Obviously, science in the "S" in STEM. So any time you're doing science, you're doing STEM, right? Well...maybe. But in my heart (and this is a subject very close to my heart), STEM learning is about more that just "doing" science, technology, engineering, or math. It is a way of thinking, learning, and discovering that takes on a challenge or problem using creativity and perseverance. So while our recent geology unit incorporated a variety of activities, here are a few STEM experiences I would like to share.
Dichotomous Keys: To understand how scientists go about classifying things in nature, such as rocks and minerals, the students were given piles of candy, which they sorted and classified into smaller and smaller groups based on self-chosen characteristics. They gave each type of candy a secret name, then created dichotomous keys so that a classmate would use their classification system to identify each type of candy.
Earthquake Structures: A classic (but still fun and valuable) activity, students built earthquake resistant structures from toothpicks and marshmallows. First they learned about structures engineers incorporate into buildings to help them withstand earthquakes. They also learned about different types of earthquake waves and how they effect buildings. Would their structures withstand P-waves? S-waves? Let's shake them and drop them to find out!
Model Volcanoes: From the moment we started learning about volcanoes, the students were begging me let them make erupting model volcanoes. I was hesitant to do this activity because, as I explained to them, the science behind a model volcano erupting is very different from the science behind an actual volcano. Still...how often do students beg to do an educational activity?
The solution? First, I taught them the science of erupting volcano models (acid + base and all that effervescing awesomeness). Then we made our volcano models into a STEM challenge. Each team had to build three models--stratovolcano, composite volcano, and shield volcano--showing they understood the differences between them. These volcanoes also have lava of different materials and viscosities, which affects the type of eruptions they give. This was the best part. The students were given access to various materials (baking soda, vinegar, corn starch, water, etc.). Using the engineering design process of planning, testing, and improving, they designed a "recipe" for each type of volcanic eruption. The results were pretty explosive!