STEM
MIND Research Institute Dives into the Benefits of Going Blended
This paper covers topics related to the benefits of blended learning for teachers and students, in addition to a description of the various ways ST Math can become a part of a district’s overall shift to personalized, digital learning.
Visual Learning Math Program ST Math Expands Curricula
New ST Math programs expand the previously offered intervention and fluency programs and help to prepare students for success in Algebra 1. New programs include ST Math: Grade 6, ST Math: Middle School Supplement, and ST Math: High School Intervention.
Mini Maker Faire: Seattle
Last weekend, the third Seattle Mini Maker Faire took over the EMP museum in Seattle Center and filled it inside and out with neat things. Billed as a place where "people show what they are making, and share what they are learning," the all-ages faire featured some fantastic projects. A few of my favorites:
Teaching with Comics: Resources for Teachers
Over the past few weeks I’ve been exploring teaching with comics—for reading, history and social studies, art, and science. Now for a roundup of resources to help you bring comics to the classroom!
Cyber Peer-led Team Learning
In "peer-led team learning," groups of undergraduate college students works together in small groups (six to eight students) to solve problems with the help of a "peer leader" -- an undergraduate competent in the course content as well as group facilitation. This group work compliments traditional class lectures, but does not replace it. Research from the School of Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) explored a model of online peer-led team learning ("PLTL") using connectivity tools (such as Adobe Connect) to engage students during synchronous online sessions.
Science for The New Year
Looking for a science education resolution for the new year? Try nature journaling! You don't have to be an artist or a biologist to keep your own nature journal. All you need is paper, pen or pencil, and a willingness to find and observe nature.
Computers Can Help Students Learn Science
A recent study found that even brief use of an educational app called SolarWalk (for Apple devices) improved students' understanding of the solar system.
Children as Makers
How do you encourage kids to be curious, to build things and take things apart, and to become the designers and engineers of the future? Be supportive! MAKE has a great short video about children as makers by engineering professor and maker mom AnneMarie Thomas.
Worlds of Making @ NMHS
At the heart of the vision for my Makerspace is to develop the space and to provide resources and opportunities that will aid in promoting web literacy.
Working to Build STEM Education, in Washington State and Beyond
At this year's Washington STEM Summit, the attendees split into workshops to dig deeper into what it will take to expand STEM education and make it viable and effective for ALL students.