S.T.E.M.
S.T.E.M. is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The S.T.E.M. initiative shows the integration among these subject areas. It uses a hands on, investigative approach to learning. Students are guided by questions and problems to create. Students work in collaborative partnerships and/or small groups to complete a task or challenge. Students will have discussions and self- assess as they work on their tasks.
Our S.T.E.M. work will revolve around literature, fairy tales, and thematic units.
As a grade, we will add environmental-friendly guided questions and projects to promote discussion, debates, and solutions to helping the environment.
Green Questions to think about:
* How can we reduce our trash?
*How can reuse some recycled materials ( paper towel rolls, popsicle sticks, cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, etc.)
* What does it mean to compost? Do you think it will help the environment or hurt the environment? Why or why not?
*What can we build or create to help clean the environment?
*How can we measure and reduce pollution in New York? in the world?
* How can we as a class help the environment?
*How can we as a school help the environment?
*How can you at home help the environment?
*How can we reach out to the community to ask for their support in helping the environment?
S.T.E.M.: Invent a wheel that moves.
Students engaged in a three day investigation of creating a car that is able to move.
Day 1: Create a wheel that moves by making a plan, building, and testing. Students had to work collaboratively with a partner.
Day 2: Students had to create a car that was able to move down ramps at different heights and discuss why or why not the car was able to move. The ramps were set at 4 inches high, 2 inches, and 5 inches.
So groups even explored different surfaces on the ramps: sand paper, wax paper, aluminum foil, and felt.
Day 3: Students had to create a car that moves by using recycled materials ONLY. Students were able to make their own plans and cars, but they had their partners available if needed. Students discussed what worked and why. Students discussed how they worked through problems and challenges while building.
