Here are some STEM related resources I've found throughout my journey. I've separated them out according to the core discipline they most align with. I'm not attempting to review these sites, nor am I affiliated with them. I have used them in my teaching and I hope they help you in creating more engaging STEM lessons plans.
Science
Solar Energy Defenders Game
Standards:
4-PS3-2. Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
4-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.
Overview:
Use what you learn about solar energy to save the school dance from vampires in this super cool solar energy game. Collect energy during the day using solar panels to ward off the vampires at night. Consider sun angle, tilt, shadows and time of year to maximize your energy collection.
How does the resource support the standard?
Can be useful as an extension activity for students who complete their investigations during science. Site is in a game format and groups can compete for high scores to promote teamwork. The game requires students to test out different arrangements for the solar panels in order to get the highest score. Playing the game helps reinforce the idea that solar energy is derived from natural resources and what considerations need to be taken in order to use solar energy most effectively.
General thoughts:
This game is useful in that it requires knowledge of how solar panels operate as well as some basic geometry knowledge to achieve a high score. Trying to get a high score is a great motivator for students to stay engaged. It even gives them hints a about how to most effectively use math to solve the problems. Really can only be used as an extension activity. There is some scaffolding information in the beginning but not enough to use as a lynch pin for your lesson. Also requires a level of math content knowledge that may be too much for our struggling students. Overall I think it is a great game to use as a reinforcement activity at the end of a solar energy unit.
Standards:
4-PS3-2. Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
4-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.
Overview:
Use what you learn about solar energy to save the school dance from vampires in this super cool solar energy game. Collect energy during the day using solar panels to ward off the vampires at night. Consider sun angle, tilt, shadows and time of year to maximize your energy collection.
How does the resource support the standard?
Can be useful as an extension activity for students who complete their investigations during science. Site is in a game format and groups can compete for high scores to promote teamwork. The game requires students to test out different arrangements for the solar panels in order to get the highest score. Playing the game helps reinforce the idea that solar energy is derived from natural resources and what considerations need to be taken in order to use solar energy most effectively.
General thoughts:
This game is useful in that it requires knowledge of how solar panels operate as well as some basic geometry knowledge to achieve a high score. Trying to get a high score is a great motivator for students to stay engaged. It even gives them hints a about how to most effectively use math to solve the problems. Really can only be used as an extension activity. There is some scaffolding information in the beginning but not enough to use as a lynch pin for your lesson. Also requires a level of math content knowledge that may be too much for our struggling students. Overall I think it is a great game to use as a reinforcement activity at the end of a solar energy unit.
Technology
Airpano - A virtual trip around the world
Standards:
Overview:
Students are able to go on virtual field trips by looking at 360 degree photos and videos of various locations through the world. Great way for students to step outside of their little worlds and see places they may never have seen otherwise. Sites include underwater shark feeding in the Bahamas, a tour of Moscow in the Spring, and the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.
Standards:
Overview:
Students are able to go on virtual field trips by looking at 360 degree photos and videos of various locations through the world. Great way for students to step outside of their little worlds and see places they may never have seen otherwise. Sites include underwater shark feeding in the Bahamas, a tour of Moscow in the Spring, and the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.
Engineering
Cut Out Fold Up – Interesting things to make out of paper
Standards:
3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
Overview:
Website that contains many different designs and types of paper models, from toys to mathematical models. There are a plethora of designs to choose from. You can sort them alphabetically by name, from easiest to hardest, or from highest rated to lowest rated.
How does the resources support the standard?
There are many different designs on the site. Some can be used to reinforce geometry lessons, some can be used for reflection/refraction lessons, and some can be used to introduce students to 3d models. They will inevitably require some trial and error in order for the students to get the designs just right.
General thoughts:
This resource can be used as an extension activity, as a group project, or as an introduction to a new mathematical concept. There are over 200 different designs at varying levels of complexity. Can also be used to promote critical thinking and problems solving with students if they choose to do a harder design. I like the fact that the site has you generally use materials that you can find at home, making it an accessible activity for many of our students. The complexity of some of the designs may require a teachers guidance, or you can simply let them try it on their own.
Standards:
3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
Overview:
Website that contains many different designs and types of paper models, from toys to mathematical models. There are a plethora of designs to choose from. You can sort them alphabetically by name, from easiest to hardest, or from highest rated to lowest rated.
How does the resources support the standard?
There are many different designs on the site. Some can be used to reinforce geometry lessons, some can be used for reflection/refraction lessons, and some can be used to introduce students to 3d models. They will inevitably require some trial and error in order for the students to get the designs just right.
General thoughts:
This resource can be used as an extension activity, as a group project, or as an introduction to a new mathematical concept. There are over 200 different designs at varying levels of complexity. Can also be used to promote critical thinking and problems solving with students if they choose to do a harder design. I like the fact that the site has you generally use materials that you can find at home, making it an accessible activity for many of our students. The complexity of some of the designs may require a teachers guidance, or you can simply let them try it on their own.
Math
Didax Virtual Manipulatives
Standards:
Numerous
Overview
Ad-free virtual manipulatives that can be imbedded into Googleclassroom or MyMCPS Classrooms to help enhance student learning, especially during this stay-at-home period of education.
How does the resource support the standards?
Students can use the virtual manipulatives to help them in visualizing answers to math problems the teachers provide. They are was easy to use as the real thing! Examples include: Unifix cubes, Geoboards, Base Ten Blocks, Spinners, and many more. Each manipulative comes with an instructional video that can help struggling students or parents that want to engage more in their child's education.
General Thoughts:
I think this is great for the times that we are currently going through. It is hard for parents to fully engage in their child's learning while also trying to work and support the household, this is a great resource to help students answer their math problems using current technology.
Standards:
Numerous
Overview
Ad-free virtual manipulatives that can be imbedded into Googleclassroom or MyMCPS Classrooms to help enhance student learning, especially during this stay-at-home period of education.
How does the resource support the standards?
Students can use the virtual manipulatives to help them in visualizing answers to math problems the teachers provide. They are was easy to use as the real thing! Examples include: Unifix cubes, Geoboards, Base Ten Blocks, Spinners, and many more. Each manipulative comes with an instructional video that can help struggling students or parents that want to engage more in their child's education.
General Thoughts:
I think this is great for the times that we are currently going through. It is hard for parents to fully engage in their child's learning while also trying to work and support the household, this is a great resource to help students answer their math problems using current technology.