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STEM Superheroes!

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Lesson Plan

STEM Superheroes!

Students will identify the four components of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and recognize examples of STEM careers.

This lesson sparks curiosity about the world around us and introduces exciting future career possibilities in science, technology, engineering, and math, empowering students to see themselves as innovators.

Audience

Kindergarten

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, visual aids, and a hands-on activity.

Materials

Smartboard or Projector, Markers, Chart paper, STEM Careers Slide Deck, Build a Bridge Activity Instructions, and Building materials (e.g., popsicle sticks, play-doh, pipe cleaners, small blocks)

Prep

Gather Materials & Review Content

15 minutes

  • Gather all necessary materials: Smartboard/projector, markers, chart paper, building materials (popsicle sticks, play-doh, pipe cleaners, small blocks).
    * Review the STEM Careers Slide Deck and the Build a Bridge Activity Instructions to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
    * Ensure the projector is set up and the slide deck is ready to display.
    * Prepare a designated area for the building activity with materials accessible to small groups or individual students.

Step 1

Introduction: What is STEM?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what they think a

Step 2

Explore STEM Components

10 minutes

Step 3

Hands-On Activity: Build a Bridge

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Build a Bridge Activity Instructions. Explain that engineers build bridges to help people and things get from one side to another.
    * Divide students into small groups or have them work individually. Distribute building materials.
    * Instruct students to design and build a small bridge using their materials. Encourage them to think like engineers – what makes a bridge strong? What shapes can they use?
    * Circulate, ask questions, and encourage problem-solving. (e.g.,

Step 4

Share & Reflect

5 minutes

  • Have students share their bridges with the class or their small group, explaining what they built and how it works.
    * Facilitate a brief discussion:
    *
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Slide Deck

STEM Superheroes!

Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math!

Welcome students and get them excited about being 'STEM Superheroes' today!

What is STEM?

STEM stands for:
S - Science
T - Technology
E - Engineering
M - Math

Ask students if they've ever heard the word STEM. Explain that it's a special word for four important things we use every day.

S is for Science!

Scientists explore how things work in our world.

  • Studying plants and animals
  • Learning about stars and planets
  • Discovering new things!

Explain that scientists study the world around us. Ask students: 'What do scientists do?' or 'What do you wonder about?'

T is for Technology!

Technology helps us do things faster and better.

  • Computers and tablets
  • Robots that help people
  • Making cool new apps!

Talk about how technology helps us. Ask: 'What technology do you use at home or school?'

E is for Engineering!

Engineers design and build amazing things.

  • Bridges and buildings
  • Cars and airplanes
  • New toys and games!

Explain that engineers are problem-solvers who design and build things. Ask: 'What do you think an engineer builds?'

M is for Math!

Math helps us count, measure, and solve problems.

  • Counting your toys
  • Measuring ingredients for baking
  • Solving puzzles with numbers!

Discuss how we use math every day. Ask: 'When do you use numbers?'

You are a STEM Superhero!

When you use Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, you are being a STEM Superhero!

Today, we're going to be engineers!

Summarize that when we use all these together, we are doing STEM! Transition to the activity.

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Activity

Build a Bridge Activity: Be an Engineer!

Your Mission:

Engineers build amazing things that help people! Today, your mission is to be an engineer and build a sturdy bridge.

Materials You Can Use:

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Play-Doh
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Small blocks

How to Be a Bridge-Building Engineer:

  1. Think! What makes a bridge strong? What shapes do you see in strong buildings or bridges around you? (Hint: Triangles are very strong!)
  2. Design! Before you start building, imagine what your bridge will look like. How will it connect two sides?
  3. Build! Use your materials to create your bridge. Make sure it can stand on its own.
  4. Test! Can your bridge hold a small toy car or a block? Carefully place it on your bridge. If it wiggles, how can you make it stronger?
  5. Share! Be ready to show your amazing bridge and tell us how you built it and what you learned!

Remember, engineers try different ideas until they find the best solution. Have fun building!

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