STEM Activities You Can Do in the Classroom

Education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is crucial to prepare children for jobs of the future. As the world becomes more and more dependent on computers and technology, understanding STEM subjects has become increasingly important. However, many schools and education systems only teach basic science, leaving the bulk of STEM education to universities. By the time kids get to college, they have likely already decided what general field they want to study. Engaging kids in hands-on STEM research and activities at a young age can instill an early love of science. Here are some ideas of STEM activities you can do in the classroom. 

Make Lava Lamps

All you need to make homemade “lava lamps” are a clear plastic bottle, water, Alka-Seltzer, vegetable oil and food coloring. You’ll get to show them the physical properties of how oil and water don’t mix, as well as the chemical reaction of the fizzing Alka-Seltzer. 

Practice Coding

Computer coding is one of the most important skills your kids can learn to prepare them for the future. Everything from science to math to design to communications relies on it. Teaching kids from an early age sets them up for success. There are lots of resources to start teaching kids coding, including apps and computer games. 

Build a Bridge

Have kids construct a small bridge using only paper cups and paper. They have to be able to balance a third up on their bridge in order for it to be successful. You can offer help and suggestions, but try to let them figure it as much out on their own as they can. Kids will have fun building while learning about gravity and force. 

Make Math Practical (and Fun!)

Memorizing multiplication charts, while useful, doesn’t help kids understand the theory behind it. Put their math skills into practice by showing them how multiplication works. Demonstrate using small candies to show how it’s different from (and similar to) addition. 

What are other STEM activities you implement in the classroom?

All the best,

Steve

Your Discipline Plan and the Consequences

I think it is a very good idea to introduce your discipline plan and consequences on the very first day of school. Students need to know from the 'get go' what will happen to them. It can be reassuring to know what you will do if they are disobedient. They want to know how safe they are from punishment or how near to receiving rewards.

Everyone makes mistakes. Build a system that includes some forgiveness and room to correct errors. Regardless of the system of discipline you use, the most important principles are:

Be clear,
consistent,
and fair!

It helps students to be able to have visual references for discipline matters. Some teachers employ clothespins marked with students' names, or reserve a place on a black/white board where names are written if there have been discipline infractions during the day.

You will need to work out for your self  'how much is too much.' Some teachers use the old baseball metaphor, "Three strikes and you're out...," and send recalcitrant students to the principal's office after three infractions.

I also think you also need a carrot, not just a stick. You can motivate your students to want to do and behave well in the class. Gold stars on a score sheet, and other "carrots" have long been used in the classroom. The focus of the class should be about individuals and the group learning and achieving excellence, not about taking a lot of time to punish a "bad boy or bad girl."

What is your best advice to implement discipline in the classroom?

All the best,
Steve