We are so lucky to have such amazing tools in the STEM Lab! Wooden blocks are the perfect tool for students to practice and refine their spatial thinking skills. Strong math skills in kindergarten provide the necessary foundation needed to succeed in STEM related disciplines. Engaging in spatial activities and acquiring spatial language helps prepare students for math and science.
This week, the students continued to cooperate as they used the smaller shapes to build and create larger shapes. In the pictures you can see how they discuss, problem solve, and work together to successfully complete the building challenges. As the students composed the shapes, they discussed shape terms, dimensional adjectives, and spatial features.
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Have you noticed a theme? In the upcoming weeks, the kindergarten students will begin working on group projects. It is very important that they practice working together and sharing ideas. In the cooperation stations, they are able to apply what they have learned about cooperation. They begin by making a group plan, they take turns, listen to each other, and have one project at the end of the station. It is hard, but they are doing their best to cooperate!
Cooperation is so much fun! This week, the kindergarten students continued to practice cooperating as they work in the STEM Lab. Our discussion led the students to understand that when you work nicely with your friends, it is more fun, and you can create something you couldn't have created on your own. This concept became clear to the students when they used droppers and colorful water. Each student was given a specific color, and could only use that color. They practiced using the dropper for a short time, and then had their colors "cooperate"! Each group listened as I asked for the colors to mix. The class had to take turns adding their colors. It was so hard to wait, but when it was their turn, what a great visual.! Some students knew that new color would be made, and others were in awe as a new color was made before their eyes. The students all did a wonderful job using their tools, taking turns, following directions, and having fun!
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AuthorMrs. Houseman-STEM Specialist Archives
May 2017
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