<![CDATA[Teach 2 Inspire ® - STEM Lesson Plans]]>Thu, 28 Sep 2023 16:56:12 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[What God Desires to Give You]]>Sun, 17 Sep 2023 00:28:25 GMThttps://teach2inspire.com/stem-lesson-plans/what-god-desires-to-give-you
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Before they set out to follow their dreams, Rick and Denim each set a standard for their life, instead of letting llife set the standard.
You Are Worth More Than That
Everyday is a gift. I challenge you to understand the truth of how much you have changed this world just by being present. There are days that you may feel you don't fit in. There are moments when you realize you are no longer relevant in a place you thought you would belong to forever. Maybe your are standing in the distance as you watch others celebrating without you at the finish line of a dream you helped build into a reality. You gave it your all. But your place and your purpose ran its course. You looked around and wondered did you matter. 
I just want to remind you that you matter.

In the moments that you doubt where you fit in, go to the grocery store and smile at a stranger in the isle. It matters.

In the middle of the night when your mind races through all the things you could have done differently, pray for someone beside yourself. If your prayers were answered and in the morning, they had changed the world instead of just your individual life how much happier would you be?

Look closely at the picture in this blog. Rick and Denim are world changers. You don't need to know their backgrounds. What you do need to know is why perseverance and a willingness to risk it all to get to the next level matters to them. Like you, they are good, honest, humble, and human.  But before they set out to follow their dream, they set a standard for their life, instead of letting life set the standard.

Their principles protect their life. God’s intention for their journey is evident without them every speaking a word. Understand this truth, His principles for each of our lives are written. Be intentional about seeking God's blessings for your life.

How will you know if God has placed you where you are now standing? You will know He put you there if your purpose is clear and allows you to flourish. God’s provisions grow where He is. You will be given the provisions to fulfill your purpose in the right place and time. You will find comfort in that place because your identity will reflect the real you. The parameters (principles) you align yourself with reflect a standard that protect your identity, investments, and purpose for being there.

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and enouragemnt as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled.
​Romans 15:4 (NLT)
]]><![CDATA[The Best Student Tools for Online Learning in 2021]]>Mon, 15 Mar 2021 14:09:15 GMThttps://teach2inspire.com/stem-lesson-plans/interactive-stem-lesson-plans-online-teaching-toolsWhat I know after a year into the Pandemic is anything is possible with the right mind-set. Throughout the 2020-2021 school year I continue to teach my students in-person and  online. As with the majority of school districts in our country, funding for additional online resources is not an option. Therefore, I chose to  use personal resources to fund my classroom. On a limited budget I have become extremely conservative on what I purchase. Below are some of the best online tools that I have invested in to create meaningful long-term solutions to the academic challenges my students have faced since online learning began in March 2020. These tools also helped to relieve the very real teacher burnout I experienced while simultaneously creating weekly lessons for in-person and online students. Each of the tools listed have free options. All of the options work with Google Classroom and have Single Sign On (SSO). Based upon student achievement scores that can be correlated with the use of these tools my district is now researching ways to provide funding for these tools in 2021-2022 for the entire campus.
Best Student Tools for Online Learning
Generation Genius
Grades 2-8
​STEM & Science
Standout Features
The content makes each of these lessons perfect for the differentiated classroom. Lessons include reading material, games, videos and labs. Online students can easily participate in hands-on, standard aligned DIY labs at home. My students favorite feature is the video content. Videos are designed to encourage kids to connect prior knowledge and explore real-world application at the appropriate age level.
Student Samples
Multicellular Organisms
Differentiation of Instruction
Review Video Library
Kessler Science
Grades 6-8
​STEM & Science
Standout Features
Each of the activities allow me to accurately measure the level of student engagement and understanding before I assign a summative assessment. The lesson format requires students to experience the lesson not just memorize content. My favorite section is using the Mini-Projects found in Science Reading Comprehension for my STEM class. The Forensic Science Activity below is an all-time favorite.
Student Samples
Forensic Science
STEM ​Lesson Plan
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View Student Project
goFormative
Grades ES, MS, HS
Multi Curricular
Standout Features
​The library of  tools  allows me to create interactive lessons and collect student responses in real-time. Students enjoy multiple ways  to interact with content and appreciate feedback that allows them to self-correct before submitting work. Student assignments, rubrics and graded work are in one location.This platform is designed to keep every aspect of teaching organized and accessible.
Student Samples
Cloning Extinct Species Interactive Lesson Plan  
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Teacher View to Student Responses
Interact with this Lesson
]]><![CDATA[STEM Lesson - Why Social Distancing Will Make A Difference]]>Wed, 25 Mar 2020 14:15:21 GMThttps://teach2inspire.com/stem-lesson-plans/stem-lesson-why-social-distancing-will-make-a-difference​One positive outcome of the school closure due the COVID-19 is having more time to be creative with online lessons. In the upcoming weeks I will be sharing activities I am asking my students to complete as part of their Online Learning expectations. Below you find the most popular lesson with my student’s. What This Chart Really Means for COVID-19 introduces information about social distancing in an entertaining and relatable animation. The content provides EXCELLENT examples of how to utilize data sets from online sources to perform mathematical analyses and make predictions based on those analyses. I am always searching for engaging ways to reinforce the skill of Interpretation of Data. This video supports that goal beautifully!

