First Day of STEM Class Lesson Plan for Lower Elementary

Quick Summary 

This is my plan for day one of lower Elementary STEM class.  This lesson plan focuses on the question “Why is a STEM class important?”  It includes a mini lesson, exploration time, and a discussion.  My goal is that the students will leave the room excited to return with their curiosity piqued from the hands-on exploration.

If you would like a pdf version of this plan you can find it here.

Who:  This is a lesson I have created for my jr. kindergarten through second grade STEAM students.  I plan to always address the importance of STEM in every class I teach.  This is so the students see that the engineering design process is more than just crafting.  My goal of the entire first lesson is that the students exit knowing there will never be just one solution to a problem.  I know lofty goals for lower elementary, but shoot for the moon right?!?

When:  I plan to deliver this lesson on my first day with the students.  Since STEAM is a special in my building, I will only see the students every four days.  I plan to have my first few lessons complete during each period.  I do not want my lessons to take more than one class period during the first few weeks due to the students’ ages and attention spans.  

Where:  I hope to be in my own room on day 1 but there is a possibility I will be on a cart.  I feel so lucky because my district is completely renovating the STEAM centers in all buildings.  However, there is a large probability that I will be on a cart because the renovations will not be complete.  I am accounting for this in my plans.  All of my introductory lessons will include minimal materials and wrap up in one day.  

What:  This lesson begins by having me share a little about myself.  Connecting with the students is so important.  Behavior issues that arise later in the year are always easier if the students know who I am and vice versa.  Then I will share one of my favorite read alouds.

Then we will discuss the purpose of STEM class, which is to explore and find new solutions to problems.  To do this we will have to work with one another and really communicate our ideas.  

Students will then practice the procedure of moving from the whole group on the carpet to the tables.  We will discuss what moving around the classroom should look like.  Finally at their seats they will find cut pieces of cardboard and masking tape.  They will use this material to build any structure/idea they would like.  I will also show the students how to use masking tape.

As the students work I will randomly stop them to share ideas and what they notice.  I will use this time to answer questions that may arise.  

During the last 10 minutes of class I will hand out name tags to the students.  These will already have the student’s name on them, in case some of my younger students do not know how to write their names.  I will have the students draw a symbol that reminds them of STEM class.  We will again share as time permits.

If anyone finishes early, I will have the tinkering journals ready to go.  However, I will not introduce this idea to the entire class yet.   

How:  All in all, I love to have each introduction day over planned.  It’s not a problem if I do not get to all of the aspects.  However, it’s a large issue if there isn’t enough planned.  I will continue to share where I go from here and what my plans are for upper elementary.  Check back often if this type of plan works for you!

Would you like a pdf of the plan?  You will find it here.