STEM

1. Problem Solving - Provide students the opportunity to explore, fail, struggle and achieve with support

2. Communication - An important aspect of any subject we teach is communication. If students are engaged in a topic they are willing to discuss and process their thinking more readily. I found that when students could "make" they committed to their learning in a whole new way

3. Capacity for Innovation - I have altered my book exchange program into a STEM-based program with the primary division. I have tied in new literature into the programming which surprisingly has increased engagement for student book exchange. What I love best is that the students are truly insatiable

4. Global Innovators - connecting current curriculum to real world issues. Allowing students an opportunity to explore current events in a way where they could actually make a difference

5. Collaboration - Teacher and Students explore through design. Inquiry fits well with STEM as students explore their interest and actually problem solve real-world issues.

6. Creativity - In our library we had a Cardboard challenge for the Global Cardboard Challenge. It was amazing how little planning it takes to pull off an event that encourages problem solving, design and creativity. We had full arcade games created with cardboard and tape. We linked it to Caine's Arcade video on Youtube and provided time. The buy in by parents and students was amazing

7. Capacity Engineering - I agree with the videos posted when they discuss providing prolonged problem solving time. We built electric cars this year with our Grade 6 classes. Truthfully we were concerned about the final products but students were committed to solving their design issues. I believe it is the teachers responsibility to assist students with slowing down their thinking and tracking their design. It is easy to get caught up in the solution and forget how far you came in the process.