In this On-going class, we will start every class by reading and discussing a story. After the story, I will  set up a STEM challenge that requires the learner to create something that will solve a problem or answer a question.  

STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math.
Most challenges will focus on Engineering but other areas my be needed to complete the challenge. Every once in a while, we make it a STEAM class and the challenge will be an ART activity. 

Class Format:
After reading and discussing the story,  I will build their background knowledge by giving them some information about the science topic(s),  discuss real world examples or experiences if appropriate , and explain the Engineering Design Process. I will adapt the EDP to meet class needs if engineering isn't a focus. 

Learners will be given design time to work on their design blueprint, time to build,  and time to try it out. 

We will wrap up the class by sharing our creations and reflecting on what worked and didn't work and what they can change to make it better.  

September Stories- 
7th- First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg- New Lunch Box (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design) 
14th-Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty- Flying Machine (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design) 
21st- Spaghetti in a Hotdog Bun by Maria Dismondy- Bun Platform (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design) 
28th- Apples, Apples Everywhere by Robin Koontz- Apple Chute (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and LS1-2 Life Cycles) 

October Stories-
5th- The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll- Pumpkin Lifter (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and LS1-2 Life Cycles) 
12th- The Runaway Pumpkin by Kevin Lewis- Pumpkin Stopper  (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and PS2 Forces and Motion)
19th- The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater-  coffee filter leaves/ART (STEAM class- why leaves change colors) 
26th- Room on a Broom- broom to hold my friends (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and MD.A Measurement and Estimation) 
 
November Stories
2nd- Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin- Squirrel Maze (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design) 
9th- Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano- turkey hideout (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design. and LS1 Animal Structures to Support Survival) 
16th- Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet- ballon puppet for Thanksgiving Day parade (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and Literacy RI- historical event and biographies) 
No Classes the week of Thanksgiving
30th- Carpenters Gift- Lego Christmas Tree (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and PS1 Matter and Its Interactions)

December Stories
7th- Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera- binary coding ornament (1A-AP Algorithms and Programing)
14th- Mooseltoe by Margie Palatini- moose tree (engineering design)
21st- Santa's New Jet by David Biedrzycki- parachute for Santa (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and PS2 Forces and Motion)
28th- A Wish to be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe- bird/animal feeder (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design. and LS1 Animal Structures to Support Survival) 

January Stories
4th- Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin- snowflake designs (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and the science of snowflakes)
11th- Owl Moon by Jane Yolen- shadow reflection designs (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and PS4- light and shadows)
18th- The Mitten by Jan Brett- design an shelter (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and LS2  Animal behaviors and shelter insulation)
25th- Snowmen at Night by Carolyn Buehner-  design a fast sled (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and PS2 Forces and Motion)

February Stories
1st- Grumpy Groundhog by Maureen Wright- build a new burrow(NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and LS2  Animal behaviors and shelter insulation)
8th- Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat- pop up valentine/STEAM Class (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and measurement)
15th- Invisible String by Patrice Karst-  heart maze (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and PS2 the force of magnets)
22nd- Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and LeUyen Pham- ballot box (NGSS ESTS- Engineering Design and build background knowledge of voting)
29th- Counting on Katherine by Elaine Becker and Dow Phumiruk- design a space capsule (biography, math, and engineering)

March Stories
7th- Salt in His Shoes by by Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan- (biography, math, and engineering)
14th= Leprechauns Never Lie by Lorna and Lecia Balian- Leprechaun tower (math and engineering)
21st- What Makes a Rainbow by Betty Schwartz- strong rainbow (light and prisms and engineering)
28th- The Easter Egg by Jan Brett-

April Stories
4th-  Frog an a Log
11th- One Plastic Bag
25th- Miss Rumphius

May Stories
2nd- Being a Bee
9th- Guess How Much I Love You?
16th- 
23rd-
30th-


If this isn't a good time for you, check out my Monthly FLEX classes for these same books and activities. 



*PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE REGISTRATION*

Please feel free to message me with questions, but I do work at a brick and mortar school during the day so answering messages will most likely be after those school hours.  I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. I am in the Central time zone.

REFUNDS:
I use the 'LIMITED' refund policy for my classes.

If a student is a 'no show' and/or misses a class for whatever reason, I will not refund or do a special make-up class.  A class recording will be posted in the classroom after the session is completed for your reference. If all registered learners are a 'no show', there will be no recording. If you have questions about the class, you may email me and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

* I do try to allow students in a couple of minutes before class time to chat and get to know each other before we start class, but when class starts we need to stay on topic.  

* I expect all students to participate in class.

* I do prefer to see your faces during class but, if you wish to have the camera off during class, you will need to introduce who you are with the camera on before class starts.

*I ask that students take turns to answer questions, share ides, or make comments during class.  I love and encourage class participation, but our time together is limited and I want to hear each student.

* Have fun and learn something new is my most important expectation.