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A closeup of three paper chains.
Good TeachingSTEM/STEAM

STEAM Learning with the Paper Chain Challenge

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Every teacher could use a few team-building STEAM challenges to keep in their back pocket. Bonus points if they’re inexpensive to set up and focus on what students can do with simple materials. Read on to learn about a fun idea to test students’ problem-solving mettle with the Paper Chain Challenge!

The Source

I love working in the brick and mortar building of TCEA HQ, but it is also invigorating to get out on the road. The best part of workshops is connecting with teachers. I love hearing what their students are learning and what technology they are using to get the learning accomplished.

This fabulous STEAM activity comes to you courtesy of Kathy Sleeper. She is the STEAM Lab teacher at Bullard Elementary School in East Texas. This is one of her first activities to start off the year. While it works as a great icebreaker, it would also be great any time you are looking for a STEAM Challenge or a team-building activity.  It’s very inexpensive and requires no prep other than rustling up three items.

Students will work together in groups to make different paper chains. They will collaborate to see what strategies they can find to make the longest chain possible. All you need to do is give them a piece of paper and lots of room to experiment and problem-solve.

Equipment Needed

  • One piece of 9 x 12 construction paper. Provide a different color to each group.
  • One pair of scissors
  • One small glue stick

Student Objectives

During this challenge students will do all of the following:

  • Analyze a problem.
  • Create a plan prior to construction.
  • Try different paper-chain size solutions.
  • Build student communication and collaboration.
  • Reflect on the process.

The Set Up

Divide the class into groups of three or four students.

Display of paper chains by classes.
Photo by author.

Have each group write down their predictions for what will happen. How long do they think their paper chain will be? What strategies do they expect will increase the length of their chain?

Allow 20 minutes for the teams to plan and execute their paper chains. 

Call time’s up!

Give time for teams to measure their chain.

Hang each group’s paper chain on the wall. 

Reflect on the process. Did their process work as they predicted it would? What would they do differently next time?

For a quick and easy group reflection, make a copy of this Google Form and have students fill it out.

Hopping on the Chain Train

Are you ready to see what your students can do with just a piece of construction paper and a lot of ingenuity? Good luck with your paper chains! Let me know how it goes and share your students’ record lengths with me at preimers@tcea.org.

Featured image photo by author.

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Crafting puts the A in STEAM
STEM/STEAM

Why Is the “A” Important in STEAM?

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

In the past, people were fixated on necessities. The production of more food, more clothes, more shelter, all working to ensure that basic needs were met. With such needs came the focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), where developed countries started specializing in STEM industries to develop more efficient machinery so that more of these necessities could be produced. Today however, where most of our necessities are already met, the introduction of STEAM has emerged.

What Is STEAM?

The “A” in STEAM stands for arts, and it might just be more important than most people realize. STEAM involves the application of creative thinking and design skills to STEM projects, and introduces a variety of new ways to use traditional STEM skills.

The Backdrop

There is a huge controversy whether the A should be included in STEM. On one side is the argument that introducing the arts will dilute the STEM movement, resulting in less time spent on STEM and hence, lesser exposure. However, others have also argued an even greater importance for the arts to complement STEM. With our current focus on STEM, students today are mostly adept at solving theoretical problems, but lack the proper know-how to adequately apply them to real-world problems. In the end, they lose the touch of creativity, or become too hamstrung at suggesting new ideas that push the status quo forward.

Importance of STEAM

Most employers adore employees who excel in STEM. However, the inability to innovate and come up with new applications of STEM would defeat its purpose in the medium term. Instead of placing such sole focus on STEM, schools should start utilizing STEM grants to come up with different ways of teaching students more relevancy to the real world. For example, besides teaching hard coding skills, teachers can facilitate competitions for the best application created (such as the TCEA Robotics contests) and applying engineering design process to a 3D design contest (such as the TCEA 3D Design Contest).

Such techniques push creativity and individual challenge where the focus is not just what students have learned, but how they can best take what’s learned and put it against what is needed and socially valuable. Such learning also helps them find relevancy with what they’re doing to the working world. This fun way of learning helps them better remember STEM and teaches them real-life applications. Furthermore, those traditionally weaker at STEM domains can now find an appropriate “A” niche to colloborate and innovate with those stronger in these STEM areas. This cross-functional team is highly valued in today’s world, allowing the complementary strengths to elevate the work and output to whole new levels.

The Right Combination

Most people consider the addition of “A” into STEM as including arts on an entirely separate level. However, it is more a confluence of developing high-order engineering skills while retaining the freedom to innovate and remain creative. With STEM giving them knowledge on how to work on problems, the arts give them new directions to take their problem-solving forward.

In this sense, the arts don’t dilute STEM. Instead, they complement it. This is especially relevant today in today’s increasingly digital and interdisciplinary world where creativity is highly necessary and valued. Technical skills plus a vital dose of creativity is the way to go today, and one without the other would be for naught.

This is a guest blog by Jacqueline Ang. Jacqueline is an education technology writer who serves as a content writer at Yodaa (www.yodaa.co), an ed-tech startup based in Singapore. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management. In her free time, she researches on online marketing and education tips and news.

 

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Student fostering global connections with her partner
Good TeachingSTEM/STEAM

Creating Global Connections with STEAM Learning

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The August issue of TCEA’s quarterly magazine TechEdge will be out very soon. The theme of the August issue is global connections. In each story, educators from around the country share how breaking down classroom walls and fostering global awareness and empathy are transforming their students. We wanted to include a sneak peak of one article from the very talented Tina Coffey on her work with the organization Level Up Village. This article is abridged, and the full version will appear in the magazine. TechEdge is sent to all TCEA members. If you are not a member, it is not too late to join here. You’ll receive the next issue in the mail and have access to a digital archive of past issues. 

Creating Global Citizens with STEAM Learning

One Friday morning in March, I walked into a fifth grade classroom to a buzz of activity. Small groups of students were gathered around an iPad practicing beginning Spanish words. Others were working feverishly with students from the local high school to customize and practice Spanish phrases. One student was showing the teacher a video he had recently received from his Nicaraguan teammate. Throughout the room, the excited chatter of students filled the air.

I was delighted to see so much focused activity. This group was a completely different Global Studies class than the one I had seen two months before. But what had caused this transformation?

STEAM and Global Citizenship Unite

A former colleague introduced me to a company that was able to provide our district a great solution. Level Up Village offers global STEAM classes for grades K-9. Their courses include everything from Global Web Designers to Global Storybook Engineers. For each course, classrooms in the United States are partnered with classrooms in developing countries. Together they complete a STEAM project, while also getting to know about a different country in a very personal way. Level Up Village takes care of all the logistics, including pairing students with individual global partners, providing fully developed curriculum and teacher training, and facilitating global communication and collaboration via a safe and secure portal.