What This Chart Really Means for COVID-19

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WATCH this Video and ANSWER the questions below.
Objective:
​Understand how to utilize data sets from online sources to perform mathematical analyses and make predictions based on those analyses. 

Essential Questions:
Why does social distancing matter during the COVID-19 pandemic?
​Post your response in comments.
Detailed examples and reflection required.
1. In your own words explain exponential growth.

2. To the best of your ability explain the math (rate) at which the lily pads grow in the span of 60 days. Why is this important to know when thinking about the Corona Virus?

3.  What is logistic growth? Why are health care officials worried about logistic growth?

4. What are 3 differences in the response and outcome of how Philadelphia and St. Louis responded to a similar crisis? Be specific.

5.  What new information did the video provide for you? How did the information influence your opinion of social distancing?
]]><![CDATA[Leveraging Online Learning Tools During School Closures]]>Thu, 19 Mar 2020 23:50:29 GMThttps://teach2inspire.com/stem-lesson-plans/leveraging-online-learning-tools-during-school-closuresMy school has been closed because of the Coronavirus. The need to launch an online learning platform that is authentic and honoring of the whole child has been a challenge. But I think we are making progress. Check out our school solution here. The level of stress has gone down as teachers begin to streamline resources and experience. PBLworks is an excellent resource for inspiration. Below you will find some of the best tools to create engaging online lessons for free.
Here are just a few examples that PBLWorks’ National Faculty member Honor Moorman included in her recent presentation at the Texas Computer Education Association Convention, Leveraging Tech to Create Gold-Standard PBL Experiences for Students:
]]><![CDATA[STEM Classroom Activities]]>Sat, 25 May 2019 23:26:01 GMThttps://teach2inspire.com/stem-lesson-plans/stem-classroom-activitieslittleBits Making a Heartfelt Difference in STEM Classrooms
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Turning on the power of our imagination with littleBits :)
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Harnessing students natural curiosity to build authentic understandings.
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What happens when the teaching tool is taken out of their learning cycle? Nothing good :(
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Read the letter from littleBits Customer Success Director here.
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You helped us get back on the road to discovery!
Why I Chose littleBits as an A+ Partner
for the Joy School STEM and GATE Programs

I have some of the world's greatest minds in my classroom. (Yes, we all do!)  And like many of my peers I enjoy taking time to research  and evaluate resources for the STEM/Gifted K12 classroom. This year I focused on incorporating resources that would help bridge the power of play while building upon students conceptual understanding of physics. To support this goal I began using our Pro Library of littleBits with intention and consistency throughout the year.

Students used the littleBit circuits in every way possible to investigate new theories and ideas connected to our physics theme. The only issue we faced as a class was the durability of certain littleBits. Each time a circuit snapped apart a teaching tool was taken out of the learning cycle. 

The price point and cool factor of littleBit circuits make it hard to just toss them out. Students would often attempt to repair  the circuit with no success. Based on the quality of the product I never really considered littleBits as a consumable activity in my classroom. I was stuck on what to think as far as incorporating them into my curriculum again next year.

By April, I became discouraged to see the number of littleBits that had ended up in our "someday box." (A box that holds things that "someday" I may just figure out how to fix, repurpose or get grant money to replace.)  The "someday box" is meant to be an opportunity for what is broken to be made new again with a purpose and value that wasn’t easily seen before. I had no idea that it would become a box to create meaningful partnerships in education. 

A few weeks ago a I filled out a survey sent to me from the makers of littleBits. To my AMAZEMENT I was contacted by the Director of Customer Success at littleBits in response to my feedback. The letter in the left column speaks volumes of the value littleBits places on their customer's experience. I could not ask for a better authentic partnership in STEM education. 
]]><![CDATA[Make Learning Fun All Year Long]]>Sun, 25 Nov 2018 08:00:00 GMThttps://teach2inspire.com/stem-lesson-plans/make-learning-fun-all-year-longTop 3 Student Choices to Make Learning Fun
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Students recording the daily news at JCS.
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Green Screen Do Ink
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iMovie
GREEN SCREEN
Teaching Each Other How to Problem Solve
The best lesson is always the one where students choose to take the lead in exploring possibilities. In my classroom the Green Screen is a collaborative experience where students write the script, explore interactive technology and share creative ideas.   K-12 students incorporate iMovie and the Green Screen Animation App to design media with a purpose. No expertise or prior experience required. 
​MAND LABS 
Learning Through Immediate Feedback
One of my favorite finds at the ISTE Convention in Chicago this year was the Mand Labs Kit. This intuitive DIY Electronic Kit is in the second phase of a Kickstarter campaign. What my students love most is the high-quality pictures and step by step instructions in the manuals. The supplies and activities included are very cool. Best of all students can figure out immediately if the circuit design is done correctly. 
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DIY Electronics Kit
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Collaborating on PhotoShop Tutorial
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD
Future Proof Today's Learning
Digital designs represent social currency for my students and that is why I use Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) across the curriculum. Adobe CC provides the scalability my students need to easily add new  pieces to their digital foundation.  The Adobe CC does require time and effort to learn. The value is that students develop a transferable skill set for the future.  Favorite functions include website design, mobile design and desktop publishing.
]]><![CDATA[FREE Teachers Pay Teachers Lesson Plan]]>Sun, 18 Nov 2018 21:16:53 GMThttps://teach2inspire.com/stem-lesson-plans/teachers-pay-teachers-lesson-plans
Teachers Pay Teachers 
It is Time to Build a Bridge
Physics is Fun STEM Challenge
STEM Challenge
Fun with Physics

