Elementary STEM resources
All American Soap Box Derby Education Program
The Derby’s STEM-based Education Program uses the tools and values of Soap
Box Derby® racing to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM) to students in an enjoyable, engaging way. The Education Program is
designed to provide K-12 educators and students with project- and standardsbased, inter-curricular learning opportunities.
Build and race a full size or mini soap box car, use STEM lessons, and attend a
summer camp
http://www.soapboxderby.org/education-program.aspx
Awakening Your STEM School
Educator Aaron Smith’s new book is designed to show other communities how to
intertwine their schools and local resources to get students skilled for careers.
The book contains 44 ideas and actions for educators, and more than 300 tips.
But Smith said it really can be informational for lots of different groups because
ultimately preparing students for the workforce bridges various parts of the
community. It can be for teachers because it is a blueprint for them to change
their magnet into an elite STEM site, It is for community partners It is for
businesses because lots of times businesses don’t know how to help.
http://www.stemschooldr.com
Brackitz
Brackitz is the only open-ended construction toy that lets kids build any structure
they can imagine – anything! Our unique, connect-anywhere brackitz attach to
traditional planks at any point, any angle, enabling builders to design larger-thanlife, gravity-defying, 3D structures, connecting imaginations to real-life
engineering and architecture skills. Let’s build!
http://brackitz.com
Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology, Illinois State University
CeMaST has partnered with TPS Publishing and Alpha Graphics to produce,
promote, and distribute the Creative Core Curriculum program. This is available
for both mathematics and science. Both the mathematics and science Creative
Core Curriculum programs consist of a series of lessons and practice sheets that
specifically address Common Core Standards for Mathematics or Next
Generation Science Standards grades K-5. Both programs also include correlated
lessons utilizing crafting activities, specific materials for ELL and students with
special needs, and an extensive assessment database. CeMaST contributed
STEM projects addressing each standard and provides Professional
Development for all of the Creative Core Curriculum materials.
http://cemast.illinoisstate.edu/educators/stem/elementary/
Children’s Council of the ITEEA
The Children’s Council of ITEEA promotes technology and engineering education
for the elementary schools.
The mission of the Children’s Council of ITEEA is to build a collaborative network
of educators dedicated to the advancement of technological literacy at the
elementary level.
The Council Goals are to:
 Provide teachers, supervisors and administrators with professional
development opportunities that promote understanding and build capacity in
teaching technology and engineering at the elementary level.
 Develop and share elementary technology and engineering resources that
promote children’s creativity, ingenuity, and design-based problem solving
skills.
 Sponsor the iteea journal, children’s technology & engineering journal, which
offers articles and resources promoting the integration of technology and
engineering into the elementary school curriculum.
 Plan and organize meetings, workshops, and events at the annual iteea
conference which cater to the needs of those concerned with the integration of
technology and engineering concepts and skills at the elementary level.
 Promote the study of technology and engineering as a vital aspect in every
elementary school.
www.tecchome.org
Children’s Engineering Educators
The members of Children’s Engineering
Educators are an experienced group of
elementary teachers who believe that the handson learning involved with children's engineering
will encourage children of all learning styles and
abilities to develop ownership of the essential
knowledge expected of elementary students in our
rapidly changing world. They also believe that
technology education develops critical thinking
skills that will be needed by all students to make
sound decisions in the future.
The members are dedicated to providing
meaningful hands-on in-service programs for
teachers and developing age appropriate technology based teaching activities to
will help create technological literate citizens for the 21st Century. Their first book,
Children’s Engineering: A Handbook for Elementary Educators, is one of the
classics in elementary engineering.
http://www.childrensengineering.com/CEEShop1.htm
Design It! Series by Bernie Zubrowski
The Design It! curriculum was developed by Bernie Zubrowski and others at
Educational Development Centers in Newton, MA, and is published by Kelvin. It
includes design challenges where students create: gliders, ball-and-track toy,
rubber-band-powered cars, pinball machine, paper bridge, spinning toys, and
model crane. Design It! has a well thought-out pedagogy behind it, which
differentiates it from other design-based curricula. Students spend more time with
the activities' materials, before being given plans from which they can make more
optimal designs. Zubrowski explains that students need to learn by hands-on
explorations about what the materials can and cannot do, before they can make
knowledgeable decisions of how to improve the devices they are building. This
translates into more time spent on the project -- an in-depth way to learning.
http://www.kelvin.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=k&Screen=CTGY&Categ
ory_Code=ENDEED
Design Squad
Use DESIGN SQUAD NATION activities, animations, video profiles, and episodes
in classrooms and afterschool programs, in libraries and museums, at events and
at home.
http://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators
Edison the Robot
Meet Edison the super affordable robot for learning and inventing.
