I’m currently working on building a strong, engaging STEM learning experience for first graders while I learn a new grade level and content. As a first-year first-grade teacher, I’m figuring out how to make STEM concepts developmentally appropriate, hands-on, and accessible for young learners while still challenging them to think creatively, collaborate, and solve problems.

I’m excited about finding more ways to integrate hands-on STEM challenges into our CKLA units so students can apply what they are learning in meaningful, creative ways. I especially love seeing first graders become engineers and problem-solvers, like when we recently designed and built the tallest tower possible to protect the Golden Goose’s egg!

I plan for successful STEM learning by connecting hands-on challenges to the content students are already learning, no matter the subject. I think carefully about the goal of the challenge, materials that are accessible to young learners, and how to group students so they can collaborate, communicate, and learn from one another. As I learn first grade, I’m also building a collection of STEM challenges that are engaging, manageable, and developmentally appropriate for my students.

One of my favorite recent STEM moments was our Golden Goose engineering challenge! After finishing our CKLA learning, my first graders worked in teams to design and build the tallest tower they could to protect the Golden Goose’s egg. They tested their ideas, made changes when things didn’t work, and practiced teamwork and problem-solving, all while being completely engaged in the challenge. Seeing them take ownership of their designs and proudly explain their thinking was such a magical first-grade STEM moment!

One thing I’ve learned is that STEM doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. With my first and second grade students, I’ve found that simple, hands-on challenges with clear goals give students the opportunity to think creatively, collaborate, test ideas, and learn from failure. I’m also learning that integrating STEM directly into our CKLA content makes the learning feel more purposeful and gives students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in a completely different way.

If you’re hitting a roadblock trying to come up with a STEM idea, ask AI to be your brainstorming partner! Give it the grade level, content you’re teaching, and materials you have available, and ask for a few simple, hands-on STEM challenges that connect to your lesson. You don’t have to use the ideas exactly as generated; let AI get you started, then add your own teacher creativity!

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog, Carrie! Congratulations on your National Champion of the Presidential AI Award. Your dedication to bringing relevant and meaningful STEM experiences to ALL children is inspiring! We appreciate you sharing your tips with us.

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