For those of you who focus on home schooling OR you want to supplement the education your children are getting now we offer this guest article by Jenny Wise. She specializes in helping parents develop home based curriculum. Give it a read and if you want to contact her let us know.
Technology is helping shape the world of the future, and it’s safe to say that it’s not going anywhere. As the tech industry grows, millions of jobs will need to be filled in the next decade. By teaching today’s K-12 students about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, you’ll prepare them for success in the real world, higher education, and their future careers.
Looking for creative and engaging ways to teach your students about these topics? Here are some of our favorite STEM lesson plans and teaching ideas:
ScriptCraft by Walter Higgins
Ages: 7+ years
Topics: JavaScript coding, computer programming, video game development
Why kids will love it: It teaches coding through their favorite video game, Minecraft
If you’re looking to teach children how to code, why not meet them where they already are? That’s why Walter Higgins created several online resources, ranging from plugins to JavaScript tutorials to an eBook, using the popular video game, Minecraft, to get children excited about coding.
These resources are ideal for children ages 7 through 14 years. Lesson plans can be facilitated by teachers and/or parents.
VelocityKids by Velocity
Ages: 7+ years
Topics: JavaScript coding, computer programming, video game development, project management, team collaboration, creative direction, public speaking/presentations
Why kids will love it: It teaches coding through their favorite video game, Minecraft Velocity, a now-defunct 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, left this site active so educators, parents and K-12 students can continue accessing their weekly lesson plans and a list of free resources for teaching children how to code. You can use these tools, which focus on teaching kids how to write JavaScript code, or you can simply find inspiration for how to build your own lesson plans.
Although Velocity’s lesson plans use ScriptCraft (above) and CraftBukkit (which has now been replaced by CanaryMod), these lesson plans are valuable in that they take Minecraft coding lessons a step further by encouraging the students to think about project management, video game development, team collaboration, and creative direction of a final portfolio. With one lesson per week for 6 weeks, plus optional lessons for extra credit, the final class includes each student presenting his or her work to the entire class.
Real Estate Lesson Plans by Redfin
Ages: 7 to 18 years
Topics: English, mathematics, science, social studies, home economics
Why kids will love it: Broad range of topics that are easily applied to real life
Real estate might not be what immediately comes to mind when you think of STEM education, but it’s a great way to help students learn to apply mathematics and science skills to real-world situations.
This extremely thorough list of lesson plans covers topics including science, mathematics, social studies, English, and home economics. Educators can easily navigate the list of lesson plans to find content that is appropriate for a broad range of ages, from third graders all the way up to high school seniors. Of course, skilled educators can always adjust any of the lessons to be suitable for other ages, too.
Elementary STEM Education Resources by We Are Teachers
Ages: Pre-K through 7 years
Topics: Mathematics, reading, science, technology
Why kids will love it: Age-appropriate (and fun) STEM lessons for younger children, combining hands-on technology time with toys, games, and outdoor playtime
It can be tricky finding age-appropriate STEM lesson plans and teaching tools for children under the age of 7 years. We Are Teachers has done an excellent job rounding up the best resources on the web for this age range.
If you teach younger students, you’ll find delightfully fun learning activities and lesson plan ideas for first and second graders, as well as some lessons for kindergarten and even pre-K students. The broad topics include mathematics, reading, and even physics classes (yes, really!) for young children.
Ready, Set…Learn!
Let’s empower today’s learners to use technology to build the world they want to live in. By incorporating STEM tools and resources into your lesson plans, you can teach children important skills that they will use each and every day, from childhood into adulthood.
Jenny Wise
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