Fostering global connections through Tinkercad project

Students working in TinkerCad as Global Inventors (Credit: Tina Coffey)

After conferring with our central office staff, our district began piloting a Level Up Village Course called Global Inventors, which focuses on 3D printing. Up until this point, Global Studies was usually taught in fifth grade along with writing, and was mainly focused on textbooks and internet research. We planned on capitalizing on the Global Inventors course’s cross-curricular components to integrate lessons that met science and math standards alongside Global Studies.

We approached a teacher at Oak Grove Elementary who was enthusiastic about piloting the eight-week program. All students in fifth grade at Oak Grove were able to participate, and each one was paired with a child from Argentina, Nicaragua, or Honduras.

Video Powering Global Connections

As part of the course, each student sent video messages back and forth to his or her partner. Often the video topics were prompted by a few suggested questions, but students were free to come up with their own as well. This exchange of videos soon fostered a friendship across countries that made the project real and meaningful.

Electricity and Nonrenewable and Renewable Resources

Level Up Village provided a series of videos that challenged students to look beyond simple similarities and differences and delve into complex problems. One issue they looked at centered on electricity production, usage, and accessibility. The students learned surprising facts, such as that Nicaragua has a lot of untapped potential for geothermal energy production thanks to its nearby volcanoes. They also learned that not everyone has easy and cheap access to electricity. This knowledge helped set the framework for the purpose behind the 3D design project.

Let There Be Light

To create their global inventions, students used a computer-aided design (CAD) software called Tinkercad to design a casing for a solar flashlight, which was then printed on the 3D printer. Solar flashlights were novel gadgets for our students, but for their partners in developing countries, these flashlights could be used when electricity was not available.

Student wiring flashlight while building global connections

Student wiring solar flashlight (Credit: Tina Coffey)

Students had to call on their understanding of circuits, measurement, and 3D calculation to design the flashlights. They had to make sure the case they designed could both contain the required electrical components and fit on the class 3D printer. Using Tinkercad was by far the hardest part of the course for many of these students. However, knowing they had a partner that was counting on them helped them persevere.

One student wrote, “… it took time and effort to finally finish it. It was hard to make all the measurements perfect so all the components would fit. I hope it helps my partner to study at night and during power-outs.”

Creating Global Citizens

Throughout the Global Inventors course, the students’ growth as global citizens was evident. They could not only name basic facts about the countries they studied, but understood so much more. The project cultivated greater empathy, understanding, and curiosity. The students’ written reflections on their class blogs reflected their growth as citizens of the modern world.

One student wrote, “This project was very different from what I’m used to. It was nice to learn about and send messages to people from across the world. I’ve learned that a 3D printer isn’t just to make cool looking things. Those things can change someone’s life.”

Here’s a video sharing Tina’s story:

Making a Difference with LUV from elemitrt on Vimeo.

If you are interested in trying the Global Inventors course in your school, the In School Price is $55 per student. However, some district-wide variations apply. Level Up Village also says that a number of schools have successfully applied for grants from community organizations to run their courses.

The writer of this guest blog, Tina Coffey, is the Instructional Technology Resource Teacher at Oak Grove Elementary School in Roanoke, Virginia. She is also the Level Up Village US Teacher of the Year for 2017. Connect with her on Twitter @elemitrt.

 

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STEAM
Good TeachingProfessional LearningSTEM/STEAM

Three Stupendous STEAM Ideas from the TCEA Showcase at ISTE 2017

by Susan Meyer
written by Susan Meyer

I’m in San Antonio at the TCEA Showcase at ISTE 2017 absorbing the energy and excitement of the event. Here at the TCEA Showcase, we’ve got poster sessions, demo slams, maker projects, and more. We’re even giving away a FREE makerspace eBook at our membership booth. (Although, never fear; our followers who aren’t with us in San Antonio this year can still learn all about it and get their own copy here.)

The poster sessions provide a chance for attendees to really get one-on-one with presenters in a casual come-and-go environment. They can ask specific, in-depth questions and get answers from real educators who are using technology in innovative ways in their classrooms and schools. It’s enlightening to attend poster sessions not only to see some really cool presentations, but also to hear the discussions that come out of them. The presenters received some great ideas from attendees as well!

I wanted to provide a taste of one of our Monday poster sessions for our readers who aren’t able to make it to San Antonio this year. Here are some great projects, tips, and ideas from the digital storytelling and STEAM poster sessions. Read on to discover how three educators from across the country are using technology in their schools to inspire greater learning.

Easy as Raspberry Pi

At one poster presentation, TCEA President Dwight Goodwin shared how his school uses Raspberry Pi and the Internet of Things to inspire students to work together and come up with solutions on their own. He said they encourage their students to decide what they want to make using their tiny, affordable Raspberry Pi computers. They could create a Minecraft server or a camera or anything else they wanted. This keeps the learning student-directed and encourages excitement and engagement.  Students who wanted to make the same thing could then be paired together and join their strengths to overcome their weaknesses. If one partner got frustrated by an aspect of programming, another partner could jump in to lead the way. Goodwin also encouraged not giving away the answers too easily. When students ask him for help, he encourages them to first research to see if the solution to the problem they have already exists.

STEAM Can Be Simple

Educational technology expert Dr. Alice Christie led a fascinating poster session on how STEAM can be relevant and rigorous without a lot of expense. She comes up with questions which she prints on stickers and then applies to big sheets of butcher paper for the kids to write their answers down on. She then includes small, inexpensive props, like plastic sea creatures or dice, that the students can move around to sort, manipulate, and use to create stories, depending on the lesson. For example, students learning about invertebrates and vertebrates, could sort animals into different columns on the paper and talk about the similarities and differences. The most pivotal part is that, at the end of the day, the students come up with questions for the following day that they want to answer. The lesson then pushes them to become better at asking questions and pinpointing more specific questions that will lead to greater inquiry. Dr. Christie saves the butcher paper from day to day and students can review them at the end of a multi-day lesson. This helps them see that learning is an iterative process and one day’s answers can inform the next day’s questions.

Cross-Curricular Ghost Stories

Nicole Hicks of Celeste ISD shared some fun ways to combine history and creative writing with technology. The students researched supposedly haunted places in Texas, such as the Menger Hotel. They then wrote a research paper about the history of the building and its place in Texas history. They also wrote a fictional story about events occurring there. Finally, they had to create a video presenting their knowledge of the place. Some students built an actual scale model based on dimensions determined from Google Maps (using both their mapping and measurement skills in the process). Others created a replica of the hotel in Minecraft. They used a green screen in their video to make it appear as if they were on site at the historic place. They then used the app TouchCast to include video-in-video and offer viewers a virtual tour of their model, including all of the exciting history they had learned.

