Science on the Grand - VAEI - July 15-16

It's an honor to present three sessions this year at Van Andel Institute's "Science on the Grand" conference. Here are links to my presentation slides and session resources for the two day event.

Monday July 15, 2019

Zip Lining Into a Growth Mindset:  No elementary student is too young to develop a growth mindset and an understanding of the design process. Experience how an activity like stretching fish line across a classroom to create a Lego zip line can teach students as young as four perseverance and the steps engineers follow when creating new products.

• Celebrate Epic Disasters

• Design Tracker Sheet

• CrossBraining

STEM Smart Start: While we often hear of the importance of positive culture in the classroom, most teachers just roll the dice and hope kids come pre-programmed to work together. Culture doesn’t “just happen” and must be intentionally cultivated. Explore ways STEM teachers create a culture of creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

• EduProtocol Field Guide
• Frayer A STEM Friend
• STEM Shape Challenge Sheets
• Designing a Scientific Test
• PHET Skate Park 
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Tuesday July 16, 2019

Trashy Gliders: There is a big difference between learning about science and DOING science. In our elementary STEM program students conduct experiments by following testing protocols while discovery the elements of flight. Learn the processes we follow while building and flying gliders made from 3D printed parts.