Our STEM Journey #OneBestThing Apple Book

  

Our STEM Journey (front cover illustration)

I have had the privilege of participating in the STEM Teacher Enrichment Academy this year from the University of Sydney. It is a professional development program with its purpose being to build confidence and ignite a passion for teaching STEM in teachers and pass this on to students.

This book was created (as part of the ADE One Best Thing) to share the beginning steps of our journey in building a STEM culture at St Finbarr’s School, Byron Bay. Most importantly, the approach and structure is something that could be developed at any school. In this book, a structure is outlined on how to embed STEM and showcases the power of using iPad through levelled tasks: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

This book will be part of a series and focuses on Level 1 tasks.

 

A Structure to Create a Culture of STEM

The example Level 1 STEM tasks shared here could be implemented at your school and most tasks can be adapted for all age groups. Think of these tasks as a starting point that could spark ideas for additional activities.

They could even be used as a team building/collaborative task with your students.

The tasks in this book are designed to develop student skills, the 6Cs (from Michael Fullan): #Creativity #Collaboration #Communication #Critical Thinking (and problem solving) #Character #Citizenship.

 

Paper Cup Challenge

Creativity knows no bounds! 

The book is available as a free ebook on the Apple Book Store https://books.apple.com/au/book/our-stem-journey/id6472803540

I would love to hear from your experience with Level 1 STEM Tasks. What tasks have worked well with your students? What activities would you add to this list? Thank you in advance!

14 replies

December 02, 2023

This is fantastic Mary! I think using this as professional development at any level will be beneficial to sparking ideas. Thanks for sharing!

December 03, 2023

Ah Katie, thank you so much! It was a great project to be involved in and hopefully it could support others!

December 02, 2023

What a beautifully designed and impressive book Mary! I love all the STEM spark activities you’ve included, everything from paper planes to coding to animating. These are wonderful activities to implement - getting students excited and active as they begin their STEM education. Thanks also for all the resources you’ve included at the end. Yes, this can be used at all levels!

December 03, 2023

You're so kind and support, Cheryl, thank you! I am so glad to have created the resource and I want to build a series! Fingers crossed it will be helpful for others!

December 02, 2023

Wow!

First, the design and layout of your book is amazing. It makes mine look so boring.

Secondly. I love the projects. I love the tower project, I do something similar with straws, and your method is a lot less messy. I think I’ll be changing this year.

Congratulations!

December 03, 2023

My partner in crime! Thank you so much. I am already learning from you so happy to share perhaps a new idea! We could brainstorm some together! :)

Thank you for all your support!

December 02, 2023

This is going to be such an impactful resource. Thanks for sharing and putting this out there! Well done.

December 03, 2023

Thanks so much for your encouragement. Hopefully, it will be on the best seller list :)

December 03, 2023

Congratulations Mary! I love your work. Downloaded now and in my Library. A great resource with such insight into your passion as an educator 👏👏

December 03, 2023

Thank you so so much! So grateful for all your support, feedback and encouragement. Here's to the next one :)

December 06, 2023

This is fantastic, Mary! 🤩 Lovely design, so well-structured and great activities — blending a digital and unplugged activities — for all learners! Such a great example for others. Congratulations on all the work on it! 👏

January 21, 2024

Thanks for sharing Mary. The book is very nicely designed. I have used some of these as part my DT curriculum at Makerspace. I have used Rube Goldberg's Challenges as part of STEM which was every students favourite. iPad made things easier for incorporating the 6C's as well as documenting their learning.

April 19, 2024

Thank you so much, Manjula! The Rube Goldberg challenges are a favourite!

I would love to hear more about your DT curriculum at Makerspace. Sounds very interesting!

April 24, 2024

I really enjoyed your presentation of this resource in the share-out yesterday. It is beautifully designed and is full of useful content. I agree with Katie - this would be a great resource to be shared in professional development. Teachers need to become aware of this useful resource. Congratulations on your great work!

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