![]() ![]() It can continue to build students’ understanding of how to tackle problems systematically, using the engineering design process.It will help to refocus students on teamwork.Note a couple of other things about this Launcher: In this particular design challenge, teams of students will modify an idea for an amusement park ride, the DareDevil, so that the riders will be safe but will still experience a thrilling, fast ride. (If you lead STEM workshops, note that this launcher can be easily adapted for use with workshop participants to introduce them to an engineering process.) ![]() As always, please make creative adaptations. Notice when you look it over, one teacher can lead the whole launcher. However, like most of my suggestions, this is not a my-way-or-the-byway approach. The thinking was that this division of labor could help math and science teachers practice working together on STEM challenges. This launcher, called “Stop, Drop, Don’t Pop!” is designed to be used over two days – one day in math class and the following day in science class. In addition, they can revisit team norms as they start on a successful teamwork journey. They will see connections between engineering and science and math. This launcher reminds students to adopt an engineer’s mindset as they tackle and solve problems, and it calls their attention to the engineering design process. However, this activity does present a real design challenge. For example, the launcher I’m sharing with you at the end of this post doesn’t specifically apply math and science concepts as the kids engineer solutions to real problems. Instead of asking kids to recite what they remember about STEM (borrrrring), give them an opportunity to show you.Ī launcher typically is not a complete STEM lesson. Generally, I use launchers in two ways: (1) to introduce students to engineering design and (2) to introduce teachers to some components of a STEM lesson as I begin a STEM workshop.īut an equally valuable use of a STEM launcher – which is a STEM mini-lesson of sorts – is to use it as a student recharging activity. ![]() Back in 2013, she shared her idea in this MiddleWeb post titled STEM Launchers! I invite you to click on that post and browse it before continuing. Read on! What’s a STEM launcher?īefore you read any further, let me introduce you to Carolyn DeCristofano – a top-notch STEM specialist and a writing colleague of mine.Ĭarolyn came up with the STEM launchers idea when we were working on an NSF-funded curriculum development team. We can take advantage of their energy and use the opportunity to kick off a new project (or a new year) with a STEM launcher. My solution? Kick off the class with some entertaining, hands-on problem solving that allows kids to be active while reengaging their STEM brains. Don’t try to subdue that energy – use that energy! Then on a cold day in early January, as one particularly animated class began scurrying (literally) back into my classroom, it hit me. ~ Anneīack when I was a classroom teacher, few questions perplexed me as much as how I was going to settle my 8th grade students back down and reengage them after fall, winter or spring break. I’ve adapted this post from my December 2016 article for MiddleWeb, “Launch the New Year with STEM Mini-Lessons!” Truth be told, these warm-up activities will help engage the middle school brain year-round! You’ll find a complete lesson plan below. Here are some ideas you can use as “launchers” for STEM projects. ![]()
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