SECOND AND THIRD GRADE
If you’re looking for lessons and units specifically related to the objectives of STEM education, with a focus on preparing students for a future that is constantly evolving, the resources listed below may be a good place to start. If you have any questions about any of these resources or have suggestions for additions, please send a MESSAGE.
Click on the MULTIDISCIPLINARY tab for additional studies that incorporate multiple disciplines including science, social studies, math, research, literature, and the arts.
RECOMMENDED MATERIALS / CURRICULUM
STEM Engineering Start Kit for Elementary (TPT – free)
EIE Curriculum Units (Engineering Curriculum for Kids)
Design Thinking in the Classroom (David Lee)
James Webb Space Telescope STEM Toolkit – lessons and activities for K-12
Scratch – students can code their own interactive stories, animations, and games
Genius Square ~ STEM Puzzle Game of the Year
Mindware (kits, toys, games for classroom use)
Code.Org (coding projects and activities)
Wonder Workshop (robotics for kids)
Ellen McHenry’s Basement Workshop– Science and Art- many free resources and lessons
3Dux I Design ~ design and building kits and challenges (see video)
Intel Teaching Idea Showcase – teaching ideas that showcase the integration of technology into classroom projects for all ages and most subjects
Chrome Music Lab – music experiments that connect to science, math, art, and more
LESSON and UNIT IDEAS
Building Big – (includes Educators’ Guide; engineering behind large structures such as bridges and domes / intended for Grades 5 -8 but suitable for use with younger students)
Earthquake-Proof Structures (45-min. hands-on activity; see video here)
Electric Quiz Board: Using Circuits to Create! (mini-unit)
Biomimicry for Kids ~ (blog post with videos and resources for teaching younger students)
Kids Building Big: A Geodesic Dome in Less Than an Hour (3rd and up – can be integrated into a unit on architecture or structures)
Logistics for Kids ~ Low-Prep Design Challenge
Undercover Robots Camp – by Terri Eichholz (TPT) – 10 missions with robots such as Dash and Dot
RUBIK’S CUBE – Units and Lessons (for all ages)
PBL Math Enrichment Project ~ Build a Zoo (TPT ~ $7.50)
Dump Truck Incident / Pumpkin Push – a problem-solving challenge great for fall
Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas ~ A Marble Design Challenge ~ see also Holiday Ideas
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