Edison is Lego compatible, easy to program and has built-in programs that are
activated by driving over barcodes. Edison is programmed using EdWare, a drag
and drop graphical programming language that is easy to learn. EdWare is free
and open source and works on Windows, Mac and Linux computers. Drive Edison
using a standard TV/DVD remote control. Edison can learn commands from just
about any remote control and can drive forward, backward, turn left, turn right,
spin left and spin right. Edison can detect light and can follow a line or play beeps
and musical tunes.
www.meetedison.com
Engineering Educators: Celeste Baine Teaching Engineering Made Easy
Teaching Engineering Made Easy gives classroom teachers an easy and
dynamic way to meet curriculum standards and competencies. You’ll find the
lessons and activities to actively engage students in learning about engineering
and our technological world by applying creativity and innovation as they
complete the projects. The activities do not require a formal science lab and can
be done with materials that are inexpensive and easy to find.
Each lesson includes background information, ITEEA and NSTA Standards
Alignment, a list of materials needed to complete the activity, an easy-to-follow
procedure for presenting the lesson, teacher notes, reproducible student sheets,
and safety notes. Activities range from 20 minute problem solving exercises to
several class period design or “challenge” activities.
http://www.engineeringedu.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=3
3_67
Engineering – Go For It
eGFI evolved from the name of the first 3 editions of the magazine, Engineering,
Go For It!. Today, eGFI refers to several integrated components of the eGFI
brand: the new interactive eGFI website, the 5th edition of the eGFI magazine,
the teacher and student e-newsletters and eGFI poster, flash cards and kids' book
http://www.egfi-k12.org
Engineering is Elementary
The Engineering is Elementary (EiE) project aims to foster engineering and
technological literacy among children. EiE is creating a research-based,
standards-driven, and classroom-tested curriculum that integrates engineering
and technology concepts and skills with elementary science topics. EiE lessons
not only promote K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) learning, but also connect with literacy and social studies.
http://www.mos.org/eie
Family Engineering
Family Engineering invites educators, engineers, university science and
engineering students, community youth leaders, and parents to inspire the next
generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers with exciting, hands-on
activities and events for elementary-aged children and adults.
It is the perfect guide for organizing family STEM nights for educational or
community groups.
http://www.familyengineering.org
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Finch Robot by Birdbrain Technologies
The Finch is a new robot for computer science education. Its design is the result
of a four year study at Carnegie Mellon's CREATE lab.
The Finch is designed to support an engaging introduction to the art of
programming. It has support for over a dozen programming languages and
environments, including several environments appropriate for students as young
as eight years old.
The Finch was designed to allow students to write richly interactive programs. Onboard features include:
Light, temperature, and obstacle sensors
Accelerometers
Motors
Buzzer
Full-color beak LED
Pen mount for drawing capability
Plugs into USB port - no batteries required
The Finch is manufactured under license from Carnegie Mellon University.
http://www.finchrobot.com/
Fischertechnik – Introduction to STEM I
An ideal pathway for introducing students to everyday technology, grades 2-5
Helps students understand how simple machines actually work
Explores STEM concepts, such as: cause and effect, energy and matter,
analyzing/interpreting data, design solutions and more!
Includes standards-based curriculum
This set contains 500 pieces along with a detailed assembly manual
Builds 40 different STEM models
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The Perfect Solution for Your Classroom:
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Affordable, re-usable and easily scalable STEM education solution.
Complete curriculum designed to meet current Common Core and Next
Generation Science Standards.
Contains everything needed to build a series of functional STEM-focused
models using the fischertechnik building system.
Projects for each indicated grade level can easily be completed in 45
minutes or less.
Provides rubrics, student worksheets and teachers answer sheets.
