STEM is a new buzzword in the educational field that stands for the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 15 of the 20 fastest growing jobs require skills in these areas, and educators are encouraging children of all ages to get involved in STEM education classes.
 
The Pokemon game was all the rage. It was impossible to control my middle school kids because our school was a Pokemon hotspot. I was intrigued by this game and its popularity, so I jumped on the bandwagon to understand its addictive nature. Capitalizing on student interest to build curriculum has always proved to be beneficial. So I decided to do just that.
 
Parents are always asking me if they should buy a device for home and what kind of device is best for their kids.
 
 
 
I am always looking for educational apps that are FREE! Teaching at public schools has taught me that funds are tight, and by the time the money rolls around my students may have graduated or the app will not be relevant anymore. Here is a list of apps we use with our K-5
 
I am often asked which 1:1 device works best for classrooms - the ipad or a chromebook. There are a few factors you must consider to make the best choice when evaluating the device that will work for your classroom. Note, I said classroom and not school, because within a school the needs for the students differ and the device should lend itself to be the best tool for learning in that room.
 
 Osmosis is the process “the process of gradual or unconscious assimilation of ideas, knowledge, etc.” Can learning STEM happen through Osmosis. Yes! At our STEM Minecraft camp that's how learning happens. It is one of a kind learning experience. The assignment for the kids begins with them marooned on a ship far far away in the galaxy. The only way to safety is by repairing the four areas of damaged to of the ship. There will be 4 teams who will compete against each other for resources and ideas to replace and fix the spacecraft to become functional. Teamwork, problem solving, analytical thinking and creativity are a few of the things campers will learn. Chemistry and physics concepts play a big role as campers will need to study blue prints and mechanical systems to bring the ship home safe. There are no Prerequisites to this camp, a beginners knowledge of Minecraft is helpful. SAVE $35 on full day camps with code: sumfun35 Hurry offer ends May 15, 2018
 
 
I entered a room full of upset parents, who were there to give me feedback on a Minecraft class I was teaching. "Kids can kill each other" shouts one parent at me. This game promotes violence, aggression and makes kids bullies said another annoyed parent. Games have no place is school, we don't allow video games at home continued the third parent. You get the picture. I stood there irritable & amused. Irritable that they did not trust me, and amused that their predetermined ideas about education prevented them from recognizing Minecraft's magnality.
 
There is a strong relationship between robotics and programming. Parents look at me perplexed when I tell them the prerequisite for robotics is a quick simple introduction to coding. You can't have one without the other, the robot will do nothing without code.
 
Lately I have observed that there is a lot of buzz on the subject of STEM, and in particular, the need to encourage more girls to pursue STEM careers. I don't see educators and parents rushing out to push nursing school for boys or even fashion or culinary vocations. Every article I read talks about the need for more girls in STEM. Why?