Jaclyn St. Armand
University of Maryland Baltimore County

Three, Two, One ... Blast Off!

Wed, Oct 29, 2014 9:07 PM
Great way to teach students about trial and error

The project gives third grade students the opportunity to design and test straw rockets. Students shoot their rockets across the room in order assess which aspects of their rocket increase flight distance. By keeping data on the elements present in successful rockets, students learn the importance of respecting evidence, and how identifying patterns in evidence can be useful. I think this is a great project to incorporate into your classroom. It includes many aspects of STEM and teaches students the importance of trial and error. Would definitely recommend!

Engineering Encounters: Catch Me If You Can!

Wed, Oct 29, 2014 9:01 PM
Excellent way to include STEM in your class

When we think science, technology, engineering, and math we may think these subjects are too advanced to be introducing to kindergartners, but this lesson makes is possible in a fun and creative way that appeals to this age level. To introduce this STEM unit the teacher begins by reading The Gingerbread Man. Then teacher blames several mishaps on the fact that the gingerbread man is loose in their school and the students must build a trap in order to catch him. The project began by having students create initial drawings of how they would catch the gingerbread man, after collaboration with peers students made modifications to their drawings. After creating their drawings students were given materials and asked to explore their properties and conclude which items would be best to trapping and holding the gingerbread man. After exploring materials and their properties students were given the materials necessary to build a trap the gingerbread man, they were asked to work with a partner. I think this project teaches very young children to listen and be receptive to the ideas of others and be creative. I would definitely use this lesson idea in my classroom.