Teachers always ask me. “HOW do I start a STEM lesson?” If you are just starting out in STEM then it can be overwhelming to figure out the best way to introduce a new topic or just how to begin your lessons.
STARTING A STEM LESSON
Step 1: ARRANGING THE CLASSROOM
My students usually start their STEM lessons sitting on the floor. I arrange the tables so that there is enough floor space for everyone to sit comfortably on the carpet. I also rearrange my tables depending on the lesson I am teaching. It’s not too hard, as I only have 3 large tables. Students will often come into my STEM classroom and the tables and seats can be different every time. Sometimes I put them in a long row, end to end and other times I need smaller groups of students around each table, in that case I spread them all out.
STEP 2: PLAYING A VIDEO OR SONG
Students engage when I start my STEM lessons with a video that is relevant to the topic. This captures the students attention and we have a brief discussion about the video afterwards. With a younger class, I like to try and find a song that is relevant to the topic so we can engage that way. If the topic is continuing for several weeks, then we will repeat the song every lesson. Having a consistent approach helps students to know what to expect each lesson.
BENEFITS OF USING A VIDEO
Using a video at the start of a lesson has the benefit of demonstrating the STEM concept in action within the world. It shows students that STEM goes beyond their classroom walls. It can show students how the topic is applied to a real life STEM scenario. A video can also show students how they can play a role in using STEM in their own lives.
BENEFITS OF USING A SONG
A song is a fantastic way to engage and reinforce a topic. Students often remember lyrics and will continue to sing the song long after the lesson has finish. Occasionally I use the song, “Your an Engineer” for my junior students at the start of the year. It includes many engineering concepts with a tune that the students catch onto quickly. I also used Go Noodle’s “Think Like a Scientist” song which explains the Scientific Method and their great song about “Water Cycle“. There are proven studies on the benefits of song and memory. If you can get the right song for the right topic I think, why not?
Can you think of other great ways to start a STEM lesson? Answer the comments.
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For more information about teaching STEM check out this blog post