OTT 233: 3 Brilliant Ideas for Teachers to Use Makerspace in Only 40 Minutes
I am calling all educators with the desire to inspire young minds through the wonders of science, technology, engineering, math, and even literacy!
I've got a treat for you today - three mind-blowingly simple STEM activities that can be done in just 40 minutes. There is no need for complicated equipment or advanced knowledge; these activities are so easy even a hamster could do them (well, almost). Get ready to unleash the mad scientist within, and watch your student's eyes light up with curiosity and excitement. Welcome to the world of hassle-free STEM education within your Makerspace, classroom, or media center!
The Importance of STEM Education in Elementary Schools
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - the essential building blocks of a modern education. But why is STEM education so important, especially in elementary schools? Here's a secret: kids of all ages are like sponges! They have an incredible capacity to absorb information and develop skills that will shape their future. Introducing them to STEM learning early on is like giving them superhero powers - they gain problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and creative confidence that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Imagine this: you're an elementary school student with zero interest in science or math (I know it's hard to imagine because we all loved equations at that age! Ha ha!). Suddenly, your teacher throws some flashy experiments into the curriculum mix. Now, you're witnessing chemical reactions transforming ordinary substances into fascinating new entities right before your eyes. Boring becomes mind-blowing! By incorporating hands-on activities and engaging experiments into their education journey, students can experience firsthand how STEM isn't just a bunch of letters but rather a great way to learn about the world around us and build curiosity towards scientific concepts and life in general.
Furthermore, STEM education goes beyond traditional subjects; it fosters innovation and empowers students to think outside the box. It encourages risk-taking by teaching kids that failure is just another stepping stone toward success - valuable lessons they'll carry with them as they face challenges later in life. Elementary schools are vital in setting the foundation for these young minds' academic journey and instilling a deep love of learning and thinking.
What is Makerspace, and How Can I Complete Easy STEM Activities in My Classroom?
Makerspace is like a magical laboratory where engineering skills blend with frugal fun while developing fine motor skills and critical thinking simultaneously. It's a place where students can let their imaginations run wild and tackle real-world challenges using creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. From designing their inventions to building functional models, Makerspace offers an exciting platform for students to explore the fascinating world of STEM with household items and basic supplies.
Want to get a jumpstart on Makerspace? Grab my FREE Makerspace Start-Up Kit here!
How can you bring this innovative concept into your classroom? Fear not, my fellow educators! You don't need a huge budget or a state-of-the-art facility to create a Makerspace in your classroom. With just a few simple supplies like cardboard boxes, popsicle sticks, and glue guns (with adult supervision!), you can embark on some mind-boggling STEM activities that will leave your students begging for more. Who knew we could turn trash into treasure by reusing everyday materials and inspiring the next generation of young innovators? Embrace the challenge and watch your student's eyes light up with excitement while completing engineering challenges with pipe cleaners and a rubber band.
And yes, I know there is rarely time to do the basics. And I know teachers have so much on their overflowing plates, but hear me out as I share three Thanksgiving STEM challenges that can be done in 40 minutes or less.
Idea #1: Building Disguises for Turkey with Cardboard and Play-Doh With a Fun STEM Activity for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it's time to have some turkey fun! Forget about traditional turkey arts and crafts; let's take it up a notch with a STEM twist. Get ready for an engineering project that will have your young kids laughing, learning, and building disguises for turkeys using cardboard and Play-Doh!
Now, why would a turkey need a disguise? Picture this: Thanksgiving arrives, and the turkeys realize they are on the menu. They panic! And who can blame them? So, our mission as young engineers is to design disguises to help these turkeys blend in with their surroundings. Grab some cardboard boxes of different sizes, colored paper or paint, tape, or glue – this is where the real engineering magic begins.
To really bring this idea to life, you should read the story Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano and then work through a challenge related to the story. You can find this challenge for less than $2.00 here or grab a bundle of 10 challenges that go with 10 Thanksgiving stories for less than $5.00 here.
With their inventive minds at work, kids can construct turkey costumes out of cardboard boxes by cutting holes for wings and legs. They can then decorate the costumes using Play-Doh to further camouflage them into different surroundings, such as a dining table centerpiece or a bookshelf decoration. This encourages creativity and engages children in problem-solving because they'll need to think about how best to incorporate elements like feathers or patterns into their designs. Remember that you want the solutions to be open-ended, meaning the answers will all differ. This isn't a craft. We want unique solutions for kids to show different ways of doing things and to celebrate other ideas and perspectives.
This activity teaches kids essential engineering concepts like structural stability when assembling cardboard pieces into functional disguises. It also introduces them to principles of camouflage as they experiment with different colors and textures using Play-Doh. Alongside these educational benefits, there's no doubt that constructing these disguises will be so much fun!
