Exploring Some STEM Resources

Having a strong Reading and Language Arts background, I don't normally share many resources for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). I have decided that needs to change. I need to explore those resources more myself.

I am going to start my journey by gathering a list of possible STEM resources for me to explore and share. I think Thinkfinity would be a good place for me to start. If you have some good STEM resources, please let me know!

Here are some Resources and Tools I found:

• Invention at Play from the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (How many different ways can you help the ball reach its goal?). This reminds me of Fantastic Contraption.


• Weekly Science Updates "Quirky, entertaining and informative, these 60-second features cover the latest discoveries in science, technology and medicine."


• Patch Tool from Illuminations (grade PreK-5) Spin, flip, and snap together the shapes to fill in the outline with geometric figures.


• Marble Mania from Science NetLinks (grade 3-5) "The randomness and probability of marbles being pulled out of a "bag" are calculated automatically and for trials up to 500."


• Calculation Nation from Illuminations (grade 3-9) Play math strategy games to challenge yourself or test your skills against other online competitors.


• Coolest Engineering Job Ever! from Xpeditions (Resource): "Tony Baxter is Senior Vice President of Creative Development for Walt Disney Imagineering, A.K.A. Chief Imagineer. Read how he was inspired by the hoodoo geologic formations of Bryce Canyon, Utah, to design the popular Thunder Mountain ride, and how other aspects of Disney parks reflect thematic geography."


• Geography Action!: Mapping Europe from Xpeditions (grade K-12): "Students K-12 learn fundamentals of mapping and data-layering in these pre-GIS activities. The continent of Europe is the context for analyzing cultural and environmental data, from animals and protected areas, to tourism, to acid rain. Learners of all ages will have fun assembling and interacting with giant maps of Europe; educators will love watching students work collaboratively to interpret charts and develop map keys and symbols."

Here are some Lesson Plans I found:

• Powerful Patterns: Playing with Patterns from Illuminations (grade PreK-2) "Create repeating patterns using the interactive Shape Tool, and then recreate them with your voice, your movements, or other objects."


• How Does My Garden Grow? Writing in Science Field Journals from ReadWriteThink (grade K-2) "Students work together to plant a garden and then record their observations in"


• Animal Adaptations from Science NetLinks (grade 3-5) "Students visit a website to learn about how animals adapt and hold classroom discussions about whether or not the animals have adapted well to their natural habitats."


• What Does a Scientist Do? from Science NetLinks (grade 6-8) "Students develop an understanding of the diversity and nature of various science disciplines."


• Don’t Freeze the Engine from Illuminations (grade 9-12) "Do you know enough about percents to find the right mixture of antifreeze to prevent freezing?"