happycc Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Awhile back there was a topic posted about this and I couldnt find it since the new forum began. I remember Beth posted on this about some kind of engineering curriculum through Boston Museum and I would love her feedback on that. So I would like a list of all STEM stuff as much as possible. For all ages..but mostly middle school through high school as we are heading towards that direction rather quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loftmama Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Am curious about this, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnegurochkaL Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 We are planning to use this book next month borrowing it from a library: Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future with 20 Projects http://www.amazon.co...ywords=robotics We also will be using this one for our Robotics/Technology studies next year : Robot Builder's Bonanza, 4th Edition http://www.amazon.co...ywords=robotics There is another good one I will be using with my kids when they are little older: STEM Student Research Handbook http://www.amazon.com/STEM-Student-Research-Handbook-PB297X/dp/1936137240/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1368739509&sr=8-9&keywords=stem If your kids are interesting in Robotics these two books will be a good start: Robot Building for Beginners and Intermediate Robot Building by David Cook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freerange Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 This week we're doing The Apprentice - Ebay Edition for stem. Dd thinks it's a lot of fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Awhile back there was a topic posted about this and I couldnt find it since the new forum began. I remember Beth posted on this about some kind of engineering curriculum through Boston Museum and I would love her feedback on that. Could that have been the Boston Children's Museum Activity Books? I'm always recommending them here. They're OOP, but very good and good for upper elementary and middle school (though many of the introductory activities can be used for younger kids as well). It feels really, really huge to me to try to list *all* the STEM resources out there. I mean, I could make a list of fifty things off the top of my head and it would be a drop in the bucket. But I'll list a few of my favorite things... For Building, Technology, and Engineering: Lego Mindstorms with the NXT Discovery Guide Lego Power Functions with the Isogawa books Scratch with Super Scratch Programming Snap Circuits Haba Ball Track Steven Caney's Ultimate Building Book For Science: Usborne Science Encyclopedia DK's Open Me Up Let's Read and Find Out books Seymour Simon's books Basher Books Biodiversity and Shaping the Earth by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent Boston Children's Museum Activity Books Neil Ardley's The Science Book of... experiment books The Nature Connection The Scientist in the Field books Sandra Markle's Predator/Prey/Scavenger series Horrible Science books Bill Nye the Science Guy Eureka! on Youtube The Elements by Gray The Life of video series by David Attenborough Mythbusters For Math: (I'll skip actual curricula) Sideways Arithmetic from Wayside School Anno's math books Youth Math books I Love Math books Primary Challenge Math Right Start Games Rat-a-Tat-Cat and Zeus on the Loose 24 (the game) The Number Devil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 this? http://www.eie.org/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dewdropfairy Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 We love the Lego WeDo Robotics set, which we will be using again this year with expansion packs. We'll likely be moving on to Mindstorms next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnegurochkaL Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Here is an old thread regarding engineering resources you might want to look through:) http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/266926-engineering-resources/page__hl__engineering#entry4721427 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TarynB Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 To me STEM means a focus on those subjects (science, technology, engineering, math) in terms of priorities and time spent. Some people are history-focused, some are STEM-focused, etc. IMHO, STEM is not a checklist of specific curricula/books/resources, it is more about how you use those items in your schooling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share Posted May 17, 2013 I agree that STEM focus is more of priorities and time spent. I noticed that in The Well Trained Mind there is extensive explanations on history section --outlining, biography studies, timeline, primary documents etc. However the science seems lighter than the history section. So what needs to be added to make The Well Trained Mind even more STEM focused? I was watching a show that spoke about two students. Both worked equally hard in high school but one did not take any STEM focused classes in college and as a result did not get into a college of his choice while the other did. I think money was also a factor as well. Anyways I want to introduce more STEM stuff but frankly just not really confident about this stuff myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share Posted May 17, 2013 Wapiti: Yes that is the curriculum that Beth bought for her kids and dying to here what people thought of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share Posted May 17, 2013 SneguochkaL and farrarwilliams Thank you for those resources. Yes all these are helpful. Oh by the way Timberdoodle sells Squishy CIrcuits kits and lesson plans I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 I still want to try that EiE program but the cost has me waiting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnegurochkaL Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 SneguochkaL and farrarwilliams Thank you for those resources. Yes all these are helpful. Oh by the way Timberdoodle sells Squishy CIrcuits kits and lesson plans I believe. ' You are welcome:) I went to Engineering is Elementary website and downloaded a free unit which is available there. I will try it with my kids. My daughter is kind getting old for it but my 6 years old son will have a blast from "Saving a toad" unit. I will let you know how we liked it. Here is a link to it if you want to try it out yourself. http://www.eie.org/content/engineering-adventures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TarynB Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 I agree that STEM focus is more of priorities and time spent. I noticed that in The Well Trained Mind there is extensive explanations on history section --outlining, biography studies, timeline, primary documents etc. However the science seems lighter than the history section. So what needs to be added to make The Well Trained Mind even more STEM focused? I was watching a show that spoke about two students. Both worked equally hard in high school but one did not take any STEM focused classes in college and as a result did not get into a college of his choice while the other did. I think money was also a factor as well. Anyways I want to introduce more STEM stuff but frankly just not really confident about this stuff myself. I've learned the most about how to build a STEM focus by paying attention to and taking to heart the advice of posters here like Regentrude, Lewelma (Ruth in NZ), 8filltheheart, EKS and others. If I get a chance, I'll come back and link some of their relevant posts that have resonated with me. ETA - To get you started, here's a thread that links many more amazing science threads. And