A challenge I am facing right now is time! I think all elementary teachers struggle to fit everything in. I am working on how I can integrate more STEM into my reading curriculum to maximize learning.

Right now I am excited to do a new lesson on wind energy. I am going to incorporate it into my reading curriculum on butterfly migration and how the wind impacts their flight. Students will use the KiwiCo Wind Play Lab to do hands on wind experiments!

I have found the most success with incorporating STEM into reading and writing curriculum that I already am teaching. I began with the goal to have one STEM lesson for each reading unit, and then add on every year.

My students designed wagons using Vex 123 robots, craft sticks, tape, and pipe cleaners. After reading about pioneers traveling west, their goal was to design a wagon that would be able to carry all of their supplies. The supplies were cotton balls, and we tested how many their wagon could hold while moving without any falling out. 

I have learned that STEM doesn’t have to be big or extravagant to be impactful. There are plenty of quick and low-cost lessons. My students used pipe cleaners, paper plates, and cups to build bird feeder prototypes after learning about how various birds require different types of feeders. I incorporate this into my language arts time by having them write their ideas before they can build.

My snack-sized STEM tip is to start with just one piece of paper. My students have used one piece of paper to build a structure that will hold a water bottle 2 inches off the table. They can cut it and fold it any way they want, but that is all they get. They had a blast engineering their structures.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and tips, Heather! I think one of the most common misunderstandings about integrating STEM is that it must include robots, 3D printers, and other expensive items. I appreciate the ideas and examples you've given us, proving that integrating relevant STEM can be done effectively with minimal expense!

If you would like to continue to learn about all the great things Heather is doing in her classroom, make sure you give her a follow on LinkedIn!

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