Project from the TCEA Showcase

Two different takes on the Menger Hotel

More Great Ideas to Come

These cases came from just three of the posters in one time slot here at the TCEA Showcase. I’d love to share all of the incredible stories and ideas, but it’s far too much to capture in a single blog post. If you’re here at ISTE 2017, come visit the TCEA Showcase in the Park View Lobby for many more poster sessions over the next couple of days. We’re covering high interest, tech-rich topics like programming and robotics, augmented/virtual realities, inclusive learning, and the maker movement. You can also catch one of our 20-minute, fast-paced demo slams on topics like technology infrastructure, innovative learning environments, and more! Get the whole schedule here, and we hope to see you soon.

 

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Announcements/Important Dates

STEM Day 2024

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

Did you know that November 4th was National Chicken Lady Day and November 2nd was National Deviled-Egg Day? While these quirky celebrations might not leave you feeling egg-static, there’s another observance that’s truly worth cracking open: National STEM Day on November 8th. Unlike those egg-centric holidays, STEM Day 2024 is no yolk – it’s a celebration that’s truly egg-cellent and deserves our full attention!

This shell-shocking revelation highlights an important day dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM/STEAM Day offers us a golden opportunity to focus on the disciplines that are scrambling to shape our future. 

Puns aside, as educators, we play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals and fostering a love for these disciplines among our students.

TCEA has consistently provided valuable STEM/STEAM resources and activities for educators. This year, I am taking a different approach with three offerings: an inspiring STEM Mantras poster, a visually engaging “Why STEM?” slide deck, and an interactive timeline challenge. These resources are designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of STEM across various audiences.

1. STEM POSTER

STEM MANTRAS is a poster outlining STEM/STEAM affirmations to ensure a productive learning environment. This epic poster will be helpful for students even after STEM day is long past!

2. WHY STEM? Slide Deck

Why STEM? was made in Google Slides as a visual representation slide deck that explains what STEM is using only photos and graphics. The speaker notes provide direct explanations for each slide which are simple and of few words. The straightforward dialogue is designed to be accessible to various audiences, whether it’s students, parents, or educators new to STEM concepts. Make a copy here.

3. STEM-TASTIC TIMELINES ACTIVITY

I made these “Stem-tastic Timelines” in Canva specially for STEM day.  The activity challenges students to explore the evolution of technology across various STEM fields. 

How the Activity Works:

  1. Each slide presents four images representing STEM innovations from a specific field (e.g., Communication Devices, Transportation, Optical Devices).
  2. Students are to arrange these images in the correct chronological order.
  3. The following slide reveals the correct order, along with brief explanations and dates for each innovation which you will find in the Notes.

Fields Covered:

  • Music Formats
  • Communication Devices
  • Transportation
  • Optical Devices
  • Farming Equipment
  • Cooking Methods
  • Flight and Space Travel
  • Space Exploration
  • Data Storage
  • Energy Sources
View the Presentation

Edit the Template

If you are looking for STEM/STEAM activities and resources, please check out these blog posts from TCEA.

STEM DAY 2022

Ignite Innovation: Online Contests to Spark Inspiration

Seven Story Bin STEM Activities

Microbit Block Coding Cards

STEM Resources for High School Learners

STEM Activities and Challenges for Middle School Students

Holiday Themed STEM Activities

As we celebrate STEM Day 2024, let’s remember the importance of fostering STEM and STEAM skills in students, ensuring a brighter and more innovative future for all. Hopefully these resources aren’t just chicken feed –  I am hoping they just might crack open some engaging discussions and activities that can extend far beyond November 8. So let’s get cracking and make this STEM Day a truly egg-ceptional experience!

And since I am having so much fun with the egg-stra delightful puns, maybe a National Deviled-Egg blog should be written next year? That is a solid NOPE from me!

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Classroom ActivitiesFallSeasonal ActivitiesThanksgiving

Thanksgiving Activities for Your K-12 Classroom

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

It’s November already, which means holidays like Thanksgiving are just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to start working some Thanksgiving activities into your lesson plan! Whether you teach first grade or freshman english, we’ve put together some fun and educational activities for you to use leading up to Thanksgiving break!

Looking for more fun fall crafts? Check out these previous blog posts:

Thanksgiving Activities for Elementary School Students

Make a Turkey Tail with Fall Leaves

If you live in a place where the leaves change color during the fall months, take advantage of the cooler weather by taking your little learners out on a fall walk! Have them collect leaves as you go, then have them help Tom the Turkey by creating a new tail made of colorful fall leaves once you get back to the classroom!

Click here to access our Fall Leaf Turkey Template.

Develop Your Own Traditions

Traditionally, many discussions about Thanksgiving traditions surround the type of foods we eat, but some students may be sensitive to this topic (especially in lower income or food-scarce areas). Instead of talking about food-specific traditions in your classroom, teach students how all traditions have to start somehow, and encourage them to come up with some ideas of their own! Ideas might include doing a special Thanksgiving dance with their family, or putting on a Thanksgiving play. Have students write a brief sentence or paragraph, depending on their age group, about why their idea would make a good tradition. Then, have the class participate in each other’s new holiday activities!

Here’s a My New Tradition worksheet to help get you started!

Get Corny and Celebrate the Harvest

If you’re looking to teach your students about the harvest season, have them make glass gem corn with craft beads! This colorful crop is (in my opinion!) one of nature’s most beautiful and unique creations. Prepare a lesson on how the Native Americans taught the Pilgrims to farm, then set out bead stations. Either have students glue their beads to a sheet of cardboard cut in the shape of a corn cob, or twist six to eight pipe cleaners together and have students thread an even number of beads on each one before twisting the free ends together!

Thanksgiving Activities for Middle School Students

Explore the History of Indigenous Peoples

A great way to engage middle school learners during the Thanksgiving season is to build upon the basic knowledge they have about the indigenous groups of North America. Explain to them how Thanksgiving represents how the pilgrims learned from Native Americans, then have them play around with native-land.ca, a hands-on software that allows you to search your address and learn about the native groups who have inhabited the land throughout history!

Fill a Gratitude Jar and Share with the Class

Middle school is tough for many students, simply because there’s so much change happening all at once. Bring a little peace and mindfulness to your students this Thanksgiving by passing out strips of paper (extra points if they’re in fall colors like orange and red!) and having students write what they’re most grateful for. Collect the slips in a jar and share them anonymously with the class. 

Complete Thanksgiving Themed Word Puzzles

Give students a brain break with a Thanksgiving puzzle, like a crossword or word search! Print off one of the several available Thanksgiving puzzles from puzzles-to-print.com or have students create their own with Discovery Education’s online Puzzlemaker and then swap them with other students’ to complete.

Thanksgiving Activities for High School Students

Complete a Creative Writing Assignment

A great way to get high school students engaged in the holiday fun is to assign a creative writing project in which they take on the persona of a historical figure and write a first-hand account of the first Thanksgiving. Students start by researching their historical figure, like William Bradford or Chief Massasoit (they could also be an attendee of the first thanksgiving, as opposed to a real, historical figure). Then, have them write out a 500 word story describing their experience surrounding the first Thanksgiving. 

