Earthenware Explortions: A STEAM Unit Overview

Last summer I applied for and won a License for Learning Grant. The STEAM Lab was a fine art classroom before, so it still has a kiln. Last year I did projects with my kindergarten and fifth grade classes.  My goal for the year was to be sure that all my classes got to participate in a ceramics project. Thanks to the grant funds each of my 18 classes got to do a ceramics project related to math/science concepts taught in the regular classroom.

Here is an overview of the projects that we did:

Kindergarten: Ladybugs (insects)
First Grade: Shape bowls (geometry)
Second Grade: Footprint Necklaces (measurement)
Third Grade: Bells (sound energy)
Fourth Grade: Owls (heat energy)
Fifth Grade: MC Escher hot plates (area)

I consulted with an art teacher I worked with at summer camp who talked me through the ordering process. Each student started with clay and formed their project. We waited for the pieces to dry and did a bisque fire.

This was the first time I attempted using glaze. I was nervous, but it went well.

I managed to keep everything organized. This cart was my organizational crutch. I sorted the projects by class/grade. That being said, we *might* have finished the fourth and fifth grade projects on the last full day of school, but it all got done!

Grades 1-5 took pictures and posted about their individual projects using Padlet. This was a great way for me to remind students to focus on the classroom math/science content.

Created with Padlet

I plan to post about each of the projects over the next week or so. This was one of my very favorite projects. I'm already working on finding funding to continue next year.

iPad Apps from the STEAM Lab

After two years of requests, this spring I got a class set of iPad minis thanks to a school wide technology grant. Knowing they were on the way, I spent a little over a month going through the apps I wanted to include. I organized them in a Google Doc for our IT specialist.

I started with the STEAM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. I added folders for Augmented Reality, Creation Apps, Coding, Photography, and Video. The list is available here. I plan to update the spreadsheet later this summer.

I moved the Utilities (including Settings), and other standard apps that you can't move to the second page. There is a link to my Portaportal on the second page as well.

We spend most of our time App Smashing using the Creation Apps folder. The pottery app is the student choice. While I still feel like we have just started to scratch the surface, I'm loving these new resources.

I have a few minor tweaks planned this summer. There are a few apps I don't think we need that are taking up valuable space. I want to add KonaKona and Popplet. Is there anything else that you think I'm missing?

The other big purchase was a class set of wireless Bluetooth headphones.

I tried headphones with the iMacs when I first started in the STEAM Lab. The first week I had two computers pulled down by well intentioned kindergarteners that forgot they were still wearing the headphones. I quickly removed the headphones and muted the volume. For about a year I searched for wireless headphones that could work in the lab setting. One of our first grade teachers recommended Lil Gadgets. I've had a class set of the Untangled Pro headphones for three months now. So far I'm impressed. They come in several colors - white was not my choice! They are a small company and have a year warranty. They are worth checking out.

I have been really happy with these new additions to the STEAM Lab.

Summer Days

The school year ended and I went right into summer camp. I've taught drama at the enrichment camp at my school for about 7 years now. I've always done half days, but this summer I was able to pick up mornings teaching STEAM as well. It is laid back and fun, but working 8-5 each day at 6 months pregnant is hard. The extra money will allow me to extend my maternity leave in the fall though, so it is more than worth it!

My oldest starts kindergarten in the fall. She is at camp with me this summer and loving every minute of it! I actually stayed home today because her younger brother was sick. I finally had time to look at the presenter details for ISTE. I had no idea the poster area would be so large! I've done both these presentations at other conferences, but now that school is out I need work on updating and final touches. I'm really looking forward to the conference!

I also have wrap up posts planned for this week. I have neglected my blog in all the craziness of this school year, but there were several projects that I really want to share.

I hope your summer is going well!

St. Patrick's Day 2016 Preview

It's been quiet here on the blog for a while, but with good reason.

My two preschoolers are over the moon with excitement!

