In this unit, students will learn about the 4Cs (communication, collaboration, creation, and critical thinking) through literature-based engineering challenges. Each lesson focuses on one "C" and one read-aloud. This unit is geared for grades 2-3 but could be adapted to any elementary grade level.

COMMUNICATION - Click Clack Moo

COLLABORATION - Iggy Peck Architect

CRITICAL THINKING - Rosie Revere Engineer

CREATION - Galimoto

This lesson integrates science into the language arts block. Students will read about plant life cycle events and then write their own books about the life cycle of a plant.

Literature Based STEM - Book List & Corresponding Activities:

Looking for grab-and-go elementary STEM lessons? Looking for a read-aloud to hook an existing STEM lesson? Trying to build a STEM library? Search the spreadsheet by titles, authors, big ideas, themes, and lessons. Whether you are a STEM specialist or a classroom teacher, these lessons will work for you.

The students will listen to and discuss books about butterflies and the migration of monarch butterflies to Mexico in order to integrate science, social studies, and language arts.

The students will learn about the changing environment through study and observation. They will reflect on these changes in the environment and create their own landscape and habitat. This is the second lesson in "Observing connections," a series of three in which students are creating art based on their observations.

This is an art project where oil paints and water is used. Students will have already explored the densities of oil and water.

"Opening the World through Journaling: Integrating Art, Science, and Language Arts" teaches children to become keen observers of the natural world by drawing and writing about the plants and animals in situ. In a set of nested exercises, students use games to gain confidence in drawing and writing as a way to gather information. Later, they employ these skills to put together a field guide, make treasure maps, and to write short stories and poems.

Planning tools, descriptions, and required materials for running a STEAM day at your school

STE(A)M Truck is a mobile makerspace that inspires youth to tackle real problems with the support of community experts. We teach youth Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) by bringing tools, equipment and mentors directly to kids and allow youth to have fun while making things with their hands. STE(A)M Truck will have everything from 3D printers, laser cutters to saws and hammers.

At ELC we will 1) introduce students to the array of maker tools, technologies and materials; 2) teach students a design thinking problem solving process; and 3) support students to design their solutions and, with the support of community experts, build them.

Some past examples include; building a computer using e-waste, carving a wooden spoon, making your own jams and jellies, building your own design thinking toolbox or creating your own toys and games. Who knows what problems kids will want to tackle this summer.

Learn more at www.steamtruck.org

NEXT.cc is an eco web that develops ethical imagination and environmental stewardship. NEXT.cc introduces what design is, what design does, and why design is important. It offers activities across nine scales – nano, pattern, object, space, architecture, neighborhood, urban, region, and world. NEXT.cc's journeys introduce activities online, in the classroom, in the community and globally. NEXT.cc journeys and activities are supported with links to museums, institutions and contemporary practices. The eco web network of journeys provides a solid foundation for newly established NAAEE North American Association of Environmental Education standards with place based design activities that address the five goals of environmental education: Awareness, Knowledge, Attitudes and Environmental Ethic, Citizen Action Skills, and Citizen Action Experiences. NEXT.cc is based on Wisconsin Art and Design Standards and Common Core State Standards. NEXT.cc plans to reach young people, their teachers and their families with meaningful learning experiences that create positive influence on lives and outcomes.

A hands on activity that gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge of weather.

Taking students into the field to conduct authentic science brings science to life. This document shares resources used to facilitate a field experience for 5th grade students both in the classroom and out in the field around a Washington State listed endangered species, the sharp-tailed grouse. The field event took place at the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area near Conconully, WA but the resource can be used and adapted for other locations and other focus species. This resource can be a guide in developing your own STEAM in the field experience for students.

This is a STEAM lesson designed for first or second grade students who are learning about the water cycle. 

In this 2nd Grade Integrated Unit focused around Social Emotional Learning, STEM, Art, and Language Arts, we present students with the driving question: How can we use art to celebrate each and every one of us? Students read a variety of literature that provides them with the opportunity to talk about and think about how each and every student’s uniqueness is beautiful and valued in the classroom community. Students explore a variety of art forms which are introduced by numerous artists from a variety of BIPOC communities. Through various embedded STEM activities (some FOSS), students explore the ways in which STEM ideas help us better understand and create art. The unit culminates with an art showcase where we invite families and community members to visit an art show where the classroom community is celebrated through art. This unit is intended to help us reimagine the ways in which we teach STEM and to highlight the importance of positive identity development in creating equitable opportunities for all our students.