Set Up a Thank You Card Station

There are a lot of people working behind the scenes to keep teens on-track during the holiday season. Set up a thank you card station where high schoolers can come between classes or during study hall to create customized thank you cards for the people in their life. Encourage them to make cards for other school staff like custodians, lunchroom workers, other teachers, coaches, and more! This is a great way to allow students to take responsibility for sharing their gratitude, while helping guide their thoughts surrounding being thankful for their community.

Download the supplies list and example messages for your Thank You Card Station here.

Throw it Back with Fun Crafts

High schoolers are still kids, after all. Take the pressure off and provide a brain break with some fun crafts, like our elementary school ideas at the top of this post, or with some of the literal thousands of Thanksgiving craft ideas found online! The opportunity to blow off some steam and focus on a fun craft instead of looming finals and deadlines might just become a core memory for some of your students.

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving activities?

Share your ideas in the comments so other educators can use them, too!

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10 Critical Thinking Skills for Elementary Students including Activities
Classroom ActivitiesContent AreasGood TeachingUncategorized

10 Critical Thinking Skills for Elementary Learners

by Sara Qualls
written by Sara Qualls

As students dive into the complexities of the world, it’s crucial to equip elementary learners with strong critical thinking skills. One study shows that developing these skills can really boost students’ academic performance and problem-solving abilities. 

When we foster these skills early, we’re setting up our young learners to analyze information, make smart decisions, and adapt to new situations with confidence and creativity. So, let’s jump in and check out some critical thinking skills activities that can help spark curiosity and strengthen these essential skills in elementary students! 

Fostering Adaptability in Elementary School

Adaptability is the ability to embrace new ideas and adjust perspectives based on fresh evidence or insights.

Imagine being a superhero, using your powers to tackle various challenges—that’s the essence of adaptability! For young learners, developing this crucial skill helps them navigate new situations, embrace change, and recover from setbacks. As they learn to adjust their approaches, they build confidence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster adaptability skills in elementary students.

Adaptability Activities for Elementary School

Flexible Schedule
Allow students to create their own schedule for a day or a week, but introduce changes along the way (e.g., shifting activities around). This helps them practice adjusting their plans and managing time effectively, giving them a realistic glimpse into daily life!

Team Building Games: Engage students in activities like or “Tower Building” with limited materials. As they work together, introduce new rules or challenges to see how they adapt their strategies.

Mystery Object
Present an object and ask students to come up with multiple uses for it. This fosters flexibility in thinking and encourages them to view challenges from different angles. You might be surprised by the imaginative solutions they come up with.

Bonus: Solo-Cup Engineering Challenge

Enhancing Analysis Skills in Elementary Students

Analysis is the ability to break down complex information into smaller parts, identifying patterns and relationships.

Imagine taking a complex puzzle and breaking it into manageable pieces—now that’s a skill to cherish! It’s all about spotting patterns and relationships that help clarify the big picture. For elementary learners, developing analysis and critical thinking skills is crucial; it empowers them to ask questions, solve problems, and think independently. Here are some fun activities designed to help young students build this essential, future-ready skill. Let’s jump in!

Analysis Activities for Elementary School

Story Mapping
Have students create a visual map of a story, identifying characters, setting, problem, and resolution. This helps them break down and analyze the narrative structure. Plus, it’s a creative way for them to visualize the story elements and see how they connect!

Compare and Contrast
Provide two similar books or stories and ask students to identify differences and similarities in themes, characters, and settings. They can use a Venn diagram to organize their thoughts. This activity not only sharpens their analytical skills but also encourages lively discussions about what makes each story unique. You can find tools to create your own Venn diagrams here.

Data Sorting
Use a simple dataset (like class survey results) and have students categorize the data, creating graphs or charts to represent their findings. This hands-on activity allows them to engage with real information, making analysis feel relevant and exciting!

Bonus: Make”Choose Your Own Adventure” Stories with Google Forms and AI

Collaborative Learning for Elementary Students

Collaboration is working effectively with others, sharing ideas, and integrating different perspectives to reach a common goal.

Imagine a group of young explorers navigating a treasure map together—that’s the essence of collaboration for elementary students! For young learners, developing collaboration skills is essential as it empowers them to communicate, share ideas, and build strong relationships. By fostering collaboration early on, students lay the groundwork for teamwork in future endeavors. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate collaboration skills in elementary learners.

Collaboration Activities for Elementary School

There are many ways to use story dice to promote creativity, writing skills, and more in the classroom.

Group Story Creation
Have students sit in a circle and collaboratively create a story, with each student contributing a sentence. This encourages them to listen to each other and build on ideas, fostering communication and teamwork. Try using Story Dice to engage your students.

Team Building Games
Organize simple team-building games, “Pass the Hula Hoop,” that require students to work together to achieve a goal. These activities promote trust and cooperation among classmates. A favorite activity from young learners to adults is Save Fred. Give it a go!

Collaborative Art Project
Provide a large piece of paper or canvas for a group art project where each student adds their own element. This encourages creativity and collaboration as they negotiate how to combine their ideas into a cohesive piece.

Bonus: Friendship Quilts Bring History, Math, and SEL Together

Building Communication Skills Early

Communication is the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 

Imagine a group of young friends excitedly sharing their favorite stories—that’s the essence of communication for elementary students! For young learners, developing strong communication skills is essential as it empowers them to express their thoughts, collaborate with peers, and build relationships. By fostering communication skills early on, students lay a solid foundation for future academic and social success. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate communication skills in elementary learners.

Communication Activities for Elementary School

Show and Tell
Organize regular “Show and Tell” sessions where students bring in an item of personal significance and explain its importance to the class. This encourages them to practice speaking in front of others and articulating their thoughts clearly. Explore six communication games and activities for elementary students here. 

Story Circle
Create a story circle where students take turns adding a sentence to a group story. This activity promotes listening skills and encourages them to build on each other’s ideas, enhancing their verbal communication.

Role-Playing
Have students engage in role-playing scenarios that mimic real-life situations, such as ordering food at a restaurant or interviewing for a job. This helps them practice conversational skills and learn how to communicate effectively in different contexts.

SEL Check-In Templates Feature Image

Bonus: 14 Editable SEL Check-In Templates

Nurturing Creativity in Young Minds

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and think outside the box, an essential skill for students as they navigate a rapidly changing world. 

Imagine cultivating a garden of ideas where each student can plant their own unique vision—that’s the power of creativity! For elementary learners, fostering creativity means encouraging imaginative play and exploration. It empowers them to express their thoughts freely and develop problem-solving skills through innovative projects. Here are some engaging activities specifically designed to help elementary school students nurture this vital, future-ready skill. Let’s jump in!

