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Hands-On STEM Club | New Concepts Weekly!

We will learn STEM concepts with hands-on projects. Upcoming projects include a tissue box guitar, an eye model, a working lung, a simple pulley, a shaduf (lever), a wind chime, and a cranking elevator. Learn science via doing!
Jessica Decaillon
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(106)
Star Educator
Class
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What's included

1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per week
Homework
Learners are encouraged to finish their projects and post a picture in the classroom.

Class Experience

US Grade 2 - 5
Hello Learners and grownups!

We will tackle STEM challenges while learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in this ongoing session. Students will have the freedom to create, collaborate, explore, and share with peers. We'll use commonly available household items as our design inspiration. The list of required materials will be sent out five days before the start of the session, so be prepared and ready to have a good time!


✨Class Structure✨

✔️ I'll announce the day's challenge at the start of class. We'll have a conversation using open-ended questions. For example, we may explore Newton's Three Laws of Motion and work through the concepts using real-life examples.
✔️ Then we'll work on a hands-on project. We will take everything we learned in the first half of the class to develop our project. How, for instance, does Newton's Second Law of Motion affect the performance of a bottle car when we consider its force, mass, and acceleration?
✔️ Finally, we present our idea to the group and discuss the lessons we've learned today.


✨Prerequisites for Learners✨ 

✔️ Must be able to use scissors and follow simple instructions. 
✔️ Some classes require the use of a hot glue gun; please review the safety procedures prior to class.
✔️ If we have young learners or learners who are still developing their skills in following instructions, parents must be present to assist.


✨Important note about this class✨

I will post a list of the materials at least 5 days before each class; they should all be common household items, many of which are recyclable. To have the most fun in class, please bring ALL of the items on the list! If the original items are not available, I often offer alternatives. Because this is a hands-on class, you must come prepared with all the necessary items. I understand that sometimes we are unable to fully prepare, and that is fine; simply send me a message ahead of time so that I can offer alternative options.


✨My teaching style✨

I firmly believe that given the right environment and guidance, children can fully comprehend math and science concepts as long as they get the chance to conceptualize them through concrete, real-life experiences. Students will face engineering challenges throughout the course; I will always offer assistance, but most of the time I will encourage students to solve problems collaboratively or on their own with guided questions. I am a relaxed teacher who enjoys connecting with her students. I always strive to make classes both fun and educational!


✨Weekly Challenge✨

6/06 - 3D Maze (STEM design process)
6/13 - Marshmallow House (earthquake-proof buildings)
6/20 - Bottle Car (Newton's Three Laws of Motion)
6/27 - Rollercoaster (potential energy & kinetic energy)
7/04 - Marble Machine (Gravity)
7/11 - Catapult (Gravity & Motion)
7/18 - Sail Boat (Gravity center & buoyancy)
7/25 - Robotic Arm (intro to robotics)
8/01 - Paddle Boat (energy & buoyancy)
8/08 - Ball Launcher (Laws of thermodynamics)
8/15 - Table Hockey ( game design)
8/22 - Rocket Launcher (air pressure)
8/29 - Pull-back Car (potential and kinetic energy)
9/05 - Tube Telephone (How does sound travel?)
9/12 - Tissue Box Guitar (sound frequency)
9/19 - Build An Eye Model (How do our eyes Work?)
9/26 - Build A Working Lung (How do we breathe?)
10/3 - No class
10/10 - No class
10/17 - No class
10/24 - Build a Simple Pulley (How to move heavy objects?)
10/31 - Shaduf (How does a lever work?)
11/07 - Balanced Wind Chime (What is the center of mass?)
11/14 - Cranking Elevator (simple machine)
11/21 - Thanksgiving break, no class

Future projects will be updated as I receive feedback from my students.


✨FAQs✨

1. What if I don't have everything on the material list?
Everything on the list is interchangeable, so substitute something as close as possible. When it comes to your design, you, as an engineer, have the final say. Shortage of materials is another real-world issue that engineers face. Let's see if you can solve your engineering problem creatively!