​Subject
Math, Science, Engineering
Grade Levels
Elementary and Middle School
Resource Type
​Activities, Fun Stuff, GATE

In Every Lesson:
  • ​Knowldege Builder
  • ​Checking for Understanding
  • Design Challenge
  • ​Assessment (Formative,Summative)​​
Objective:
Understand why tension (pulling apart) and compression (pushing together) are the two imporant forces of bridge design. 
Essential Questions:
How do bridges work? Can bridges shape society? What type of impact does a bridge have on the environment? ​
]]><![CDATA[STEM INTERACTIVE: Archimedes' Principle for Kids]]>Tue, 06 Nov 2018 02:10:06 GMThttps://teach2inspire.com/stem-lesson-plans/stem-interactive-archimedes-principle-for-kids9325905
Watch the video.
Take the Jeopardy Challenge
Boat  Design Challenge
​Physics
Fun with Buoyancy
Grades K - 8
What is the meaning of the term buoyancy?
Creativity and Innovation
​Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes

Essential Questions:
Why do objects float? How does density affect floating and sinking in water?
How dense or compact an objects particles are determines whether an object floats or sinks. If an object is made up of particles that are more tightly packed than the particles in water it will sink. Objects will float if they are less dense than water.
  1. Watch the video and write down 3 new pieces of information you found to be interesting.
  2. In teams play  Archimedes Jeopardy Challenge. 
  3. Read instructions for Boat Design Challenge
  4. In pairs discuss and sketch 2 different prototypes of boats that can be built from the supplies list. Analyze the prototypes and build one. 
  5. Test your prototype and record your observations.
  6. Repeat the experiment a second time by adding 1 cup of salt to your water tub. How did the results differ?
  7. Exit Ticket: Explain Archimedes theory of buoyancy on your exit ticket. Did salt influence your boats performance?
]]><![CDATA[Interactive STEM Activities for FREE]]>Fri, 13 Jul 2018 02:13:50 GMThttps://teach2inspire.com/stem-lesson-plans/welcome-to-my-new-stem-lab
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ISTE 2018 provided inspiration for my classroom!
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Phase 1 of my new STEM Lab at Joy Christian School.

Welcome To My New STEM Lab!

I am SUPER excited to bring STEM to JOY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL. I have spent the summer leveling up my STEM Lab and working with experts in the field to ensure this will be my best year of teaching yet! Take a peek into my new interactive learning lab. The support found in teacher collaboration, generous donors and investors who believe in the vision and mission of what can be accomplished this year is truly God's doing. Special thanks to Microsoft, Grand Canyon University, STEM 101, Lifeliqe Virtual Reality and Mand Scientific Labs for your support! So much of my inspiration came from a wonderful experience at the ISTE 2018 Conference in Chicago this summer and  the grant proposals that were accepted this year.   I hope you find these links a useful roadmap to leveling up your classroom this year!
]]><![CDATA[STEM Lesson Plans:  Free Interactive STEM Curriculum]]>Sat, 03 Jun 2017 13:57:11 GMThttps://teach2inspire.com/stem-lesson-plans/stem-lesson-plans-stem-101
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STEM 101 Explained Video
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FREE Curiculum
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Grant Opportunities 2017

When you know better, you do better. 

STEM 101
The STEM Academy, Inc.
​www.stem101.org
​The STEM Academy, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic development by improving STEM literacy for all students. Our meta-disciplinary, state and national standards-based K-16 STEM curriculum creates student pathways for industry and post-secondary advancement. We validate instructor and school competency through national standard STEM instructor certification and STEM school accreditation practices.
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STEM Challenge Menu
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Standards Correlation
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Grading Rubric
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Core Technologies: Grade 1 - Dams
STEM 101 Tension Lesson Plan
​STEM 101 Tension Lab Activity
Big Idea:
Students learn that STEM coursework is not necessarily restricted to engineering, but a general concept applicable to all walks of life. 
Key Concepts: 
​Effective STEM curriculum and instruction strengthens  student understanding by providing design challenges related to real world issues. By incorporating various components that inspire entrepreneurship through; digital citizenship; coding and programing; digital story telling; product design; computer aided drawing; and engineering technology, students explore and address real social, economic and environmental problems and seek solutions.
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