Creativity Activities for Elementary School

Creative Storytelling
Provide students with a set of random images or objects and ask them to create a unique story connecting them. This activity enhances imagination and narrative skills, making it a fun way to develop storytelling abilities. Try the Emoji Writing Prompt generator for some added fun.

Invent a New Game
Challenge students to design a new game with specific rules and objectives. This encourages teamwork and creative thinking, allowing students to express their ideas in a playful context.

STEAM Projects
Integrate STEAM concepts into art by having students create projects that blend creativity with science and technology. For example, they can design a simple machine that performs a specific task using everyday materials or create art using coding platforms. For more inspiring ideas, check out this resource STEM-Tastic Activities.

Empowering Decision-Making in Students

Decision-making is weighing options and outcomes to make choices that align with goals and values.

Imagine being a captain, steering your ship through uncharted waters—that’s what decision-making is all about! For elementary learners, developing this skill is crucial as they begin to understand how to evaluate options and make thoughtful choices. As they practice decision-making, they learn to think critically, consider consequences, and build confidence in their decisions. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster decision-making skills in elementary students, helping them become empowered, thoughtful individuals ready for future challenges.

Decision-Making Activities for Elementary School

Learn 6 tips for encouraging quieter students to participate in classroom discussions.

Classroom Discussions
Initiate discussions about a story or topic where students must share their opinions and justify them. This encourages them to think critically about their perspectives. Worried about the quieter students? You can find tips here to help everyone participate!

Mystery Box
Place several items in a box and have students guess their purpose. They must explain their reasoning, which promotes observation and analytical skills. This hands-on activity makes decision-making fun and interactive.

What If Scenarios
Present hypothetical scenarios (e.g., “What if animals could talk?”) and have students discuss the implications. This activity fosters imaginative and critical thinking, allowing them to explore different outcomes and their effects. You can find 320 creative questions from Making English Fun to get started. 

Evaluation Skills for Elementary Students

Evaluation is assessing the credibility of sources, arguments, and evidence to make informed judgments.

Imagine being a judge, carefully assessing options and making informed decisions—that’s the essence of evaluation! For elementary learners, developing this skill is key to understanding how to analyze information, weigh pros and cons, and make thoughtful choices. As they practice evaluating different scenarios, they boost their confidence and enhance their critical thinking abilities. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster evaluation skills in elementary students, helping them become discerning thinkers ready for future challenges.

Evaluation Activities for Elementary School

Two shelves with the seven book covers from the post on them.

Picture Books Comparison
Have students read two different picture books and evaluate the illustrations, themes, and messages. They can create a chart to compare their findings and share them with the class. This not only hones their evaluation skills but also promotes a love for reading!

Classroom Voting
Present a few ideas for a class project or theme and have students discuss the pros and cons of each. They can then vote, explaining their reasoning for their choice. This activity encourages critical thinking and helps them understand the decision-making process. Need a tool to help with your polling? Try one of these resources.

Product Reviews
Provide students with a simple product (like a toy or game) and have them evaluate its features, benefits, and drawbacks. They can create a poster or a short presentation to share their reviews. This fun activity allows them to practice articulating their evaluations in a creative way.

Inference Skills in Elementary Education

Inference is drawing logical conclusions based on available information and data, even when not all details are clear.

Imagine being a detective, piecing together clues to uncover hidden meanings—this is the essence of inference! It’s all about reading between the lines and drawing conclusions from evidence, which is crucial for navigating complex texts and situations. For young students, developing inference skills is essential; it boosts their confidence as readers and thinkers, helping them understand and engage with the world around them. Here are some engaging activities designed to spark their curiosity and strengthen this important skill.

Inference Activities for Elementary School

Picture Walk
Before diving into a book, take a picture walk! Have your students look at the illustrations and make predictions about the story based on visual clues. This engaging activity encourages them to discuss their inferences as they read, making the story come alive!

Story Predictions
Before finishing a story, ask students to predict the ending based on clues provided throughout the text. Encourage them to share their predictions and the evidence they used to support their inferences. This not only enhances their analytical skills but also fosters a deeper connection with the narrative.

Character Inference
Read a story and pause at key moments to ask students to infer what a character might be thinking or feeling based on their actions and dialogue. This activity helps them develop empathy and critical thinking as they consider different perspectives.

Problem-Solving for Elementary Schoolers

Problem-solving is the ability to develop strategies to tackle challenges, including identifying root causes and generating creative solutions.

Imagine facing a fun challenge and figuring out how to overcome it—that’s the heart of problem-solving! For younger students, developing this skill is key to navigating obstacles, thinking creatively, and building resilience. As they tackle simple problems, they gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment that lays the groundwork for future challenges. Here are some engaging activities designed to foster problem-solving skills in elementary learners.

Problem-Solving Activities for Elementary School

Example Google Forms for solving a digital breakout.

Puzzle Challenges
Provide students with a variety of puzzles (e.g., jigsaw, logic puzzles, digital breakouts or word searches) that require them to think critically to find solutions. This fun and interactive approach encourages them to collaborate and strategize. Check out these puzzle resources and digital breakouts for a quick start!

Math Word Problems
Create real-life scenarios that require students to use math to solve problems, encouraging them to identify the necessary steps to find a solution. This practical application of math not only sharpens their problem-solving skills but also helps them see the relevance of math in everyday life. You can find several examples of real-world math problems here.

Building Structures
Use materials like blocks or recycled items to challenge students to build a structure that meets specific criteria (e.g., height, stability). This hands-on activity fosters teamwork and creative problem-solving, allowing students to learn through trial and error as they bring their ideas to life.

Bonus: The Dump Truck-Incident: An Elementary Problem-Solving Challenge

Research Skills for Young Students

Research is the ability to gather information, analyze it critically, and draw informed conclusions. 

Imagine a group of curious young detectives exploring their world, seeking answers to intriguing questions—that’s the essence of research for elementary students! For young learners, developing research skills is essential as it empowers them to seek knowledge, ask questions, and develop a love for learning. By fostering research skills early on, students build a strong foundation for future academic success. Here are some impactful activities designed to cultivate research skills in elementary learners.

Research Activities for Elementary School

Question of the Week
Present a new question each week related to a subject the class is studying. Have students research the answer using books, articles, and online resources, then present their findings to the class. This encourages curiosity and helps them practice gathering information.

Nature Journals
Encourage students to keep nature journals where they document observations about plants, animals, and the environment. They can research facts about their observations and incorporate the concepts of Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) to structure their findings. This approach helps them analyze their observations and articulate their understanding more clearly. 

Classroom News Report
Have students create a classroom news report about a recent event or topic they researched. They can include interviews, facts, and their opinions, helping them learn to synthesize information and present it in an engaging format.

