I have blogged on this site on and off for a long time now! While you'll still find a number of posts here, make sure to check STEM Activities for Kids for STEM updates:

 How to Use Legos in STEM ClassFind the updated post here at STEM Activities for Kids!  I love using legos for STEM building projects! They are easy to work with, keep clean, and can be reused. If you were wondering how to use legos or generic building bricks in a more intentional way, I have the resource you are looking for!Introducing STEM MatsWhat are STEM mats? I created a set of reusable […]

Halloween STEM Activities for Kids of All AgesHalloween is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate with kids, and I don't even like spooky, horror, etc.! I think of it as a time of year to dress up or be playful, share candy with friends, and try out some fun Halloween-themed STEM challenges.Try these STEM challenges with your kids and let me know how they went!Create a Twirling BatAll you need […]

STEM Class Activities for the First Week of SchoolIf you want to get to know a little more about your students, and get them started to think like scientists, mathematicians, and engineers, I have some great ideas for you! Get to Know You Activities for STEM ClassGet to know your new STEM students with an All About Me activity! The Math About Me and Science About Me activities are perfect for […]

I often get asked about STEM PD opportunities, and while there are a number of awesome conferences to attend, this virtual one is a teacher favorite. Elementary STEM Con & Beyond is the STEM PD event of the year! Some professional development just really hits the mark. ❤️  Conference Content: 45+ sessions, panels, and interviews from 25+ passionate educators30+ hours of video […]

 Digital Stop Motion AnimationHands-on stop motion animation is one of my favorite STEM activities to do with kids, because it can be tied into almost any subject area, offers high engagement, and develops patience, perseverance, and persistence. It's not always an option, though, such as when:Technology or materials are limitedYou don't have space to set up and keep sets available for multiple […]

STEM Activities to Accompany Those Darn Squirrels! One of the BEST picture books for learning about STEM and the engineering design process is Those Darn Squirrels! by Adam Rubin. Not only is the story delightful and quirky, but the illustrations really bring it to life!The squirrels are on a mission to get as much bird seed as possible, but Mr. Fookwire tries to thwart them every which way. The […]

Letters from Space: Picture Book ReviewIf you have a kid who is fascinated by space, they will adore this fun, fact-filled picture book! Written by Clayton Anderson, an astronaut who spent 152 days aboard the International Space Station, this quirky book is fun and funny! Susan Batori's illustrations bring Clayton's letters alive as he lets the readers know about day-to-day goings on as well as […]

Tips for Using Zoom with Your StudentsA member of the STEM Teachers Group asked for everyone's best tips for using Zoom with their students. The tips were so awesome and useful that I compiled them in this post (and downloadable graphic) so that everyone could benefit! If you have additional tips please be sure to let me know via email so I can add them in!1. Set ExpectationsSet out expectations […]

STEM Challenge for Summer: Design a Submersible!This is one of the more challenge STEM activities I have done with kids over the years! It's also perfect for summer because you will get wet! Warning: You WILL Get Wet with this STEM Challenge Why try this challenge? I can't even tell you how many boat challenges I have done with kids, asking for a simple craft that floats, something that can […]

WHOLE Teacher Training and Nurturing Fill in the Blank I am a ___________ teacher. Whatever blank you filled in, you probably also have a missing piece. Do you want to be prepared whether you are teaching in the classroom or in a distance learning environment? Do you want to be a culturally responsive teacher who meets the needs of ALL your students? Do you want to be a ROCK STAR […]

Our Favorite Educational Games Games are one of my favorite ways to learn and reinforce skills with kids. My own kids, especially when younger, wanted to play game after game. Why not play games that aid in education? For convenience, I have added links to all of commercially-produced games in one location! You can browse for them here: Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission for my […]

BINGO - It's not just for old people When you think of BINGO, do you think of a room full of senior citizens with their daubers ready to go? I'm going to let you in a secret. KIDS. LOVE. BINGO. Whether you are playing for 5 in a row or blackout bingo (complete the whole card), there is just something in the anticipation of whether or not YOUR NUMBER is going to be called next. Most […]

Task Cards Can Be Used a Variety of Ways Task cards have become a staple in the elementary classroom. They are so versatile for reinforcing learning; if you haven't tried them yet, I highly recommend them. They reusable year after year, so after you prep them once you are good to go storing them for the next year. 1. Use Task Cards at Your Centers This is definitely one of the more obvious […]

5 Ways to Celebrate Before Winter Break that DON'T Include Christmas While I grew up celebrating Christmas both at home and in school, I also went to a Catholic school where almost everyone was also celebrating Christmas (and kids were there by parental choice). If you have a situation where every one of your students celebrates Christmas, or you are hosting a variety of winter holiday […]