Melissa Karsten
Anyone that knows me well knows I love to ask questions and get excited about learning. So, it’s been awesome throughout the last 12+ years with Pitsco to have so many opportunities to ask educators questions online and in their classrooms and learn from them. But, I have to say, my favorite part is witnessing the students’ “aha!” moments using the hands-on approach. Being a crafter – I’d love to be on "Flea Market Flip!" – I can relate. Now, if there were just a few more hours in the day for my digital projects, gardening, beekeeping, running, and what I call puppy time!
Not too long ago, we shared “The science of pour painting” blog post, which introduced a fun way to paint and make STEM connections while exploring you and your students’ creative side. Some kids are naturally drawn to artistic outlets such as drawing, painting, or sculpting, but anyone can learn from attempting to communicate artistically. Learning creative processes and understanding materials can give new meaning to the way you see things in the world. So, let us share another great art process for you to try out.
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Topics:
IN THE CLASSROOM,
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM,
IDEAS & INSPIRATION,
STEM,
Activities,
Hands-on Learning,
STEAM
April is National Gardening Month, likely because spring has sprung and we’re itching to get outside. There’s no denying it’s an awesome time to start your gardening season. Personally, I love celebrating this season. My husband and I garden (a LOT) for our farmers’ market stands and for ourselves. Because of the volume, it’s never a small undertaking, but it’s always so worth it! I love that gardening is something everyone can do – at any age and any scale.
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Topics:
IN THE CLASSROOM,
IDEAS & INSPIRATION,
Homeschool,
STEM,
Resources,
Activities,
Hands-on Learning
There are so many aspects of weather, which makes it a great STEM topic with lessons for every age. And who doesn’t benefit from understanding weather better? It’s around us every day!
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Topics:
IN THE CLASSROOM,
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM,
IDEAS & INSPIRATION,
Science,
STEM Expeditions,
Authentic Learning,
STEM Units,
Activities,
Career Expeditions,
Future Ready,
21st Century Skills,
Hands-on Learning,
STEAM,
Workforce Development,
Art
Your list of things to do is likely long – things to grade, read, and review. With so much to do, sometimes you just need a minute. Whether you’re waiting on someone or something or procrastinating on a project you don’t know how to tackle, it can be easy to let your focus drift somewhere else, especially with the world just a few clicks away.
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Topics:
ADMINISTRATION & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP,
IDEAS & INSPIRATION,
Teacher Resources,
News,
Culture,
Teacher Development,
Professional Development,
Hands-on Learning,
Workforce Development
Ice cream is always a big hit in the summertime (and usually year round too if we’re being honest 😉). I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone say they don’t like ice cream. I know there are some who can’t eat it because of allergies or other dietary restrictions, but, as for just not liking it, while I’m sure there are some people out there that don’t, I’d think they must be pretty rare.
And there are so many ice cream options to choose from! Personally, I grew up with the smooth creaminess of Dairy Queen ice cream, but I won’t turn down any other offerings!