Tinkercad for kids is one of my favorite ways to introduce upper elementary students to 3D design and engineering. Since 2016, I have taught it to hundreds of students in Grades 3 through 5 and refined these lessons through years of classroom experience. In this guide, I’ll share the sequence I use, beginning with students’ first login and continuing through …
KEVA Block Challenge: Hands-On STEM with Tinkercad
I currently teach computer science to K–5 students and love finding easy-to-access materials for hands-on projects. One of the most engaging so far has been a KEVA Block Challenge, an activity that turns abstract STEM ideas into something students can touch, build, and explore. This hands-on project is a fun and engaging example of authentic learning experiences with technology in …
Authentic Learning Experiences with Technology in K-5
Like most teachers, I believe connected experiences help students find meaning in what they learn. I want kids to think deeply and understand why learning matters. As a K–5 public school technology teacher who teaches every student, I often face a challenge: creating relevant, engaging lessons that feel real. What does authentic learning with technology look like? My experience teaching …
Teaching MYP Design: A Practical Guide for Educators
This post supports teachers new to MYP Design, especially those from a U.S. public education background. MYP stands for Middle Years Programme, an integral part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, a globally recognized educational framework. The IB’s philosophy centers on developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people motivated to succeed and contribute in a globalizing world. Basically, in the …
STEM Teaching Tools
When I search for STEM teaching tools, I expect to find STEM activities and lessons. These are helpful tools that I can implement in the classroom in a short period of time. I want intuitive resources to help me teach science, technology, engineering, and math in an awesome way. Not just STEM stuff, but STEAM stuff, too! This post aims …
The Power of Storytelling in STEM
This post includes six free, ready-to-use STEM storytelling resources for educators, including GRASPS scenarios and printable activities. Jump to the six free STEM storytelling resources or keep reading to learn how storytelling can make science, technology, engineering, and math more relatable and engaging. The power of storytelling in STEM lies in its ability to spark curiosity, build connections, and inspire …
Strands D.1 and D.2 in MYP Design
Managing all sixteen strands of the design cycle can be challenging for both new and experienced MYP Design teachers. Evaluating the effectiveness of students’ design solutions is a critical aspect of Criterion D. Strands D.1 and D.2 in MYP Design play a vital role at the end of the design cycle. They provide students with a roadmap for testing and …
MYP Digital Design
MYP digital design comes in many forms. Website design, game design, and coding are some examples. This MYP digital design unit evolved from working with Year 1 (sixth-grade) students at the American School of Lima in Peru, South America from 2015 to 2019. The rich cultures of Peru inspired our unit! With this MYP digital design example, students wrapped up …
Long Term STEM Projects
My goal with this post is to add some clarity to the array of STEM tools and resources online. Specifically, long-term stem projects may be underrepresented, underutilized, and within your reach! Read on for some of the elements and benefits of long-term STEM projects. What is STEM? STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM education takes place at …
Upcycling Ideas for Students
Upcycling ideas for students offer a fun and meaningful project-based approach for students to learn about their community and the environment. Opportunities to upcycle can easily be found at school or home and are an excellent fit for student creativity. The products that students can create by upcycling are essentially limitless. What is Upcycling? Upcycling is a process of transforming …