Wrapping up 2014

I'm sitting on the couch watching my Arkansas Razorbacks in the Texas Bowl. It is the first time this since school let out that I've pulled out my laptop and done anything at all work related. Even then, it is mostly fun and not "work." I have stopped by my classroom a few times, but only to feed the fish and water our seedlings. Newspaper pots, anyone?

My husband and I splurged a few days before Christmas. We hired "The Maids" to come in and deep clean the house. It had to be one of my very best ideas ever. After that, I declared this to be the Christmas of no mess and no stress. Amazingly enough, it actually worked. I'm considering making 2015 the year of no stress and no mess. We'll see how it goes!

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you saw my big news.

I'm still in shock! I submitted two proposals for ISTE 2015. My goal was to try for a poster session so that I could just attend the conference. My husband said that I was selling myself short. To humor him, I submitted a modified version of the session I did at the NCTM regional conference. On the day that resulted were announced, I had my Tweetdeck open and waiting for word that the notifications had been sent out. I was so sure that I was going to get a rejections that I didn't add to the "still waiting to hear" posts. I logged in to my account at 8pm to see that both proposals were accepted. I was left flabbergasted!

Before then, of course is FETC. I had an amazing time last year. If you are going to FETC, so sure to check out this post. I first learned about the PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator program at a session at FETC. If you are a teacher that is passionate about using technology in the classroom, I would highly recommend looking into this program.

Happy New Year! My the rest of your break have no mess and no stress!

Apply to be a 2015 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator

PBS is once again looking for America’s most innovative educators!

Are you using digital media and technology to lead innovation in your school? Then apply now through 2/11/15 to be a 2015 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovator! Whether you are flipping your classroom, integrating tablets and mobile devices, using game-based learning to engage your students and more, we want to hear from you.  Submit your application today for an opportunity to receive one year of FREE PD including virtual trainings, access to exclusive resources and events, membership into a robust professional learning community and an all-expense paid two-day trip to Philadelphia, PA preceding the ISTE conference!

The class of 2014 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators has been making headlines all year. Some of their accomplishments include:

• Being named one of four finalists nationwide for National Teacher of the Year, including a meeting with the President of the United States
• Successfully implementing a 1:1 learning environment in their school
• Presenting to a national audience of peers alongside PBS staff and other industry experts and thought leaders
• Being interviewed on their local PBS station as part of this year’s American Graduate Day
• And many, many more…

Last month I was part of a panel that presented a webinar about adding art to STEM education. I have loved being a part of this group this year and look forward to being active in the "alumni" group of Digital Innovators. 

Don’t just imagine what opportunities the PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators program has in store for you; take the next step and apply now through 2/11/15!

APPLY NOW: http://to.pbs.org/digin

FETC Discount Code

November was all about conferences for me. I attended the NSTA Regional Conference in Orlando early in the month. A couple of weeks later I flew to Houston to present at the NCTM Regional Conference. I have a blog post planned with my favorite finds from these two events if I can just find time to sit down and write.

I love conferences. I always find such neat ideas. I actually like going to conferences enough that I have started to submit proposals to present. My school is a lot more willing to send you when you are presenting. After attending FETC last year I knew that I needed to try my best to get back again!

I'd like to personally invite you to attend my session at FETC 2015, taking place January 20-23 in Orlando, Florida. Information on my session is below, along with a special registration discount of up to $110 off the Regular Conference Package Prices*.

Mixing it up with STEAM (AS3062)
Date: Friday, January 23, 2015

In this session, we will discuss how your students can mix a recycled cardboard arcade with technology including augmented reality, Google Apps, and movie making.

FETC is the leading international conference that brings education and technology experts together to exchange strategies and best practices for teaching and learning success—and I’m thrilled to be a part of it! Make plans now to join me and discover the future of education technology.

Register today using my unique promo code – SPK376 – and receive $110* off the Regular Registration fee! For more information on the conference, please visit www.FETC.org

*$110 discount off Regular Conference Rates, or $10 off the current Early Bird rates.
Please note – the discount does not apply to currently registered attendees.

I hope to see you this January!