Blog Posts

Melissa Karsten

Melissa Karsten
Anyone that knows me well knows I get excited about learning and love asking questions. So, the opportunities to talk with educators online and in their classrooms and learn from them has been awesome the last 16+ years. But, 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 only a few more hours in the day for my digital projects, gardening, beekeeping, reading, and playtime with my dog, Nellie!

Recent Posts

21st-century skills take flight in Texas

Posted by Melissa Karsten on May 24, 2018

As a teacher, you’re all about giving your students the tools and knowledge for a successful career. It’s up to them to take advantage of the opportunities they’re presented to make it happen. How satisfying is it to see a spark ignited in your student that could lead them on this path? Charles Richardson from Lancaster ISD south of Dallas knows.

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Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, Middle School, High School, Careers, STEM Expeditions, Career Expeditions, Future Ready, 21st Century Skills

Robots on parade! Inspiration for National Robotics Week

Posted by Melissa Karsten on April 10, 2018

Happy National Robotics Week! We  robots, so it is safe to say this is one of our favorite weeks of the year. Were celebrating with a giveaway and a parade. A robot parade, to be exact. Everyone needs a little inspiration and a smile from time to time, right?

Were fans of big bots and small ones, stationary and mobile ones, and basic and advanced ones. The creations and capabilities are endless. Robots can mimic movements and expressions. They can complete tasks. They can make processes more efficient. They can challenge us. They can even help us learn. 

Are you currently building a robot? Finalizing your competition build? Tinkering away on an idea? Check out some of our latest and greatest builds plus some from the Web. We know no matter the shape, size, or purpose of your robot,  sometimes a little inspiration can go a long way. 

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Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, ROBOTICS, FIRST Tech Challenge, Technology, Engineering, TETRIX Robotics

Presidents’ Day in the classroom – the hands-on, minds-on way

Posted by Melissa Karsten on February 19, 2018

February holds claim to having two of our country’s most famous presidents born in it – Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and George Washington on February 22. In all, four of our past presidents celebrate birthdays in February. It makes sense that we celebrate the office in this month. But that’s not the only reason. . . .

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Topics: IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Makerspaces, Science, STEM, Engineering

How to help your students excel in beginning programming

Posted by Melissa Karsten on January 18, 2018

Coding is an increasingly important STEM activity in schools. So, how do you introduce it to middle school students without shorting out their circuits? Or yours? Consider the TETRIX® PULSE™ Robotics Controller using TETRIX Ardublockly software and the TETRIX PRIME building system.

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Topics: IN THE CLASSROOM, Middle School, ROBOTICS, Technology, Coding