FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADES
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 would like more information 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
Virtual Makerspace – read more about it here.
STEM Engineering Start Kit for Elementary (TPT – free)
EIE Curriculum Units (Engineering Curriculum for Kids)
Design Thinking in the Classroom (David Lee)
Intel Teaching Idea Showcase – teaching ideas that showcase the integration of technology into classroom projects for all ages and most subjects
Wonder Workshop (Dash and Dot) and Wonder Workshop Classroom
Scratch – students can code their own interactive stories, animations, and games
Instant Challenges – practice exercises for Destination Imagination®
Micro:bit (circuitry and coding beginning at $25)
Makey Makey (use coding and circuitry to make things! Scroll down on this page for sample lesson plans)
Genius Square ~ STEM Puzzle Game of the Year
Mindware (kits, toys, games for classroom use)
Code.Org (coding projects and activities)
James Webb Space Telescope STEM Toolkit – lessons and activities for K-12
3Dux I Design ~ design and building kits and challenges (see video)
Ellen McHenry’s Basement Workshop– Science and Art- many free resources and lessons
Freebies for Science Teachers (National Science Teaching Association)
Science News for Students ~ nonfiction science articles to incorporate into thematic units
Chrome Music Lab – music experiments that connect to science, math, art, and more
LESSON AND UNIT IDEAS
Kids with Class: Student-Created Videos for Extended Learning (blog post)
Electric Quiz Board: Using Circuits to Create! (mini-unit)
Student-Created Escape Chamber: A Unique Project and Learning Journey (blog post)
Kids Building Big: A Geodesic Dome in Less Than an Hour (3rd and up – can be integrated into a unit on architecture or structures)
Student-Created Virtual Museums Using Google Slides
A Student-Created Maker Space / Museum
Logistics for Kids ~ Low-Prep Design Challenge
Do You Speak Binary? – Unplugged Computer Science and Binary Code
Undercover Robots Camp – by Terri Eichholz (TPT) 10 missions
3-D Printer Student Business – by Crystal Koenig
The Journey of a Question ~ independent research ~ great kickoff for Genius Hour / blog post)
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)
Skype a Scientist – find a scientist to chat with your class via Skype!
Augmented Reality for Education Resources (TPT – $5.00)
The Mystery of Me – (free mini-project for the beginning of the year- see blog post)
Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas ~ A Marble Design Challenge – see also Holiday Ideas
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