Bonus: Resources to Teach Students about News Validity

Incorporating these critical thinking skills into elementary classrooms helps create a strong foundation for young learners. As they engage in activities that promote analysis and adaptability, students are better equipped to face future challenges with confidence. So, what types of activities are you using to foster critical thinking in your classroom? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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12 cards featuring cards 1, 2, 6, 11, and 12.
Coding/Computer ScienceSTEM/STEAM

12 Micro:bit Block Coding Cards

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

The micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that packs a powerful punch when it comes to engaging students in the world of coding. But where to start with it? This blog post provides 12 fun “finish the code” block coding cards designed for use with the MakeCode platform. 

What Is a Micro:bit?

Imagine a tiny computer with a 5×5 LED display, buttons, sensors (light, accelerometer, temperature), and the ability to connect with other devices. That’s the magic of the micro:bit! It’s a versatile tool that allows students to bring their creations to life through code.

Why Micro:bits Are Perfect for the Classroom

  1. Bridging the Gap Between Abstract and Concrete: Coding concepts can seem abstract. But with the micro:bit, students see their code translated into tangible actions on the device, creating a clear link between cause and effect.
  2. Coding Success from Day One: MakeCode’s intuitive block coding interface makes learning to code accessible, even for beginners. 
  3. Computational Thinking across the Curriculum: Problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity are at the heart of computational thinking. Micro:bits can be integrated across various subjects, from engineering challenges in science to interactive storytelling in language arts.
  4. Learning from Mistakes: Mistakes are inevitable, and with micro:bits, they become valuable learning opportunities. Students can debug their code, iterate, and improve their problem-solving skills.
  5. Durability Built-in: Micro:bits are kid friendly, NOT kid proof.
  6. Plug-and-Play Simplicity: No complicated installations or drivers are needed. Simply connect the micro:bit to your computer and you’re ready to code.
  7. Budget-Friendly Choice: Compared to other STEM/STEAM educational tools,, micro:bits offer a cost-effective way to introduce students to the world of coding.

Introducing the Finish the Code Cards

My thought on the design of these 12 “Finish the Code” cards is that they can be assigned to students after certain blocks have been introduced. The cards cover 20 blocks of code in different combinations. You can access just the PDF file here to print and of course, laminate your own set of cards.

Bonus! I have also provided the Google Slide deck here. This resource includes:

  • Handy table with the specific blocks used for each card
  • 12 cards
  • A possible solution for each card

I could also see the Finish the Code Cards being used for the following:

  • Extension Activities: Challenge students to expand upon the provided code, adding complexity or incorporating new features.
  • Assessment Tools: The cards offer a quick and engaging way to assess students’ understanding of specific coding concepts.
  • Fun: Use the cards for a quick brain break or collaborative coding challenge, fostering a fun and engaging learning environment.
  • STEM Night: Students could use cards as challenges for friends and family.

With micro:bits and MakeCode, the possibilities for creative learning are endless! If you have a program that should be included in this set, please email me at preimers@tcea.org. If you need a learning experience on micro:bits, please check out the TCEA online course that my colleague Miguel Guhlin and I designed. This course is designed for the educator who wants to bring micro:bits into their classroom but is not sure where to start.

Happy coding!

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sustainable building
STEM/STEAM

Four Sustainable Building Sets for STEM and Creative Classrooms

by Peggy Reimers
written by Peggy Reimers

In today’s classrooms, fostering creativity and exploration goes hand-in-hand with fostering a love for our planet. This is where reusable building materials shine! Not only are they kind to the Earth by reducing waste, but they are also cost-effective in the long run. Here are four fantastic options for sustainable building.

KEVA Planks

Teacher building with KEVA planks.

Design: KEVA Planks are maple or pine rectangular wooden blocks. They come in one standard size (approximately 1/4 inch thick, 3/4 inch wide, and 4 1/2 inches long) and lack any connecting mechanisms.

Open-Ended Play: The beauty of Keva Planks lies in their simplicity. Without snaps, hooks, or specific building instructions, they encourage open-ended play and creative exploration. Students can use them to build towers, bridges, ramps, intricate structures, or anything their imaginations conjure.

Classroom: The KEVA Planks website has tons of ideas and an educator section that includes classroom information, grant information, and a free downloadable educator guide. The KEVA Planks YouTube channel has 152 videos in categories such as KEVA Ed for Teachers, KEVA Ed for Kids, Ball Runs, and Speed Builds.  

Cost: After registering as an educator and creating an account, educator discounts are available for volume purchasing. 1,000 educator pack with wood bin is $500.00.

Sustainability: Made from natural wood, Keva Planks are an eco-friendly choice for classrooms. They’re also incredibly durable, meaning they can be used by countless students over time, minimizing waste.

LEGO Bricks

Building names with LEGO bricks.

Design: LEGO bricks are  brightly colored, interlocking blocks that snap together with a satisfying click. The only downside? Speaking from experience, those little bricks can be rough on bare feet. LEGO and DUPLO® bricks are made from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), which is a hard plastic, very scratch-resistant and optimal for achieving the perfect clutch connection. 

Open-Ended Play: LEGO bricks epitomize the perfect blend of simplicity, open-ended play, and foundational engineering concepts. While building, children (and adults!) experiment with different shapes, sizes, and connection points, unknowingly developing spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills. They learn basic engineering principles like balance, weight distribution, and even rudimentary physics as they create towering structures and complex mechanisms. 

Classroom: LEGO has several robotic systems made with LEGO parts and pieces. For the regular brick, many websites have been created for lessons and activities for the classroom:

  • Follow Erik Murray on Twitter/X. I quote, he is the “Instigator of Learning. Trying to find a better way to engage everyone in STEM.”  He has great ideas and many include LEGO bricks. 
  • Little Bins for Little Hands is also a great resource for all kinds of LEGO challenges. 
  • Get your free Mars Mayhem Disaster Cards from TCEA (These cards can be used with any building materials, not just LEGO bricks.)
  • Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls from Sarah Dees. She is an educator (BSE in Special Education) and a published author, and she has a passion for creating engaging hands-on activities for kids!

Cost: STEAM School Kit includes 4,000 pieces and curriculum aligned lessons and activities for $700.00.

Sustainability: Not traditionally considered eco-friendly because of their environmental impact, but LEGO bricks are durable and can be passed down or rebuilt into new creations for generations, minimizing waste. By 2032, LEGO’s ambition is to make LEGO products from materials that are renewable and recycled.  Insider tip: Watch nearby garage sales and request donations from your students’ parents and grandparents. For sure, some will have LEGO bricks stashed somewhere in their house and would be willing to donate to your classroom.

Nurcs

Displays a Nurcs creation plus a pile of the connectors and craft sticks.

Design: Nurcs are reusable connectors specifically designed for craft sticks. With a variety of colors and angle shapes, they snap onto craft sticks. The plastic connectors come in six distinct styles: 60°, 90°, 135º, 180º, 360º, and E-shape couplers).

