Sometimes looking for STEM education lesson plans can be overwhelming. (There’s SO MUCH to sift through, right?) But, never fear! We have an awesome suggestion for you: It’s called Study Jams Science (and Study Jams Math).
And it gives you FREE STEM projects!
I love Study Jams because STEM in education doesn’t have to be scary or boring!
Here’s how it works:
Study Jams Science and Math allows you to create your very own multimedia STEM School (or STEM Academy!) in a fun and exciting way to learn what can be sometimes be difficult and complex topics.
And, Study Jams is a fantastic addition to your science lesson plans and provides fun STEM activities and hands-on projects!
These STEM lessons are awesome science lesson plans for 2nd grade and up. (But, as usual, you know your children and their learning levels best. With your assistance, this site can provide STEM activities for kindergarten, too!)
(And, you can get a math lesson plan for the same ages.)
This website is a great resource for a science unit and math help for homeschool, teachers, and just for fun (especially if you’re looking for science freebies and free step by step math lessons).
But, before we get into Study Jams science and math and their project-based activities, let’s first look at a STEM education definition.
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What is a STEM education definition and what exactly is STEM?
So, what is STEM?
And, what is taught in STEM?
STEM is an acronym that stands for:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
What are STEM standards?
STEM was initially created to spotlight the need for more focus on these topics because U.S. colleges are seeing a drop in enrollment for these areas.
HOWEVER . . .
STEM education is an important part of learning because these areas are used in so many different industries and professions!
EVEN IF. . .
:whisper voice: . . . your kid doesn’t want to go to college.
GASP.
Check it out:
STEM learning focuses on
- Problem solving
- Innovation
- World learning
- Technical literacy
These are all topics that are used in regular ole, everyday life, even if your kid doesn’t become a geneticist or rocket scientist.
ALSO CHECK OUT:
One of THE BEST Educational Learning Tools We Have Ever Used
So . . .
What Is STEM? [VIDEO]
We’ve covered STEM education, but . . .
WAIT.
WE’RE NOT QUITE FINISHED YET!
You’ve probably heard another acronym: STEAM.
Uh oh . . .
But, what’s the difference between STEM vs STEAM education?
What is the idea of STEM and STEAM?
Learning doesn’t have to be all technical and mathematical.
STEAM education varies from STEM education by, you guessed it:
ONE LETTER:
The A.
(We can’t pull anything over on you here. We like that about you.)
(Anyway . . . )
STEAM acronym stands for:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- ART
- Mathematics
STEAM includes everything with STEM plus the arts, which includes:
- Humanities
- Language arts
- Dance
- Drama
- Music
- Visual arts
- Design
- Media
So . . .
. . . a good steam program also includes art.
STEAM adds the following to STEM:
- Creative communication methods
- Inventive planning
- Fun design
Basically, STEAM education is a STEM education . . . with arts (and more creativity) added!
From STEM to STEAM [TEDTalk VIDEO]
What are the benefits of STEM education?
So, why include STEM (and STEAM) learning?
The benefits of STEM education:
- Fosters creativity
- Supports innovation
- Helps with critical thinking
- Improves understanding of technology
- Increases literacy
Plus, STEM for kids is just . . . fun!
ALSO READ:
SHOCKING Reasons on Why Is Creativity Important In Education
Fun with STEM School and STEM Science | Teaching with StudyJams
So, how do you make STEM education (and STEAM education) and science and math education fun?
(Because so many of us are intimidated by these topics that we shy away from them!)
ENTER: StudyJams!
So, What is StudyJams?
StudyJams is a FREE online Science and Math site from Scholastic for STEM education lesson plans online.
The site offers engaging multimedia lessons on science and math topics and provides interactive math and science activities.
The topics range from basic mathematics and algebra all the way up to more complex topics like scientific theory and evidence, so there’s something for many ages and stages!
The site lists for ages 8 and up, but that’s due to the complexity of topics. Kids younger than 8 who have a more advanced STEM interest may find this site helpful and fun, too!
On StudyJams! you can:
- Watch creative and fun STEM videos (led by the StudyJams Crew)
- Get key vocabulary terms to go with the topic
- Test yourself to see what you learned on the topic (and review the answers of what you missed)
- Get step-by-step explanations on math and processes
“The site is ad-free and doesn’t collect any information from users.”
Study Jams Crew
The StudyJams! crew is made up of a cast of characters that engages with your child throughout the learning:
- Sam
- Zoe
- RJ
- Mia
Each one of the StudyJams crew members have different skills and interests. And, they walk you through topics and sometimes even fun things like how to sing karaoke!
Study Jams Topics | Study Jams Science and Study Jams Math
Study Jams offers aa variety of STEAM learning topics including:
- Study Jams scientific method
- Study Jams math
- Study Jams water cycle
- Study Jams ecosystems
- Study Jams matter
- Study Jams force and motion
- Study Jams Weathering and erosion
- Study Jams place value
- Study Jams heat
- Study Jams number lines
And many other science and math topics!
StudyJams Weathering and Erosion Video
Check out an example of one of the lessons. This is a the Study Jams weathering and erosion online science lesson (featuring some of the StudyJams Crew!):
ALSO CHECK OUT :
Can You REALLY Free Homeschool? (These 27 Resources Say YES!)
We’ve covered what STEM stands for and the questions, “What is STEM education and why is it important?”
And, even given you a great online STEM lesson plan site to start your very own STEM School planning!
But . . .
We’d love to hear your input on what you use for online STEM lessons.
Leave it in the comments so we can check it out!
Looking for Other STEM Ideas for Kids?
If you’re looking for STEM Kits, check out:
STARTING HOME SCHOOL? CHECK OUT OUR HOW TO HOMESCHOOL GUIDE
