Play and Learning

STEM Saves the World: 

Chile is protecting migrating whales with a new high-tech buoy that can detect and help avoid ship collisions. This aligns with UN Goal 14: Life Below Water to conserve marine resources and promote sustainable development.

Lesson Plan:

Sphero Level 1 is launched. Students learn what a sphero is, how to connect to it, and being programming it with blocks. Maybe kids could teach the sphero to track whales and help save them too. 

Learning of the Week:

This week in my education class, we delved into the value of formative and summative assessments. We discussed the importance of using formative assessments to monitor student learning and adjusting our teaching approaches as needed. These assessments help create a learner-centered environment by giving students regular opportunities to demonstrate their understanding and receive feedback, allowing them to take an active role in their learning journey. Also, we emphasize that providing instant feedback is important as part of the assessment process. It enables our students to better understand their strengths and weaknesses and identify areas where they need to improve. By using a balanced approach to assessments and incorporating instant feedback, we can help our students become more confident, competent, and engaged learners.

Thought of the Week:

This week, I want to talk about the importance of play and creativity in STEM education. It may seem counterintuitive, but allowing students to play and follow their creativity can enhance their learning and understanding of STEM concepts.

In a study by the National Institute for Play, it was found that "playful experiences have a profound impact on how children learn, remember, and apply new information." By incorporating play into STEM education, students can develop their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity.

I found that by having guided challenges students are able to balance play with learning and propel them further into the world of STEM. 

As Sir Ken Robinson said, "Play is not a break from learning. Play is learning." So, let's give our students the opportunity to play, explore, and follow their creativity when it comes to STEM education. 

Thanks everyone, 

Peter

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Howdy! Every week I share stories of how STEM projects are saving the world and contributing to the UN goals. I also include a lesson plan for STEM classrooms and something I've learned about education. 

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