Open-Ended Play: The diverse connector shapes and the endless possibilities of craft sticks ignite creativity and encourage children to design their own unique structures, characters, and anything their imaginations conjure.

Classroom: Nurcs can be used across various subjects, from geometry and physics to art and storytelling. Teachers can create engaging activities that spark curiosity and make learning a fun and rewarding experience. The website also has a Gallery page where builders can send in their creations to be shared with other creators. While working with craft sticks, one can now ditch the messy glue, tape, and hot glue burns. 

Cost: Nurcs are fairly new and offer two buying options. A Starter Pack of 300+ Nurcs Connectors and 200 Nurcs Craft Sticks will cost $20.00. The other option is a Bag-o-Nurcs with 300 connectors for $15.00.

Sustainability: Nurcs embrace sustainable building by promoting the reuse of everyday materials. By replacing tape and glue with reusable connectors, Nurcs minimize waste and encourage responsible making practices. Nurcs are durable and designed for long-term use. This not only saves money but also reduces the environmental impact associated with constantly replacing disposable crafting or building materials.

Strawbees

A STEM lab student created Strawbees structure.

Design: Strawbees building straws are wider in diameter and stronger than regular drinking straws. The set includes five different lengths. The four connectors are color-coded with 1, 2, 3, and 5 legs. These materials are non-toxic, made of polypropylene (PP), and are 100% recyclable. 

Open-Ended Play: Strawbees intuitive design requires no complex instructions, making it accessible for a wide range of ages and skill levels. With just straws and connectors, the possibilities are endless! Students can build anything from 3D models and whimsical sculptures to intricate bridges and even working mechanisms. 

Classroom: Strawbees can be integrated with micro:bits and quirkbots. The Strawbees Classroom is a digital platform with engaging hands-on learning for STEAM subjects.  Strawbees also has a teacher support library.

Cost: STEAM School Kit includes 4,000 pieces and curriculum aligned lessons and activities. The price is $700.00.

Sustainability: The Strawbees connectors and straws are easy to modify and are designed to be used over and over again. Strawbees can be placed in the dishwasher in mesh laundry bags for cleaning purposes. You can even boil the pieces in hot water for ultra cleanliness. 

Incorporating reusable building materials into your classroom is a win-win for students and the planet. These versatile tools spark creativity, nurture critical thinking skills, and introduce STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way. From the classic appeal of wooden planks to the innovative click of interlocking connectors, there’s a perfect reusable building set waiting to be explored in your classroom. So ditch the disposable materials and embrace a world of sustainable building!

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Access 7 read-to-use Story Bin STEM activities that combine literacy and science for fun, memorable learning.
ELARSTEM/STEAM

Seven Ready-to-Use Story Bin STEM Activities

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

“Have you heard of STEM Bins?” Peggy Reimers said. “No, I haven’t,” I replied. In a moment, I’d fallen off the plank, submerged into a sea of learning. Like treasure chests filled with tools for creative imagineering, STEM Bins are fun. I like to think of them as Story Bins, because they turn stories into powerful learning opportunities. Let’s explore several practical ideas for elementary Story Bins.

Brooke Brown (follow her on Twitter for more exciting ideas!) gets credit for introducing me to the concept of STEAM/STEM Bins via this 2024 tweet by TCEA. Story Bins are just an adaptation of this. Here’s a video from Brooke sharing about STEM Bins. What an amazing idea to add to your repertoire!

What Are Story Bins?

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso

Story Bins are containers filled with various materials. They start with a story, then provide a challenge. The challenge is to build something that helps a character in the story.

These are perfect for students in elementary grades. Meeting the challenge pushes students to think outside the bin. Even better, they can learn hands-on skills through their constructions.

Story Bin Resources made by TCEA
Access Story Bin Seven Activities + Resources (English and Spanish) at the End of the Article

Why Use Story Bins?

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

With these bins of imagination, treasure chests of creativity, students blend their learning. You can also incorporate critical thinking skills a la Engineering Design Process.

Example: Jack and the Beanstalk

Take this old favorite tale. How would you build a catapult to escape the giant? The goal is to help Jack, who has to flee from a giant. A question to ask is, “How can we engineer a catapult using materials like pipe cleaners, scissors, tape, and disposable cups to help Jack escape from the giant’s castle in the clouds?”

The hands-on aspect of Story Bins makes it easy to connect knowledge to the real-world. In developing solutions that work, students solve problems that feel real to them. Tapping into various modalities can assist students’ brain in remembering concepts.

Some more questions for different stories are available via this link. Stories include:

  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Cinderella
  • Hansel and Gretel
  • Jack and Jill
  • Jack and the Beanstalk
  • Little Red Riding Hood
  • Pinocchio
  • Rapunzel
  • Rumpelstiltskin
  • Santa Claus
  • Sleeping Beauty
  • The Elves and the Shoemaker
  • The Lion and the Mouse
  • The Three Little Pigs
  • The Ugly Duckling
  • Three Billy Goats Gruff

An Example Story Bin Using the Engineering Design Process

In her blog entry, The Engineering Design Process for the Elementary Student, my colleague Peggy Reimers shares the Whirli-bots Engineering Design Process. Below, please find an adaptation of the Engineering Design Process. What if you ran one of the story bin challenges through this process?

Stages of the Engineering Design Process
Public View Link | Template Link

The result might be something like what appears below. Let’s focus on another “Jack and the Beanstalk” idea. What’s my fixation with “Jack and the Beanstalk”? This was one of the stories I first read in Spanish, then later in English when I was growing up.

Challenge: Create a parachute to safely transport Jack down the beanstalk.

Before beginning, you might first consider some guiding questions for the Engineering Design Process. Now that the challenge is set, let’s think through what it might look like in action.

1. Ask (Define the Problem)

  • Problem: Jack needs to escape from the giant’s castle safely.
  • Criteria: The parachute must slow Jack’s descent.
  • Constraints: Use available materials (pipe cleaners, scissors, tape, disposable cups).

2. Imagine (Brainstorm Solutions)

Ideas:

  • Use a large piece of lightweight material (e.g., tissue paper or plastic bag) as the parachute canopy.
  • Attach strings to the corners of the canopy and connect them to a small cup that represents Jack.
  • Ensure the parachute is large enough to create enough air resistance.

3. Plan (Develop the Solution)

Materials Needed:

  • Tissue paper or plastic bag
  • String
  • Disposable cup
  • Tape
  • Scissors

Design:

  • Cut a large square from the tissue paper or plastic bag.
  • Attach strings to the corners of the square.
  • Connect the other ends of the strings to the cup.

Steps:

  1. Cut the canopy material into a square.
  2. Reinforce the corners with tape and punch holes.
  3. Cut four equal lengths of string and tie them to the corners.
  4. Attach the other ends of the strings to the cup.