. http://www.fischertechnik.biz/fischertechnik-intro-stem-i-and-ii
The Go-to Guide for Engineering Curricula
With the Next Generation Science Standards, your students won’t just be
scientists—they’ll be engineers. But you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
Seamlessly weave engineering and technology concepts into your PreK-5 math
and science lessons with this collection of time-tested engineering curricula for
science classrooms. Features include:
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A handy table that leads you straight to the chapters you need
In-depth commentaries and illustrative examples
A vivid picture of each curriculum, its learning goals, and how it addresses
the NGSS
More information on the integration of engineering and technology into
elementary science education
http://www.amazon.com/Go-To-Guide-Engineering-CurriculaGrades/dp/1483307379
Great PD – Online elementary STEM course for educators
The purpose of this course is to provide educators the opportunity to understand
and experience how to integrate STEM lessons into the pre-K – 6 science
curricula.
The course will include discussing the benefits of developing technological
literacy in school-age students; defining STEM; experiencing hands-on activities
that serve as exemplars for integrating STEM concepts with the updated Ohio
Academic Standards for Science; understanding how scientific inquiry and
technological design can guide implementing STEM projects in elementary
science lessons; and reviewing resources for elementary STEM.
As a final project, attendees will develop their own integrated STEM lessons
based on a science concept standard they teach at their grade level.
http://greatpd.com/connect/course/index.php?categoryid=1
ITEEA’s Engineering by Design
The International Technology and Engineering Educators
Association's STEM±Center for Teaching and Learning™ has developed the
only standards-based national model for Grades K-12 that delivers technological
literacy in a STEM context. The model, Engineering byDesign™ is built on the
Common Core State Standards ( High School / Middle School), Next
Generation Science Standards (K-12), Standards for Technological
Literacy (ITEEA); Principles and Standards for School Mathematics(NCTM);
and Project 2061, Benchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS). Additionally, the
Program K-12 has been mapped to the National Academy of
Engineering's Grand Challenges for Engineering.
http://www.iteea.org/EbD/ebd.htm
ITEEA’s IdeaGarden listserv
Join ITEEA's learning community - educators interested in bringing out every
student's creative ability to design, build, tinker, and construct. IdeaGarden is for
teachers who want to get their students actively involved in learning. It's a
teacher's resource for answers, ideas, and teaching techniques that work! This is
for anyone who is passionate about teaching. Must be an ITEEA member to use.
http://www.iteea.org/Networking/networking.htm
KEVA Planks
Every piece is the same. KEVA planks are about 1/4 inch thick, 3/4 inch wide and
4 1/2 inches long.
You build structures by simply stacking the planks. No glue, no connectors. They
can be stacked upright which looks like it would be unstable as a house of cards,
but even this type of structure is surprisingly stable.
The simplicity is compelling. Just as it is hard to explain why something is funny, it
is hard to explain why most people- both children and adults- really become
captivated by KEVA Planks.
KEVA planks have the broadest age range appeal of any toy we have ever seen.
From preschoolers to architects, each person builds at his own skill level. KEVA
planks is the gift they never outgrow.
http://www.kevaplanks.com
LEGO Education: Simple Machines
Features 16 principle models, four main models and four problem-solving mdoels
that enable students to investigate and understand the operation of simple and
compound machines found in everyday life: gears, wheels and axles, levers and
pulleys.
Key Learning Values:
 Observing and investigating simple machines: gears, wheels and axles,
levers and pulleys.
 Following a design brief as part of the engineering design process
 Investigating and working through observations, reasoning, predicting,
reflecting and critical thinkin
http://education.lego.com
Little Bits Electronics
Whether you're an educator inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers, a
parent building STEM/STEAM skills with your kids or a DIYer prototyping your
next big idea, we'll help you unleash your creativity with our easy-to-use electronic
building blocks.
http://littlebits.cc
LinkEngineering
What is Engineering? What is the Engineering Design Process? What does
Engineering look like in grades PreK-12?
 Discover big ideas in engineering
 Connect with other educators
 Prepare to teach and learn
http://linkengineering.org
MakeDo - Tools for playful cardboard construction
Makedo™ engages people in creative cardboard making that gives way to
imaginative, open-ended play. Makedo™ tools are purposely designed for fast,
simple and sturdy cardboard construction.
https://mymakedo.com
NASA Educational Resources
NASA's Education Materials Finder will help teachers locate resources that can
be used in the classroom. Users may search by keywords, grade level, product
type and subject. With hundreds of publications and Web sites indexed, the finder
is the best way to locate NASA educational resources.
