Updated 5/30/24
Nobody at Pitsco quite remembers for sure, but legend has it that the T in T-Bot® Hydraulic Arm stands for team.
It makes sense. The four syringes that drive the robot’s hydraulically powered movement can be held and operated separately. Each syringe affects a different axis. This naturally lends itself to several possibilities for problem-solving activities with multiple students. With a group of four students, give each student a syringe, assign the group a pick-and-place task, and watch all four communicate, cooperate, and think critically to get the job done.
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Topics:
IN THE CLASSROOM,
Middle School,
High School,
Collaborations,
Technology,
STEM,
Engineering,
Authentic Learning,
21st Century Skills,
Hands-on Learning,
Math,
Workforce Development
Updated 6/4/24
Movies and TV shows portray the stereotype of jocks and nerds as people who are completely different and share nothing in common. But this cliché is far from the truth! Brainpower and physical power go hand in hand – the subjects we learn in the classroom connect with the sports we watch and compete in.
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Topics:
IN THE CLASSROOM,
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM,
Competitions,
IDEAS & INSPIRATION,
ROBOTICS,
Teacher Resources,
Science,
FIRST Tech Challenge,
Technology,
STEM,
Trends,
Resources,
Engineering,
Coding,
Authentic Learning,
Activities,
TETRIX Robotics,
Hands-on Learning,
Math
Updated 6/14/24
Most of us love a story – kids and adults alike. A good story captures our imagination, makes us wonder or feel something, and might even teach us something. Fairy tales are an example of this kind of story. Typically, they are fanciful, have some type of conflict and resolution, and leave you with a takeaway or two.
Fairy tales are often told at home, at preschool, and in elementary school. This makes them awesome for some cross-curricular learning opportunities. So, let’s STREAM ahead to combine STEM with some reading and art.
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Topics:
IN THE CLASSROOM,
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM,
IDEAS & INSPIRATION,
Culture,
STEM,
Trends,
Resources,
Authentic Learning,
Social and emotional learning,
Activities,
21st Century Skills,
Hands-on Learning,
STEAM
Updated 6/5/24
Coauthored by Lisa Lewis, first grade teacher at Salem Elementary in Spotsylvania, VA, and Pitsco TAG member
As educators, we’re the individuals who have a direct connection and responsibility to make STEM accessible to all students. We must be mindful to provide and empower all students with STEM opportunities.
As we reach out to encourage and nurture student gifts, it’s important to tell students that they really can do anything that they set their mind to doing if they believe in themselves and connect with the subject. We must also help normalize and encourage failure, bolstered with stories of famous individuals who have failed multiple of times before succeeding.
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Topics:
IN THE CLASSROOM,
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM,
IDEAS & INSPIRATION,
Teacher Resources,
Collaborations,
Culture,
STEM,
Trends,
Resources,
Teacher Development,
Authentic Learning,
Activities,
Hands-on Learning,
STEAM,
Women in STEM
Updated 6/5/24
Sometimes, we need to all step away from our screens and devices to unplug and work out . . . OK, don’t leave just yet! I mean a mental workout! Various types of puzzles and brain teasers are great ways to exercise your noodle or fun ways to pass the time. I for one am a huge fan of puzzles. Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, riddles – you name it, I love them. Luckily, there are lots of benefits to puzzling and, plus, the aha moments never get old.
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Topics:
IN THE CLASSROOM,
IDEAS & INSPIRATION,
Teacher Resources,
STEM,
Resources,
Authentic Learning,
Social and emotional learning,
Activities,
Hands-on Learning,
Math