4. Create (Build, Modify, Test & Evaluate)

Build:

  • Assemble the parachute as planned.

Test:

  • Drop the parachute from a height and observe its performance.

Evaluate:

  • Check if the parachute slows the descent effectively.
  • Note any issues, such as the parachute not opening fully or the descent being too fast.

Modify:

  • Adjust the size of the canopy or the length of the strings if needed.
  • Test again to see if the modifications improve performance.

5. Improve (Share)

Learnings:

  • Document what worked well and what didn’t.
  • Share the design and test results with classmates or teachers.

Improvements:

  • Based on feedback, make further adjustments to the parachute design.
  • Consider using different materials. Or change the shape of the canopy for better results.

More Engineering Design Process Story Bin Ideas

Here’s another Engineering Design Process you might find useful for younger students. How would you do it?

StoryChallengeQuestionBrainstormPlanBuild (Test & Evaluate, Modify)Share
Jack and the BeanstalkCreate a device to propel Jack away from the giant’s castleWhat can we build to help Jack escape?Think of ways to make Jack move fast, like a slingshot or a rocket.Draw a picture of our idea and list what we need.Make our escape gadget, try it out, and change it if we need to.Show our friends and explain how it works.
Jack and the BeanstalkDesign a safe way for Jack to come down the beanstalkHow can Jack get down without falling?Imagine things that float down softly, like parachutes or balloons.Choose the best idea and plan how to make it.Create our parachute, drop it from up high, and make it better.Share our parachute and tell others how we made it safe for Jack.
Three Billy Goats GruffBuild a raft for the goats to cross the riverCan we make a raft that holds all three goats?Think of floaty things like logs or big tubes.Pick the floatiest idea and plan how to tie them together.Build our raft, test it in water, and fix anything that’s not right.Show our raft and tell the story of how the goats used it.
See MORE examples of the EDP in action in this Google Doc (Get a copy)

How Do Story Bins Enhance Education?

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Put Story Bins into the classroom to get the benefits for students. Those benefits include:

  • Have students who finish assignments early? Use Story Bins as a way to keep them involved and learning.
  • Need sponge activities for morning work or centers? Maybe you have a need to keep kids as a time-out/cool-down area engaged. Use Story Bins for that, too.
  • Focused on a particular story? Use Story Bins to explore various parts of the story.

Science is often under-utilized but processes like the Engineering Design Process (EDP) help. They model scientific thinking where students develop a hypothesis, gather evidence through prototyping. Then, they test their hypotheses to see if they are falsifiable (if the work or not).

Examples of STEAM Story Bin Challenges

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”- Albert Einstein

Here are a few ideas for Story Bins using common stories with a STEAM twist. You will find an AI-generated list of stories, challenges, and materials.

My colleague, Peggy Reimers, suggested the materials area include reusable materials, as well. Take a look at what’s available in your classroom, at home, and add to the list of one-time use materials, too.

StoryThe ChallengeOne-Time Use MaterialsSuggested Reusable Materials
Jack and the BeanstalkDesign a catapult to help Jack escape the giant.Popsicle sticks, rubber bands, plastic spoonKeva Planks, rubber bands
Jack and the BeanstalkCreate a parachute to safely transport Jack down the beanstalk.Lightweight fabric or a plastic bag, string, small toy figureLightweight fabric, string, LEGO figurine
Three Billy Goats GruffBuild a raft to help the Billy Goats Gruff cross the river.Corks, popsicle sticks, rubber bands, small plastic figuresStrawbees, foam pieces, small LEGO figures
Jack and JillConstruct a pulley system to lift the pails for Jack and Jill.String, spools, paper cupsLEGO bricks, string, small buckets (LEGO pieces)
The Three Little PigsEngineer a stronger house for the Three Little Pigs using different materials.Straws, craft sticks, clay, cardboardLincoln Logs, LEGO bricks
The Three Little PigsDesign a trap to catch the Big Bad Wolf.Cardboard boxes, rubber bands, plastic bottle capsLEGO bricks, rubber bands
Three Billy Goats GruffBuild a bridge that can support the weight of the Troll.Popsicle sticks, glue, string, small weights like coinsKeva Planks, glue (if permanent), weights (coins or small stones)
Little Red Riding HoodCreate a zip line to help Little Red Riding Hood escape the woods quickly.String, straw, paper clip, small toy figureString, straw (from Strawbees), paper clip, LEGO figurine
Hansel and GretelConstruct a marble run for Hansel and Gretel to find their way out of the forest.Cardboard tubes, marbles, tapeKeva Planks, marbles
The Ugly DucklingBuild a boat that floats for The Ugly Duckling.Corks, plastic spoons, waterproof tapeStrawbees, waterproof material (cut from reusable shopping bags), small LEGO figure
RapunzelDesign a tower that won’t fall down for Rapunzel’s prince to climb.Cardboard, tape, paper tubesKeva Planks, LEGO bricks
The Elves and the ShoemakerCreate a simple machine to help the Elves make toys faster.Gears, wooden skewers, rubber bandsLEGO gears, wooden skewers, rubber bands
Santa ClausBuild a prototype of Santa’s sleigh with working runners.Ice pop sticks, cardboard, fabric scrapsKeva Planks, fabric scraps
The Elves and the ShoemakerEngineer a contraption to help the Shoemaker work more efficiently.Cardboard, scissors, glue, fabric scrapsLEGO bricks, gears
Sleeping BeautyDesign a device to help Sleeping Beauty’s fairy godmothers travel faster.Balloons, straws, rubber bands, small toy figuresBalloons, Strawbees, rubber bands, LEGO figures
CinderellaConstruct a vehicle powered by wind to transport Cinderella to the ball.Cardboard, paper, straws, balloonsLEGO bricks, paper (for sails), straws
The Lion and The MouseBuild a seesaw for the characters from The Lion and The Mouse.Popsicle sticks, plastic spoon, small toy figuresKeva Planks, plastic spoon (as a fulcrum), LEGO figures
PinocchioCreate a toy car for Pinocchio that moves using rubber bands.Cardboard, rubber bands, bottle caps for wheelsLEGO bricks, rubber bands, bottle caps (for wheels)
Alice in WonderlandDesign a contraption to help Alice get back up the rabbit hole.Cardboard tubes, string, pulleysKeva Planks, string, pulleys (LEGO or similar)
RumpelstiltskinBuild a spinning wheel that can wind up the golden thread.Cardboard, dowels, stringKeva Planks, dowels, string

Additional STEM Resources for Story Bins

You can find a wealth of resources for Story Bins online. Here are a few curated links for your consideration. They may ignite your own passion and learning, as they did me.

Which Story Bin activity will you try with your students? Have ideas for other Story Bin STEM activities? Leave us a comment so we can add it to the list!

Access Seven Story Bin Activities + Resources!
(English and Spanish included)
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