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Showing posts from January, 2024

Leprechaun Trap Challenge (STEM): St. Patrick's Day

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Leprechaun Trap Challenge (STEM) Instructions: Build a trap to catch a leprechaun using everyday materials. Follow the design process below! Objective: Encourage creativity, engineering skills, and problem-solving by designing a functional trap that could catch a mischievous leprechaun. Planning Sheet: Materials List: What will you use? (e.g., paper, string, tape, cardboard, LEGOs, pipe cleaners, cups, paper towel rolls, craft sticks, aluminum foil, etc.) Sketch Your Design: Draw how your trap will work, labeling key parts and mechanisms. Trap Mechanism: How will your trap trigger when the leprechaun enters? Will it use a pulley, lever, or hidden entrance? Will you include bait like gold coins, glitter, or candy? Building Phase: Work on assembling your trap using the selected materials. Testing & Improvements: Try triggering the trap multiple times. Identify any weaknesses and refine the design. Reflection Questions: What was the most challenging part of building the trap? What ...
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Tips to Deliver Engaging STEM Lessons

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Teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) lessons effectively can be a rewarding but challenging task. Here are some tips to help you plan and deliver engaging STEM lessons: Inquiry-Based Learning Encourage students to ask questions, explore, and discover.  STEM education is about fostering curiosity and problem-solving skills. Provide opportunities for students to investigate real-world problems. Hands-On Activities Incorporate hands-on activities whenever possible. STEM subjects often involve experimentation and practical application.  Real-World Relevance Connect STEM concepts to real-world applications. Show students how the material they are learning is used in various industries or in solving everyday problems.  Use Technology Leverage technology to enhance your lessons. Interactive simulations, educational apps, and online resources can make STEM topics more engaging and accessible.  Collaborative Learning Encourage collaboration and t...
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Dealing with Pressure from School Administrators

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Managing pressure from administrators is an essential skill for teachers. Here are some strategies to navigate this dynamic effectively. Open Communication. Regularly discuss expectations, concerns, and challenges. Keep them informed about your classroom activities and progress. Set Clear Expectations. At the beginning of the school year or a new term, establish clear expectations with your administrators regarding teaching methods, assessment strategies, and classroom management. Document Your Work. Keep detailed records of your lesson plans, student assessments, and any other relevant documentation. Seek Clarification. If you receive unclear or ambiguous directives, don't hesitate to seek clarification from your administrators. Constructive Feedback.  Be open to constructive feedback from administrators. View feedback as an opportunity for growth. Discuss any concerns you may have about the feedback in a professional manner. Proactive Communication. Keep administrators informed a...
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