The STEM Express: Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Explore ideas in science through challenges, puzzles, microscope images and news articles.
Ms. Graf
Average rating:
4.5
Number of reviews:(27)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Homework will include STEM challenges, where students are given a prompt and are asked to build an object to meet specific criteria.Assessment
Anecdotal feedback will be given by the instructor based on observation, discussion and STEM challenges.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
This is a discussion class about science, technology, engineering and math topics. Each session of this class will cover a "Daily STEM" article which includes a section about a career in STEM, STEM events in the news, microscope images, a challenge, and a puzzle. Students will have a chance to read the articles, discuss and answer questions. Each session will involve reading and solving a problem using the scientific method. Students will be encouraged to brainstorm using Google Jamboard as they solve the problem. Homework between the sessions will be to build an object using materials students already have at home to solve a problem e.g., building a Mars rover, robot or flying object using recyclable materials. Week 1 STEM Career: Food scientist STEM in the news: how are helmets made? Challenge: build a catapult Materials needed: paper, pencil, recyclable materials at home Week 2 STEM career: shoe designer STEM in the news: asteroids around Jupiter Challenge: design a spacesuit Materials needed: paper and pencil Week 3 STEM career: biomedical engineer STEM in the news: Amazon rainforest frogs Challenge: build a frog that can jump the farthest Materials: paper, pencil, recyclable materials at home Week 4 STEM career: art conservator STEM in the news: extinct animals Challenge: Create your own Cipher Wheel Materials: paper or cardboard, pencil, markers
Learning Goals
Students will explore and discuss topics in science, technology, engineering and math. They will explore careers in science, news articles, microscope images and solve challenges using the scientific method.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parental permission required to use the following third-party apps:
Kahoot (virtual quizzes with competition among students, no login or account required as students will be given a game code to join)
https://kahoot.com/
Ted Ed Science (virtual quizzes with feedback, no login or account required)
https://ed.ted.com/lessons?category=science-technology
Supply List
Students will be assigned building challenges and are encouraged to use materials that they already have at home e.g., recyclable containers, cardboard, glue, tape, etc.
Language of Instruction
English
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Science
3 Degrees
Master's Degree from University of British Columbia
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brock University
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Brock University
Instructional design and media studies are interests of mine.
My classes are about essential academic skills, building up a toolkit of strategies to use in core subjects, resiliency, and overcoming obstacles which prevent you from doing your best in school.
I love to read, write and connect with others online. I have taught in elementary and high schools for ten years. I have taught English, French, Math and Science.
In my spare time I practice yoga and enjoy hiking in the forest. Other activities I find fun include snowboarding, playing video games and gardening.
Here is my communications portfolio:
https://rachelkgraf.wixsite.com/rgrafcommportfolioReviews
Live Group Class
$5
weekly or $18 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
3-6 learners per class
