Bright Ideas for Teaching – Practical strategies and creative inspiration.

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 ...

As a teacher, preparing for a job interview requires careful thought and a strategic approach. Schools are not just looking for knowledgeable educators but also for individuals who can inspire students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to a positive school environment. Below are key tips, sample questions, and suggested answers to help you succeed in your teaching job interview. 1. Preparation Tips Research the School: Understand the school’s mission, values, curriculum, and student demographics. Review Teaching Strategies: Be ready to discuss classroom management, lesson planning, and student engagement techniques. Prepare Examples: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses with real experiences. Demonstrate Passion: Schools value teachers who are enthusiastic and committed to student success. Practice: Conduct mock interviews to refine your answers and boost confidence. 2. Common Interview Questions and Sample Answers Q1: Can you tel...