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In my science methods course, I need to create a science lesson plan which incorporates STEM/STEAM activities. My unit focuses on properties of matter at the 4th/5th grade level. Any helpful ideas and suggestions are appreciated. Thank you! Liliana

Hi Liliana, I have recently read an article about incorporating STEM into the classroom and lessons through short stories and read aloud books. With the content area of matters and properties of matter as your main focus finding literature in those areas would be a great way to grab the students attention in a creative way. These short stories could model activities you could have the students do at a later point in time or they could just be a fun way to re-emphasize the topic area. I hope this helps or gives you some other ideas.

One way I would implement STEM into my future classroom would be to establish and practice some skills such as problem-solving, innovative thinking, communications, productive teamwork, g enerating multiple ideas, and decision-making. These characteristics and skills help children learn to work together, use hands-on methods and solve real world problems. They help children become creative, innovative and critical thinkers that change our future. Some activities I would incorporate into my classroom are listed in this website: https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/36-stem-project-based-learning-activities . These activities are creative and differ from being math, engineering, art , technology and science based.

In regards to creating a lesson plan on the properties of matter that incorporates STEM activities, I have a great idea for the property of density. I would have the students create a tin foil boat and see how many pennies they can put on the boat without sinking it. This would be a great Explore piece for a 5E lesson plan. It will motivate the students, and they will be using their STEM skills. I believe it is important to incorporate STEM activities in our classrooms in an applicable way for our students. I hope to do this every time I teach science.

In my classroom, I would implement STEM activities by providing my students with fun, innovative projects that promote critical thinking and everyday concepts. Having students build different things based off of ideas they come up with. For example, a really good lesson that promotes engineering and science is creating a hoverboard. The teacher could make a few requirements that each group of students need to meet, but everything else is their own designs and creations. I think this is very engaging and a fun challenge for students. It is important to keep STEM fun and exciting in the classroom in hopes they choose this field in their future careers!