Nov
20
In yesterday’s post, ideas and resources for STEM and STEAM integration for lessons on seasons were explained. Here is the Thinglink resource described in the STEM lesson integration on “Why Do Leaves Change?” Scroll over the image and click on the little black and white circles to view curriculum components.
#HarnessingImagination
Nov
19
We returned from #CCEFinland to full-out fall leaves courtesy of a sudden freeze while we were away. Keeping to our presentation theme of #HarnessingImagination, we brainstormed some lesson ideas while we raked the leaves and gathered components for our Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Teachable Moments, like turkey giblets, are never wasted. For a STEM connection, I can use the photos along with information from ESF State University of New York to form the basis of a ThingLink scavenger hunt on the science behind why leaves turn different colors in fall. ThinkLink Inc. is a Finnish-American in-image app created in 2010 by Ulla Engeström and Janne Jalkanen. Depending on time limitations (and how compelling the Black Friday sales are), I can ask students to either complete the Scavenger Hunt that I create or they can add their own components.
Please leave a comment with your ideas.
The leaves transformed the lawn to a carpet of color. For a STEAM connection, I can use the photos of the multi-color lawn as a palette for student composed poetry/haiku. After reading and discussing the technique of haiku from the Australian Writers’ Centre, student teams can take turns writing alternating lines of the poem or haiku. Alternately, students can choose to work solo on their poem/haiku.
Please leave a comment with your ideas.
Tomorrow’s post will feature the STEM lesson Thinglink deliverable. Click here to view.
All of the outside color found a place on our Thanksgiving table with our Fall Centerpiece of Safflower blossoms, garden parsley, rosemary, and chives. A little glitter spray paint glammed up some of the outside English laurel leaves.
References:
#HarnessingImagination
Australian Writers’ Centre, (2018, April 19). 19 Haiku poems about Autumn. Retrieved from
https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/19-haiku-poems-about-autumn/
College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York (2018). Why Leaves
Change Color. Retrieved from: https://www.esf.edu/pubprog/brochure/leaves/leaves.htm
All photos by Teague
Sep
6
Jun
19
Hardin-Simmons University’s Irvin School of Education hosted the sixth year of Dream-Catchers Summer Camp, a program designed to enhance literacy among elementary and middle school scholars from the Abilene Independent School District (AISD) and other nearby districts, held June 18 – 21 and June 25-28, 2018.
Dream-Catchers Summer Camp, funded by numerous donors through the Community Foundation of Abilene, HSU alumni, friends of the program, and local businesses, promotes problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on activities while building motivation and achievement in science and social studies. Dr. Renee Collins, Associate Dean of the Irvin School of Education, developed the camp as a result of research in the Engagement Model of Learning for diverse learners. The camp provides real-world connections with opportunities of collaboration, autonomy, and abundance of texts pertaining to Texas Parks and Wildlife Growing Up Wild and Project Wild activities for the young scholars as well as the American Revolution for the adolescent scholars.
According to Dr. Collins, the many motivating and engaging activities provides opportunities for success while applying reading and writing strategies. The scholars make connections through art, music, theater, and technology activities within the day. HSU is designated as a summer feeding site for children under the age of 18, so all scholars attending the camp eat a nutritious meal furnished from Abilene ISD. The 70+ camp staff members include current HSU education majors, AISD teachers, HSU alumni, Abilene community members, and other education major from nearby universities. The 165+ scholars, who range from kindergarten to 8th grade, make friends, develop literacy skills, expand knowledge about science and social studies, as well as
enjoy university aged mentors during the two weeks. It is a win-win experience for everyone.
For the first time, live-tweeting will occur during the camp. The live tweet hashtag is #HSUDreamCatchers
~Post content adapted from original press release by Dr. Renee Collins.
Post by Helen Teague, cross-posted at https://hsutxonlineed.edublogs.org/2018/06/19/hsu-dream-catchers/
Oct
2
This resource from Google is packed with curriculum, games that allow for hands-on practice, and even a pledge to teach students how to safely navigate the internet. Here is the link: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/ #STEM
Sep
29
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#STEM
Sep
27
PBS Learning Media has abundant #STEM resources to take your students on a learning adventure and inspire a lifelong love of science!
Wild Kratts follows the adventures of Chris and Martin Kratt as they encounter incredible wild animals, combining science education with fun and adventure as the duo travels to animal habitats around the globe! Explore Collection
Additional Resources
Animal Adaptations / Grades: PreK-3
How are some birds able to survive winter weather while others have to fly North? Why are Polar Bears and Walrus’ able to survive on land and water? Discover Wild Alaska with the Kratt Brothers! Students will learn about animals in Alaska and how they adapt, survive, and thrive in the wild. Discover More
Ready Jet Go! / Grades: PreK-3
This space-themed collection includes fun, educational video clips about planet Earth, the other major planets in our solar system, and the characteristics that set them apart. Discover More
Earth Science / Grades: K-2
From different weather patterns to land formations, help your students learn more about how the Earth works and how it was formed with this collection from NASA. Discover More
Sep
26
Quick Glance STEM Stats
*The aps.org site offers raw data, data rendered in excel, powerpoint, and Adobe files for additional in class use.
#MakeWhatsNext #STEM #QuickGlanceSTEMStats
Please share your STEM stats in the comments section.
Sep
23
“A superb machine in an amazing place doing everything possible to reveal the mysteries and secrets of our solar system… This morning, a lone explorer, a machine made by humankind, finished its mission 900 million miles away. To the very end, the spacecraft did everything we asked. We believe we got every last second of data. We have indeed accomplished everything we set out to do.” ~ Earl Maize, Cassini project manager, referencing the September 15th demise of the Cassini spacecraft.
Cassini Fast Facts:
Launched in 1977
Traveled almost 1 million miles
Reached Saturn in 2004
From NASA Website: Swirling Patterns on Saturn
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#STEM
Sep
19
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Please share your STEM stats in the comments section.
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