STEM Challenge: Paper Chains

I am SO excited to report that today was our first official 2-F STEM Challenge. The challenge was presented to the students using the poster found in the collage below. In anticipation of our first challenge, we spent time last week talking all about what STEM is, what it stands for (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and the different types of activities/lessons that we might be experimenting with. We also talked about what expectations we had for ourselves and our peers, how we could work together in a group (if it were a group challenge) and the best ways to make the most out of every STEM minute we have!

Needless to say, after last week's awesome introductory conversation, the students were SO thrilled to be given their first challenge. The Paper Chains challenge was one that I found while researching STEM ideas online and I loved it for several reasons, but primarily because, 1. it wasn't extremely labor intensive, rigorous or intimidating and 2. it lent itself perfectly to natural conversations about how we think and problem solve, as well as how we perceive others and how they may think about the same thing a completely different way. During the challenge we paused to talk about our own problem solving abilities and comfort level with creativity, as well as how to recognize and appreciate the fact that each of us brings our own special set of ideas, feelings and thoughts to a particular group/challenge situation. I overhead one of my students say "I love STEM, we get to think and make stuff, but we also get to see how other kids think too!" *Talk about a teacher's heart being COMPLETELY melted! (Insert once again, 'I LOVE MY JOB!')

When we initially started, there were definitely a couple of students who were a bit hesitant and I could tell they were searching for more guidance and direction- but the best thing I could do (and what I did do : ) was remind them to just have fun, use their creative brain power, envision what they wanted it to look like and to remember that there were tons of different ways to succeed in this challenge. And let me just say, when the initial worries wore off (about 4 minutes in!) they did an absolutely amazing job! Perhaps one of the most impressive parts of the challenge was seeing at the end of the lesson that no two future-engineers had the same chain. Each chain was unique and it highlighted their ability to explore and utilize their creative and critical thinking skills. Seeing them all 'think outside the box' made for one super proud teacher. In the words of my students "I can't wait for our next STEM Challenge!"

*A very special THANK YOU to all of the families who have sent in items from the STEM Supply List! It makes these types of projects/lessons possible- thank you again! : )