STEM Challenges And Advantages

Sample Solution

Brief 50-100 word description of STEM learning activity

STEM Learning Activity: Design and Build a Bridge

Grade Level: 6-8

Subject: Science, Engineering

Materials:

• Building materials such as straws, toothpicks, marshmallows, popsicle sticks, etc.
• Tape
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Weights (such as books or cans)

Procedure:

1. Students divide into groups of 3-4.

Full Answer Section

1. Each group is given a task to design and build a bridge that can support the most weight.
2. Students are given time to brainstorm their designs and then build their bridges.
3. Once all bridges are built, each group tests their bridge by placing weights on it until it collapses.
4. The group with the bridge that can support the most weight wins.

Engagement Strategies

Engagement Strategy 1: Choice

Give students choices in the STEM learning activity. For example, students can choose the materials they want to use to build their bridge, or they can choose the type of bridge they want to build. Giving students choices helps them to feel more engaged and invested in the activity.

Engagement Strategy 2: Collaboration

Have students work in collaborative groups on the STEM learning activity. This allows students to share ideas, learn from each other, and support each other. Collaborative work also helps to develop students' social and communication skills.

Engagement Strategy 3: Real-World Connections

Connect the STEM learning activity to real-world problems or applications. For example, students could research different types of bridges and the engineering principles that are used to design them. They could also visit a local bridge to see how it is constructed. Connecting the activity to the real world helps students to see the relevance of what they are learning and makes the activity more engaging.

Potential Classroom Management Challenges

Challenge 1: Noise

Students can get excited and noisy when they are working on a STEM project. This can be a challenge for teachers to manage.

Challenge 2: Off-task behavior

Some students may lose interest in the STEM project and start to engage in off-task behavior.

Challenge 3: Conflict

Students may disagree with each other about how to complete the STEM project. This can lead to conflict within the group.

Possible Solutions

Solution 1: Set clear expectations

Set clear expectations for students at the beginning of the STEM learning activity. Let students know what behavior is acceptable and unacceptable.

Solution 2: Circulate around the room

Circulate around the room while students are working on the STEM project. This allows you to monitor their behavior and provide assistance when needed.

Solution 3: Use mediation strategies

If students do have a conflict, teach them how to use mediation strategies to resolve it. This will help students to develop their conflict resolution skills.

Classroom Management in a Project-Based STEM Classroom

Classroom management in a project-based STEM classroom looks different than traditional classroom management. In a project-based STEM classroom, students are more likely to be working in groups and moving around the room. This can make it more challenging for teachers to monitor behavior and maintain order.

However, there are a number of things that teachers can do to create a positive and supportive learning environment in a project-based STEM classroom. Here are a few tips:

• Set clear expectations. At the beginning of the year, set clear expectations for students about how they should behave in the classroom. This includes expectations for group work, noise levels, and off-task behavior.
• Circulate around the room. While students are working on projects, circulate around the room to monitor their behavior and provide assistance when needed.
• Use mediation strategies. If students do have a conflict, teach them how to use mediation strategies to resolve it.
• Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan in a project-based STEM classroom. Be prepared to adapt your teaching and classroom management strategies as needed.

Meeting the Diverse Needs of Students

Every student learns in a different way. In a project-based STEM classroom, it is important to provide students with a variety of learning opportunities to meet their diverse needs. Here are a few tips:

• Provide students with choices. Give students choices in the materials they want to use, the projects they want to work on, and the ways in which they want to demonstrate their learning.
• Provide differentiated instruction. Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners. For example, you can provide students with different levels of support, different types of assignments, or different ways to demonstrate their learning.
• Use cooperative learning strategies. Cooperative learning strategies can help all students to succeed. For example, you can use jigsaw activities,