CLOUD MAGIC Multidisciplinary STEAM Experience Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to provide a shared sensory experience on which to build deep learning in the Sciences and the Arts. [Note: I presented this activity at the 2013 National Convention of the NAEYC.] Suitability: This activity is adaptable to many levels. It works well with preschoolers through… Continue reading Clouds: A Sensory Observation
A Child Meets Crickets: A One-on-One STEAM Experience Objective: Child will use her senses to learn more about crickets WOW A container of 10 crickets purchased from the pet store. I put them in the middle of a large under-bed tray [about 2 ft by 3 ft by 8 in. high]. CHILD OBSERVATION: At first Maria observed… Continue reading An Observation of Crickets
Observable & Measurable WOWs (Wonderful Objects of Wonder)* to use as inspiration for STEAM Activities The following list is only a few of the millions of things you can share with children to inspire scientific observation and questions, alert the senses, and nurture creativity. Remember to provide simple age appropriate observation and measuring tools. FOR… Continue reading Wonderful Objects of Wonder WOW!
Since so many teachers are fearful of math, I am going to start out by exploding some of the more common myths that prevent us from thinking mathematically and actually ENJOYING teaching it! Myth 1: Math is about getting the one right answer. No matter what you experienced in math class this is not correct.… Continue reading Math Myths
A is for Arts Since 2007 there has been an refocused awareness on the teaching of the STEM subjects - the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics - using hands-on, real life problems. However, this should not be done by eliminating the arts. They are an integral part of the sciences. Think of the importance of aesthetics and… Continue reading Why The “A” in STEAM?
In this observation lab students are introduced to basic measuring tools: metric ruler, metric tape measure, balance scale and gram weights. The example lesson is drawn from a second grade class who have been presented with fresh beets to observe. However, this lesson can be done at any grade level using any type of engaging object… Continue reading Measurement Lab: Observing Beets
This science-math-arts lesson starts off with the following story. Now we all know that there are no ghosts in real life, but we can make ghosts out of paper. Once upon a time there were three little paper ghosts. (Cut out a paper ghost) like this one. These ghosts just loved to fly around. Each had a special… Continue reading Flying Ghosts: Observing, Predicting, and Testing
Scientists use their senses to observe and formulate questions. In this lesson a first grade class observes sunflower heads. WOW [Wonderful Object of Wonder]: 5 large sunflower heads and 1 sunflower still on its stem. Objectives: Children will name their senses and then use them to make observations and create questions (Linguistic, physical, cognitive, and creative… Continue reading Sunflowers: A Science & Math Observation Lab
Setting up a sensory observation lab We are born scientists. From birth children can see, smell, hear, touch, and taste. Observations made with our senses are the foundation of scientific inquiry. So that is where we start... This activity can be done with children of any age. With very young children, it works best and is safest when an… Continue reading Being a Scientist: Sensory Observation Lab
Here is a toe tapping song that highlights the things scientists do. Sing it to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Think Like a Scientist: The Science Song by Joan Koster Observation is the key. Scientists listen, touch, smell, and see. [use appropriate hand gestures – at end of line have students cover mouth and say… Continue reading Think Like a Scientist