Idea #2: Creating Load Bearing Devices to Move a Heavy Load Using Craft Sticks and Simple Materials
If you're looking for a quick and simple STEM project to impress your kids, look no further than creating load-bearing devices using craft sticks and simple materials. Who would have thought that those tiny popsicle sticks could bear the weight of heavy objects? This engineering project is fun and a great way to learn about structural integrity and problem-solving.
This quick, creative thinking activity requires Turkey Goes to School by Wendi Silvano and this Thanksgiving STEM story station challenge for Makerspace.
After reading the story, discuss the problem- Turkey and his friends can't get to school. This initiates simple STEM projects! Talk about comprehension AND engineering projects all in one!
When you add a time constraint, like students have to create a solution in 15 minutes, you make the challenge a little more complicated. Plus, you are ensuring that this activity doesn't take all day! If you are wondering where the science portion lies, the secret lies in understanding the physics behind weight distribution. By strategically placing the craft sticks and securing them together with glue or tape, you can create a sturdy support structure capable of carrying an impressive load. It's like building your own mini suspension bridge right on your tabletop! And now you have a science activity for the day!
But don't let its simplicity fool you; this project requires serious engineering finesse. Balancing the load, distributing weight evenly, and ensuring stability are critical factors. Experimenting with different designs and materials could lead you to unexpected breakthroughs. Who knew wooden craft sticks could hold their own against more conventional building materials? So grab your imagination (and some popsicle sticks) because it's time to engineer our way into moving heavy loads in style! Plus, each challenge comes with lesson plans already done for you. Simple ingredients or materials are also easy to acquire; you already have them in your classroom.
Idea #3: Designing and Testing a Device That Holds An Entire Turkey Family for Kids of All Ages
A third idea for our simple STEM series for elementary kids allows teachers to get kids to put engineering skills to the test as we embark on the challenge of designing and testing a device that can safely hold an entire turkey family. That's right, folks! We're not talking about just one turkey here, but a whole clan of gobbling feathered friends! This challenge is enjoyable for young children who might love the book The Best Thanksgiving Ever! by Teddy Slater. (Affiliate links included.) Older children also love a good STEM challenge and a fun Thanksgiving book.
Why would we want to design such a contraption in the first place? Aside from being a fun and creative project, it also allows us to explore principles of weight distribution, balance, and structural integrity. Plus, it's always early enough to start brainstorming innovative solutions for hosting your own Thanksgiving feast...Turkey Tents, anyone?
So gather your materials and get those inventive juices flowing as we dive into this hilarious adventure in poultry engineering. Let's see who can develop the most ingenious contraption that keeps our turkey family perched happily together without taking flight or losing their feathers! Remember: this is not just any ordinary STEM experiment - it's an opportunity to think outside the box (or turkey coop!) and let your inner architect soar like never before. Stay tuned for more updates on our feathered escapade.
Tips for Successful Implementation in Limited Time With Younger Kids and Older Kids
For younger kids, easy ways to implement simple STEM activities in a limited time is through stories. Integrating science, technology, engineering, and math into everyday tasks can be educational and fun. Throw literature into the mix, and it gets even more accessible. Try utilizing the engineering design process when coming up with a solution. Have kids ask questions about the problem, plan and brainstorm the answer, create and build, test and revise, and finally, allow children to reflect upon what worked and did not.
Need some FREE Engineering Design Process Posters? Grab them below.
For older kids, fostering their interest in STEM can be more challenging but equally rewarding. One effective method is letting them lead on projects that align with their interests. Please encourage them to explore real-world problems that require problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Whether building a simple robot using recycled materials or designing an app that addresses a community issue, giving older kids autonomy over their STEM projects allows them to develop a sense of ownership and motivates them to delve deeper into these subjects.
Remember: Making STEM activities enjoyable for all age groups requires excellent ideas on adaptability and creativity. So seize opportunities for a fun activity within everyday books for younger kids and empower older kids with project-based learning experiences tailored to their passions! Who says science can't be woven seamlessly into our lives? Get those young minds buzzing with excitement as they discover the marvels of STEM!
Foster Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills in a Fun Way Using Different Materials
In conclusion, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills doesn't have to be a tedious task, nor does it take a long time to accomplish. We can inject some fun into the process using different materials and approaches. Whether building with Legos, creating art with playdough, or even solving puzzles, these fun STEM projects provide opportunities for children (and adults!) to think outside the box and develop unique solutions. So why wait? Grab some materials, unleash your imagination, and start fostering creativity and problem-solving skills in a fun way today!
