Odds & Ends & STEM

Since becoming a STEM teacher, my friends and family have generously collected and donated cereal boxes, cardboard tubes, bottle caps, and a whole host of "disposable" items. I have also been gifted with lots of miscellaneous items that I haven't asked for. By now, those who know me well know that I will find a use for almost anything.

My parents are my biggest fans, and also my most frequent contributors. My father, especially, loves to shop for bargains in the clearance section, and has scored some awesome "end of season" deals. Pool noodles in September, plastic eggs in May, candy canes in January. Thanks Dad!

So I wasn't surprised a couple of years ago when mom and dad arrived at my house with dozens of cone shaped party hats: Powerpuff Girls and Jay Jay the Jet Plane. I thanked them, and assured them that I'd think of something, but to be honest, I had no clue what to do with them. (I also had some reservations. My second and third graders would likely scoff at the "babyish" characters. And in my mind's eye, I could easily see a pouting 8-year-old boy refusing to use a pink Powerpuff hat.) But I absolutely hate to waste supplies, so I kept them. For two years, they've stared out at me every time I open the closet, and I hear them (or maybe it's mom) asking, "How are you going to use these?"

Then, a few weeks ago, as I was placing a box of plastic cubes beside the hats, it came to me. "Cubes in a Cone" is the challenge. Supplying each group with 30 cubes and a party hat, the goal is to support the cone so that it stands upright, with as many cubes inside as possible.

Each time a group came up with a solution, the students sketched their designs and recorded the number of cubes inside the cone, and the number of cubes outside. They were so engaged that no one even mentioned the characters!

One of the things I love best about being a STEM teacher is seeing the way the activities bring out my students' creativity. One of the other things I love best about being a STEM teacher is that it requires the same thing from me.

A good STEM program doesn't need a 3D printer, expensive robotics, and high-tech devices (though I wouldn't say no if they were offered!). A good STEM program requires hands-on exploration and discovery, creativity, and problem solving.

Oh, and though they're not required, bargain-hunting parents who believe in you are a big plus, too! :)