The STEM Challenge Field Guide
The STEM Challenge Field Guide is your ultimate resource for mastering STEM Challenges. From selecting the right activities to facilitating and assessing with confidence, this course gives you everything you need to transform your students into problem-solving, STEM-savvy innovators—while making the most of your classroom time!
How to select and tailor challenging STEM Challenges for any age group so you can ensure your instructional minutes are well-spent and standards-based.
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Exactly what to say & do (and not say/do) before, during, and after STEM Challenges to build gritty, resilient, problem-solvers.
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How to turn epic fails and student conflicts into epic learning opportunities so your kids get the practice they need falling down and bouncing back.
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How to integrate content area standards to get tons of academic value from every challenge and impress your principal.
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How to assess in ways that support process over product, so you don't make the mistake of undermining your goals.
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How to use your time wisely to make it all work within the practical realities of your day and troubleshoot some of the most common student issues.
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Module 1 - Plan Like a Pro
You've heard before that failing to plan is a plan to fail, right? This module is about getting your foundation set for success.
Here you'll set your goals and learn to put a plan in place that will get you and your students where you want to go!
Even if you've never done a STEM Challenge before, this module breaks down the planning process into simple, easy-to-follow steps that will make you feel confident about expertly executing high-quality STEM Challenges.
Set your goals for student outcomes so you are crystal clear on where you're going.
Learn how to select high-quality challenges and avoid the fluffy fakers!
Learn how to take any STEM Challenge and tailor the criteria & constraints to your students and grade-level standards.
Implement the 7-step process that ensures your challenges are rigorous and meaningful learning experiences.
Examine the pros & cons of student budgets to determine if they're right for your class.
Explore options for student planning methods so you don't get stuck in the "sketch, then build" rut that doesn't work for a lot of kids.
Use my STEM lesson plan template to effortlessly create plans that keep you feeling organized and your principal smiling!
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Module 2 - Facilitate the Build
What you say & do while students are building (and don't say/don't do) will make or break your STEM Challenges.Use my cheat-sheet question list to know exactly what to say and do (and what to avoid) during a build to get the best results.
Learn what to look for and take note of during the build to develop students' scientific reasoning & analysis.
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Module 3 Create Your Post-Build Routine for Reflection, Analysis & Assessment
Right after you call time on the build, it's time to lead students through the MOST important parts of any STEM Challenge.Learn exactly what to do the moment the build phase ends.
Learn how to guide students to process & synthesize information from the challenge by asking the right questions and leading thoughtful discussions.
Use my post-build questions cheat sheet to facilitate group presentations.
Learn when to move from group work to individual reflection.
Use my universal design analysis templates to help students reflect on any challenge.
Learn how to use assessment to emphasize process over product, so you don't compromise the goals set in the planning module.
Use my assessment templates as-is or edit them to serve a number of process-over-product student goals.
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Module 4 Extend & Multiple Iterations
To get all the value out of your STEM Challenges, you'll want to weave in content standards from all your subject areas like a connection-making guru.Learn how to find ideal connections before, during and after challenges.
Learn to identify ideal & stretch connections in math, science, technology, ELA, social studies, art, music, PE, character education and STEM careers.
Use my checklist to decide when you should do multiple iterations of a challenge.
Explore options for conducting multiple iterations.
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Bonus 1 - Practical Bits
Highlights:
Learn what materials to have on-hand and get storage, organization and distribution tips.
Learn what to do with completed designs.
Learn how to group students for higher engagement.
Learn where to get additional ideas, resources, and support.
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Bonus 2 - Troubleshooting
Highlights:
Learn exactly what to say and do the moment it becomes clear your STEM Challenge is heading for an epic fail. These will become your most powerful lessons of the year when you're prepared for them!
Learn how to address other common issues:
- Look-alike designs
- Copying
- Students who shut down because it's "impossible" or they "hate" STEM Challenges
- Group disagreements over choosing ideas
- Tears
How to win over skeptical principals so you can continue to teach the way you know is best for your kids and their future
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Bonus 3 - STEM Challenge Resource Pack
Highlights:
Universal STEM Challenge Templates for Lesson Planning and Assessment
STEM Challenge Towers Multi-pack in print & paperless versions
- Card Towers
- Apples Aloft
- Snowman Stretch
- Cards in the Clouds (AKA: Towers of Love)
STEM Ideals Character Education Bundle
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