There are two undeniable facts about S.T.E.M. instruction (science, technology, engineering, and math). One is that it has blossomed in recent years. The second is that it can be expensive. Robotics kits, S.T.E.M. labs, computers, and other tools don’t come cheaply. However, there are ways to get a lot of S.T.E.M. mileage with minimal investment. Over the coming months, I will be delivering my “S.T.E.M. on a Shoestring” presentation at two conferences. Here are some ways to implement S.T.E.M. instruction for pennies. Click the links to see examples.
First of all, I am well known at the local dollar stores. Anyone who comes in and buys 60 electric toothbrushes at a time stands out. My students pirated the vibrating motors, the switch, the battery, and the bristles and made walking robots. These vibrating motors can also be used to make Art Bots.
I have also bought dozens of light-up toys to pirate the L.E.D. lights and coin batteries. My students made electronic quiz cards as explained in a previous lesson plan.
For a buck I bought a package of 180 straws. These could be used to build towers, a common S.T.E.M. lesson. Instead, my students will make reed instruments out of them. Their challenge is to produce the loudest instrument possible. (I downloaded a free decibel meter for my phone.) Then they have to create a team of four people who each have a reed straw and try to play Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
I have found local businesses more than willing to donate materials, especially when their trash is my treasure. A lawnmower shop gave me an old leaf blower that we are using to power a ride-on hovercraft. A sewing machine shop is gathering motors with the treadles so that I can make a harmonograph.
I have also bought dozens of light-up toys to pirate the L.E.D. lights and coin batteries. My students made electronic quiz cards as explained in a previous lesson plan.
For a buck I bought a package of 180 straws. These could be used to build towers, a common S.T.E.M. lesson. Instead, my students will make reed instruments out of them. Their challenge is to produce the loudest instrument possible. (I downloaded a free decibel meter for my phone.) Then they have to create a team of four people who each have a reed straw and try to play Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
I have found local businesses more than willing to donate materials, especially when their trash is my treasure. A lawnmower shop gave me an old leaf blower that we are using to power a ride-on hovercraft. A sewing machine shop is gathering motors with the treadles so that I can make a harmonograph.
One of my favorite and cost-free S.T.E.M. activities involves giving students junk. For example, I gave them this device and asked them to come up with a theory that explained its use. They have to tell what each numbered part plays. They can see that it has a switch and a cord, some tubes, and other interesting parts. Once they have their hypothesis, they explain it to the class. Then they go online and see if they can find out what it really is (in this case, an ice maker).
Teaching S.T.E.M. is intriguing for students and teachers alike. It fosters creative thinking and helps students to connect their mathematics, science, engineering and technology in problem-based learning. Students work cooperatively and learn to overcome obstacles. They persevere through and beyond failure until they find success. With all these benefits, S.T.E.M. instruction is priceless. However, that doesn’t mean it has to cost a lot.
Teaching S.T.E.M. is intriguing for students and teachers alike. It fosters creative thinking and helps students to connect their mathematics, science, engineering and technology in problem-based learning. Students work cooperatively and learn to overcome obstacles. They persevere through and beyond failure until they find success. With all these benefits, S.T.E.M. instruction is priceless. However, that doesn’t mean it has to cost a lot.
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