STEM Must-Haves for Elementary Teachers

Teachers can find lots of great resources online. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest make it possible for them to connect with each other in real-life and share ideas about teaching. They also have a wealth of educational resources available to them that they can draw upon for supplementary material. I've compiled a shortlist of my favorite STEM tools that are easy-to integrate into any classroom setting. If you want to know more about STEM education, check out these resources.

Mel Science

Mel Science Kits are fun science experiments that teach children about the world around them through hands-on activities. Each kit includes everything needed to complete an experiment including easy-to-follow instructions, materials, and step-by-step demonstrations.

All Mel Science kits contain Easy to follow directions, are fun and educational, Includes all necessary supplies, BPA free plastic containers and Available in many different themes.

Code & Go Mouse

Code & Go Mouse is an excellent introductory course for kids aged 2–5 years old. It teaches them basic programming concepts and helps them learn how to use their hands to create robots. Students use the arrow keys on the keyboard to enter their codes and then follow these patterns.

Code & Go Mouse is an easy way to get started with programming. It’s designed so that kids can easily create their own mazes, which makes it a great open-end activity. Challenge them to come up with their best maze designs. After using the Code & Go mouse, starting with the next level programming, like dragging and dropping blocks, would be relatively easy.

Ozobots

I like Ozobotz for all ages: K Gray! I have yet to find someone who doesn't love these little robots right from the beginning. These robots are designed to move along a path and interpret color combinations as commands like "Storm" or "Moonwalk". The coloring component makes it fun for the younger kids, but older learners can enjoy Ozoblockly, an online coding site. The code within the drop-down menu is simple enough for younger children and offers higher difficulty levels for older learners. They also provide games that can be played without the bot if you cannot afford an entire classroom set.

STEM Subscription Boxes

If you aren't sure whether STEM and STEAM are different, the answer is very simple - Basically, they're the same thing, but adding the "A" (for the "Arte") makes them sound cooler. For instance, the pyramid shapes are both an engineering feat and an artistic one.

Kids love arts and crafts, so why not combine science and technology into one activity? For Example, Squishy Circuits is an easy and fun activity for kids to create their own inventions by building things out of conductive dough.

Check out the best STEM subscription boxes here.

Keva Planks

STEM would not be the same without the E!, which stands for Engineering. Keva Planks are one of the most amazing engineering kit worth investment. Keva Planks are small wooden blocks, and when put together, they can be made into engineering master pieces.

They're a must for any STEM class or makerspace!

Becoming a STEM teacher

Stem (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) teachers play a vital role in shaping our future. They teach students to become innovators who are able to solve problems using scientific methods.

The STEM field has grown rapidly over the last decade, and now accounts for nearly half of all jobs in the United States. In addition, STEM fields pay well and offer opportunities for advancement.

However, teaching STEM subjects requires specialized skills and knowledge. If you want to become a successful STEM teacher, you should start early. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Learn about STEM - Before entering the world of STEM education, learn as much as possible about the subject. You'll have a better understanding of what's required and will be able to prepare your lessons accordingly.

2. Find a Mentor - Mentors are invaluable resources when starting out in the profession. A mentor can help guide you through the process of becoming a STEM teacher. They can provide advice on how to best approach your classes, give feedback on your work, and even serve as a sounding board for your ideas.

3. Get Experience - Teaching experience is essential if you want to succeed in the field. Start by volunteering at your local school. Volunteer at an afterschool program, tutoring center, or community organization. These experiences will allow you to interact with real children and gain valuable teaching experience.

4. Study Science - Science is one of the core components of STEM. It provides a foundation for everything else that follows. To understand science, you must first understand the basics of chemistry, physics, biology, and math.

5. Become Certified - To become a certified STEM teacher, you must complete a certification program. There are several options available, including the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

6. Network - Networking is another important aspect of becoming a successful STEM educator. Join professional organizations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Society for Science Education (SSE), and the National Council for Teacher Quality (NCTQ).

7. Be Flexible - As a STEM teacher, you may find yourself working long hours. This means you need to be flexible enough to adapt to different schedules. For example, if you're planning to travel during the summer months, you might want to look for a job closer to home so you can spend more time with family.

8. Stay Current - As a STEM teacher, it's important to stay current with the latest trends in the field. Technology plays a large part in today's classrooms, and new innovations are constantly being developed. Make sure you keep up to date on these developments by reading blogs, attending conferences, and keeping abreast of news stories.