Setting up a Classroom STEM Center

Even though I’m no longer in the general ed classroom, I’m constantly designing products with general ed teachers in mind. I am very often asked how to incorporate STEM into an already busy, packed with standards, overloaded with curricular requirements, drowning in testing classroom. Where and how do you find the time?! And who has time for all that prep? I’ve totally been there, y’all, and had I known the true impact of STEM during my time in the classroom, I would have searched for every avenue possible to squeeze it in.

Why a STEM Center?

The truth is, once the challenge and materials are given to students and background knowledge is established, the “work” on the teacher’s part is minimal. We assume the role of an observer, coach, and monitor, and for much of the engineering process, we get to watch the magic happen!

Another option for implementing STEM in the general ed classroom is by incorporating it into a STEM Center. Ideally, this would be a perfect math or science center, since literacy centers are expected to be a quieter time of day. However, I’ve also designed literacy extensions, so it works to supplement writing, too.

How a STEM Center Works

Here’s how a STEM Center works:

1. An area of your classroom with a small desk or table is reserved for the STEM Center. In this center, you will place the materials you see below, along with your choice of construction materials needed for the challenge.
2. Expectations for the STEM Center are reviewed and discussed as a class, including a time limit.
3. You might choose to have students work in partners or independently while in this center.
4. If you laminate the challenge card, you can easily write and erase the Challenge and Materials with a Vis-à-Vis marker.

Challenge Ideas and Materials

Don’t worry… I didn’t leave you high and dry with NO challenge ideas! Here are some ideas to get you started; however, the STEM Center will work with any challenge you choose.

A STEM Center on the Go

Looking for more mobile options for your STEM Center? This scrapbook case is perfect for STEM on the go because kids can take it to the floor or in the hallway. It is also perfect to share with other teachers! The same expectations apply with all the needed materials housed inside the case, but there is greater flexibility!

Here’s a 6-pack of cases like the one shown:

Get the 6-pack of cases on Amazon

Booklets and Writing Extensions

Students will record each part of the engineering process in their STEM Center booklets. No cutting and pasting required. Just copy front to back and students will fold in half to write their ideas, blueprints, and reflections. Easy peasy!

Since connections to literacy are ALWAYS welcome, I’ve also included three different writing extensions that will supplement any challenge, with a foldable organizer and writing template for each. You can add these right into your STEM Center for those early finishers OR complete as a whole-class extension.

I hope you’ll give a STEM Center a try in your classroom! I promise it will likely become your students’ favorite center!

STEM Center for ANY Challenge on TPT

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