiring the next generation of female engineers - Debbie Sterling, creator of Goldiblox
We did some research and she not only learned that females across the world tend to make less than their male counterparts in the same position, are more likely to be illiterate and less likely to graduate high school. They also are a lot less likely to become engineers or take jobs in STEM / STEAM fields. 

One way to combat this? Encourage females. Educate males. Challenge gender roles.


Another way to help out? Instead of buying girls play food and dress up clothes, try out Goldiblox. They also have an interactive website to play around with.


Goldiblox website

Next, get girls involved with coding. This year, my students participated in The Hour of Code sponsored by Code.org. 

Watch the video (can you spot the celebrities?)




Finally, consider enrolling your girls in Girl Scouts or join / create a Girls on the Run club.