http://forums.welltr.../#entry4923600) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnegurochkaL Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 I still want to try that EiE program but the cost has me waiting. I wish they would have some materials targeted to homeschoolers at the fraction of the price they ask schools to pay:( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 I wish they would have some materials targeted to homeschoolers at the fraction of the price they ask schools to pay:( I called them once and suggested this. The response was to split the cost with other homeschoolers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 Anyways I want to introduce more STEM stuff but frankly just not really confident about this stuff myself. Check out the events calendar for: Chabot Space and Science Center http://www.chabotspace.org/index.htm Lawrence Hall of Science http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/visit/camps_and_classes Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge Fremont Center http://www.fws.gov/refuge/don_edwards_san_francisco_bay/activities.html Go for the free events there, make it a science fieldtrip. Your children would be indirectly immerse in STEM stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 For a single source recommendation, I would suggest Make Magazine http://makezine.com/ And this book to get you started http://www.amazon.com/Best-Make-Projects-pages-MAKE/dp/059651428X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TarynB Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 OP, While poking around the CPO science website today and planning for next year, I noticed this STEM buzzword page and thought you might find it helpful. It mentions how they see STEM, what STEM models emphasize, recent education (gov't) directives, how CPO incorporates them, etc. There are additional links on the right side of the page if you're interested. Perhaps this info, or similar info from any other science textbook publisher of your preference, will help you also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrself Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 I called them once and suggested this. The response was to split the cost with other homeschoolers. These do look really neat! But even if we bought the pack of 8, the teachers guides would still be $45. And I can't find anything that says how long these are scheduled for but I imagine you'd still need at least several for a year. Plus supplies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted May 20, 2013 Author Share Posted May 20, 2013 8FilltheHeart:::yess we just got back from the Maker's Faire yesterday. Oh my head is just exploding. It was amazing. My head has been aching for this kind of input for a LONG time. I have a magazine and it looks wonderful. Thank you. I learned about Hackerscouts. http://hacker-scouts.org/ It is like boyscouts but STEM oriented or should I say STEAM oriented. The A stands for Art. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted May 20, 2013 Author Share Posted May 20, 2013 Thank you Arcadia. We are members of the Chabot Space and Science center and go there every month if not twice a month and go to the Lawrence Hall of Science about once a year and the California Academy of Science, Exploratorium about once a year as well. There is always so much to learn. I also want to check out Curiosity in San Mateo as well. I think I would add in Hacker scouts to our curriculum as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 I also want to check out Curiosity in San Mateo as well. CuriOdyssey(San Mateo) next free day is July 17th. They do not have any free day in June and their free day in May was May 4th. The whole Coyote Point Park is lovely, we found kelp there by the "beach" area and some rocks (mostly granite) too. There is a parking fee for the park. Another fun place to go to is the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. My boys are fascinated by the kid power (Ball) machine there and your kids can learn physics from that machine indirectly. Entrance and parking are free. http://www.cityofpal.../jmz/photos.asp ETA: The Tech Museum (San Jose downtown) is also worth a day trip for an immersive environment. There are free parking garages on weekends. "Bank of America Cardholders, get one free admission to our regular galleries (not including IMAX) when you show your Bank of America ATM credit or check card with a photo ID during the first full weekend of every month" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted May 21, 2013 Author Share Posted May 21, 2013 So I would like a How To Manual for how to make your curriculum more STEM/STEAM oriented. I am not looking to suddenly change overnight. It will have to be more gradual. Year by year thing.... So this year: We did Elemental Chemistry for science and did all of the required experiments. Plus we are using Singapore math, Key to Math We are also a member of Chabot Space and Science center and go at least once a month My kids build with Kapla blocks making doll houses-not really STEM more STEAM Next year --what can I add? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnegurochkaL Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 I learned about Hackerscouts. http://hacker-scouts.org/ It is like boyscouts but STEM oriented or should I say STEAM oriented. The A stands for Art. Thanks for posting about it. I just learned there is a guild in our area so I will need to check it out:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnegurochkaL Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 These do look really neat! But even if we bought the pack of 8, the teachers guides would still be $45. And I can't find anything that says how long these are scheduled for but I imagine you'd still need at least several for a year. Plus supplies. I agree. I found 3 units my kids will be interested in. I really like the one about magnetism and "train". If I convince myself to use any of them, this would be the one we will try out first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwik Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 I wish they would have some materials targeted to homeschoolers at the fraction of the price they ask schools to pay:( The adventures ones (pp mentioned hop to it look like they are designed for a non school environment (they used an acronym I don't know) and seem to be free downloads. I will try and download some when I get computer access. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8filltheheart Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 8FilltheHeart:::yess we just got back from the Maker's Faire yesterday. Oh my head is just exploding. It was amazing. My head has been aching for this kind of input for a LONG time. I have a magazine and it looks wonderful. Thank you. I learned about Hackerscouts. http://hacker-scouts.org/ It is like boyscouts but STEM oriented or should I say STEAM oriented. The A stands for Art. Awesome! My kids definitely love to tinker, so projects have been greatly enjoyed (and these sorts of things can carry over to adult hobbies. My oldest is still a project oriented person. Right now he is into brewing beer. ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Thanks to everyone for the links, the hackerscouts look awesome. I too wish the EiE was cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnegurochkaL Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 I too wish the EiE was cheaper. Agree:) I thought I would share the links to the foss integrated science curriculum http://lhsfoss.org/fossweb/teachers/parents/extension.html and gems guides: http://lhsgems.org/gemsguides.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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