2. Will there be a lot of talking? What if I just want to build quietly and observe?
I understand that some people enjoy talking while others do not. Social interaction can be enjoyable, but it is not required. I generally encourage everyone to share their thoughts, and some kids simply need a little more time to warm up. If you don't want to interact with others, please reach out before class and I will keep an eye on it.


Please contact me if you have any questions! I can’t wait to see you in class!
Learning Goals
Students will learn about the STEM design process, Newton's Three Laws, fractions, different types of energy, gravity and so much more as we progress through this course.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Some prep work might need grownups' help, such as drilling holes in plastic bottles. In some classes, we need to use a hot glue gun, and learners should be comfortable handling that with adult guidance. Learners should also be comfortable using scissors as we will be cutting a lot in this class!
Supply List
# Build A Simple Pulley - 10/24

- a shoebox or a cardboard box with one side open
- tape
- 6 unsharpened pencils or wooden/bamboo skewers
- the spool core of ribbon, yarn, or a wood spool
- toilet paper and paper towel rolls
- 1 mini pumpkin
- scissors
- ruler
- pencil and paper for writing
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2022
5.0
106reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management from Walsh College
Hello, I am Ms. Jessica! I develop top-notch, engaging live and self-paced classes that captivate your learner and offer maximum flexibility!

⭐ I am a passionate STEM and Mandarin Chinese teacher dedicated to providing your child with a unique and engaging learning experience.
⭐ I invest extensive resources to create self-paced courses that are fun, engaging, and educational!
⭐ I use innovative, inquiry-based methods to ignite curiosity, enhance skills, and make learning both enjoyable and effective!

My goals:
🎯 To help students successfully retain and apply the knowledge they gain,
🎯 To boost students' confidence and interest in STEM and language learning,
🎯 To help parents save time and energy by providing top-notch education grounded in science.

What sets my courses apart?
💫 Personalized Teacher Feedback: Each uploaded assignment is meticulously reviewed, with detailed feedback provided to help students improve and master their skills.
💫 Flexible Learning: The self-paced format allows students to learn anytime, anywhere, without any pressure. This flexibility ensures a stress-free learning environment tailored to each student's unique schedule.

👩🏻‍🎓 I have a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Walsh College and hold certificates in Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development from the University of Illinois and Classroom Strategies for Inquiry-Based Learning from UTAustinX. I have taught over 600 learners so far!

See you in class!

Ms. Jessica
Outschool Star Teacher since November 2023
🌟 100+ 5-star Reviews! Parents love my classes!


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Got time? Here is the full description:

Hello friends! I teach STEM with a sprinkle of art and tons of fun, along with engaging Mandarin Chinese courses.

📚 I hold a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Walsh College and previously worked as a web analyst for one of the nation's largest ad agencies. Additionally, I possess a certificate in Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development from the University of Illinois and a Classroom Strategies for Inquiry-Based Learning certificate from UTAustinX. I have collaborated with nonprofit STEM education organizations to develop top-notch classroom experiences. Besides Outschool, I teach part-time at a private school, bringing my passion for innovative and engaging education to in-person learning environments. During my free time, I dedicate myself to learning about how children learn, ensuring that my teaching methods are always up-to-date and effective.

🔬 STEM education can and should be enjoyable. Through special curriculums I have developed over the years working with children, my goal as an educator is to ignite a love for scientific inquiry and discovery in young minds. My passion for childhood development and human psychology drives me to create enriching and interactive learning experiences. I have extensive experience working with learners of all ages to improve their STEM skills. My focus is on helping children build a solid foundation in science and technology through arts and play, making learning both fun and effective.

🈵 In addition to my STEM courses, I offer self-paced and live Mandarin Chinese classes designed to develop fundamental communication skills. My Mandarin courses incorporate the same engaging, inquiry-based learning methods that I use in my STEM classes. With video lessons, digital flashcards, quiz games, and guided reviews, I make learning Mandarin fun and interactive. By integrating STEM-inspired techniques, I ensure that students not only master the language but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

When I'm not teaching on Outschool, you can find me homeschooling my child, tinkering with projects, teaching other students, or participating in teacher training.

🐶 Fun facts about me: I have a beagle, and she loves to be in class with me. Maybe you will get to meet her.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$15

weekly
1x per week
45 min

Completed by 51 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
1-6 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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