http://www.nasa.gov/education/materials/#.VZaz1BNViko
National Science Digital Library
Search for resources by subject area, educational level, material type, content
source, media format, and educational use
https://nsdl.oercommons.org
National Science Teachers Association Science and the STEM Classroom
This is free monthly newsletter about integrating STEM into the science
classroom. It has separate issues each month for elementary, middle and high
school science classes. Membership to NSTA is not required.
https://www.nsta.org/publications/archive-scienceclass.aspx
Nasco Online Elementary STEM Catalog
Nasco has an array of products to aid in your teaching of a STEM curriculum. In
our 21st Century economy, a quality education for all students is necessary to
prepare them to prosper in work and life. Our communities will be best positioned
to compete successfully in a global economy as you inspire students to move into
careers that relate to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
http://www.enasco.com/c/elementary/STEM
NSTA Young Scientist Newsletter
Encouraging Young Scientists is a free monthly newsletter that aims to make
science accessible to and achievable by young children in grades PreK–2, to
encourage teachers, and to provide resources and ideas for making science fun
and relevant in the classroom. Each month has a different science theme.
https://www.nsta.org/publications/archive-eys.aspx
PInblock
“A simply designed block made out of a flexible plastic with long prongs gives
builders new possibilites for creating.”
With one building block you can make buildings, planes, vehicles, and more. The
choice of either making a miniature plane or a whole city that would fill your room
with buildings and roads is purely yours.
www.pinblock.com
Snap Circuits
Elenco®s new Snap Circuits® makes learning electronics easy and fun! Just
follow the colorful pictures in our manual and build exciting projects, such as FM
radios, digital voice recorders, AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells, and much
more! You can even play electronic games with your friends. All parts are
mounted on plastic modules and snap together with ease. Enjoy hours of
educational fun while learning about electronics. No tools required. Uses AA
batteries.
http://www.snapcircuits.net
STEM is Elementary
A website with free resources, a free monthly newsletter on integrating STEM
literacy in grades K – 8, and information on an online Introduction to Elementary
STEM for K-6 teachers.
www.stemislementary.com
Great PD – Online elementary STEM course for educators
The purpose of this course is to provide educators the opportunity to understand
and experience how to integrate STEM lessons into the pre-K – 6 science
curricula.
The course will include discussing the benefits of developing technological
literacy in school-age students; defining STEM; experiencing hands-on activities
that serve as exemplars for integrating STEM concepts with the updated Ohio
Academic Standards for Science; understanding how scientific inquiry and
technological design can guide implementing STEM projects in elementary
science lessons; and reviewing resources for elementary STEM.
As a final project, attendees will develop their own integrated STEM lessons
based on a science concept standard they teach at their grade level.
http://greatpd.com/connect/course/index.php?categoryid=1
STEM Lesson Essentials
An excellent book on what STEM is and practical ideas on how to integrate STEM
concepts into the K-12 curriculum
http://www.amazon.com/STEM-Lesson-Essentials-Grades-3-8/dp/0325043582
Teach Engineering
Standards-aligned engineering lessons and hands-on activities for use in science,
engineering and math classrooms
https://www.teachengineering.org
Try Engineering
Tryengineering.org is a resource for students, their parents, their teachers and
their school counselors. This is a portal about engineering and engineering
careers, and we hope it will help young people understand better what
engineering means, and how an engineering career can be made part of their
future.
Students will find here descriptions of the lifestyles and experiences of engineers,
and on the different disciplines within engineering. We provide hands-on
experiments and activities, referrals to summer programs and internship
opportunities, and search tools for schools that offer engineering programs.
Useful tips on course selection, applying to university programs and financial aid
are included.
Students can also use this portal to browse questions answered by engineering
students in universities and practicing engineers.
Parents and educators will find here, in addition, teaching resources, information
about school accreditation, and description of plans, organizations and programs
that can be of help in planning and preparing students to develop a future career
in engineering.
www.tryengineering.com
The Virginia Children’s Engineering Council
The Virginia Children’s Engineering Council (VCEC) is dedicated to developing
design and technology instructional materials, and providing local, regional, and
statewide in-service opportunities for educators at grades K-5. The in-service
programs help teachers ensure that children develop an understanding of how to
use, create, control, and assess technology. These instructional experiences are
provided in a design, critical thinking and problem solving contest. They undergrid
attainment of selected Standards of Learning in English, mathematics, science,
history and social studies. The VCEC also host the world’s largest conference
devoted to children’s engineering:
www.childrendsengineering.org
Biggest and best children's engineering conference in the world
http://childrensengineering.org/convention/convention.php