3 Reasons You Need Robots in the Classroom

This blog post is in partnership with Wonder Workshop. All opinions are my own. 

1. STEM integration made-easy (coding!)
My students are learning the basics of coding by using the Wonder App on our classroom iPad.  The Dash robot from Wonder Workshop is ideal for K-6 classroom (if you're looking for something 6th-12th, try the Cue). They go through the engineering process when coding as well. The iPad app easily pairs with your robot. We learned how to make the robot talk, move, and light up- all in one day! The great thing about Wonder Workshop is that it has resources for educators (videos, curriculum, accessories, etc). They've really thought of everything!

We love watching YouTube videos to learn more:

There is also coding curriculum for Dash that is available to educators when your school purchases the robtos.

2. They are SO engaging and fun!
My students are obsessed with our "class pet" named Dash. We use him during STEM rotations and my students work together on an ipad to do block coding. They figure it out on their own because the app is so user-friendly. My students set a timer on the iPad and trade off after 4 minutes each. They collaborate and problem solve when Dash isn't doing quite what they coded him to do.


It's funny that I'm writing this post because here's what 2 of my students wrote today!

3. There are a variety of extensions, apps, curriculum and resources!

Don't worry, when you get a Dash or Cue Robot in your classroom you won't be left to figure it out on your own! There are so many things available to your students and one of them we love is the Sketch Kit. The Sketch Kit is a new accessory for Dash and Cue robots that enables kids to visualize the results from their code on a large-scale, dry-erase surface. Sketch Kit helps kids sketch out their programs so they can share their creations with friends, teachers, and parents. Sketch Kit allows kids to express their creativity and exercise their critical thinking and spatial reasoning skills as they draw geometric shapes, abstract patterns, animals, words, and more.

I would HIGHLY recommend getting a Dash for your classroom! This was me a few months ago figuring out:

STEM Stations with Blocks Rock!

On STEM Fridays in my classroom, I oftentimes have STEM Stations where students can choose a challenge and they can complete the game or challenge with a partner or group.
Last Friday, I had the chance to put in the game called Blocks Rock!  And oh boy, my students were obsessed!

*This blog post is in partnership with Blocks Rock. Opinions are completely my own. 

Here's how the students play Blocks Rock:

• The students get equal amounts of blocks (the game is for two players, but I had my students play in pairs so there were 4 students playing).
• Player 1 flips over a card and both players create the picture using the blocks (I love that they can build it flat or 3D like a tower). There are two types of cards (Level 1/2).
• The blocks have to be touching.
• The first player to build their structure will ring the bell and they win the round (you can also have students touch their head when they are finished if you don't want to hear the bell).  If the structure isn't correct, the round continues...and the pressure builds! HA!
• The player who wins the round, keeps the card.
  
  
  

This game can be modified and adapted as needed. Students can build "flat" or in a tower (think: 3D).

What I love about this game:

• It is SIMPLE but CHALLENGING for all students. They have to problem solve, which all kids need practice on. Really anyone can play (my 4 year old nephew and 10 year old niece loved it).
• It comes in a nice case that is easy to get out, travel with, and put away.  The carrying case has 24 blocks, 2 decks of playing cards, and THE BELL! ;)
• Can be played anywhere!
• I LOVE that this game also has a technology extension. You can download the app for free and use the blocks included in the game to play or you can just use the playing cards. 

• Last but not least, it is researched based and the kiddos are LEARNING.

• Color Identification: Players match the colored blocks to the colors on game cards.• Problem Solving: Players arrange the blocks and fix when necessary.

• Shape Identification: Players match block shapes to the shape of blocks on game cards.

• Spatial Learning: Players must build a structure to match the structure on the card.

• Hand-Eye Coordination: Hand-to-eye coordination is key to building a block structure

in the shortest amount of time.

• Math Skills: Points on the cards can be added up at the end of the game to determine

the winner, or younger players can count the number of cards each player has to find the

winner.

Ok... so I know you just want to know if the kids like it and if it challenges them. YES AND YES! BUT- your principal might want to know if there's research behind the game and the answer is yes. The picture on the left is an MRI of someone playing with blocks. The picture on the right is a board game. What!? Mind blown! Send this to your principal.

Is this something your classroom or home can use?  

Check it out here!

P.S. Blocks Rock is giving all our readers a special promo code to save 20% off at checkout! Make sure to enter the code: WTTW20

10 Conversation Heart Activities Your Students Will Love!

Want to make your Valentine's Day fun AND educational for your students? Here are 10 hands-on activities using conversation hearts your students will LOVE! Includes activities for math, science, language arts, and more! 

This Valentine's Conversation Hearts Activity Pack contains 10 fun, educational, and hands-on activities for Valentine's Day. I have included activities for ELA and STEM as well as some fun games as well. These printables are all ready to print and use in your classroom, just add conversation hearts! 

(I feel bad that I didn't have these ready for the TPT sale, so they will be ON SALE in my store all day on Saturday!) 

Here's a peek at what's inside:

(Please note: The science experiment, Dancing Hearts, does require clear soda and a cup/jar.)

If you want to read more, click here to go to my TeachersPayTeachers store:

STEM and STEAM Posters

Is your school heading to the land of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) or STEAM (Same, but add art)? Last year, our school committed to becoming a STEM+A (plus Art) school. So far- I'm loving it!!! It has really got me thinking outside of the box for sure. I'm excited to share with you some ideas that I have with STEM in the future. For now, I've got some posters that I made for our 1st grade STEM+A Intro Day!

For our STEM+A Intro Day, we rotated all of the first graders (split into 5 groups) through our classrooms. Each teacher took on one of the letters and taught the students about the meaning of that letter and how we use it in every day life. We want our students to know that STEM is everywhere! Then, we did an activity based on the letter we had. I had Math and we played Pokemon Go Addition (totally made the game up...haha). 

These posters are great for my students to refer back to.

Click {here} to check these posters out!

Water Unit {With Bubble Day}

This is one of my FAVORITE thematic units to teach at the end of the year.  Just as you are about to get burned out... the Water Unit comes and saves the day (plus you end the week with a Bubble Day)!
This unit is PERFECT at the end of the year.  It's warm outside, the classroom is muggy and you're just about ready to be finished... it's the perfect time for a unit all about water. Not only is this unit fun, but it is the perfect integration of science, language arts, and even a little math.

This Includes:
Water Cycle Headband Craft
Water Cycle Map
Water Cycle Fill In
Precipitation Posters
Solid, Liquid, Gas Demonstration (with recording sheet)
Bodies of Water Passage (rivers, lakes, oceans, ponds-with vocab cards)
Ice Experiment (with recording sheet)
Water Smelling Experiment (with recording sheet)
Boat-Sink or Float (with recording sheet)
Favorite Water Activity (graph, data analysis, and opinion writing)
How to Have a Water Fight (writing)
Bubble Day Note
Bubble Day Homemade Bubble Recipe
Homemade Bubble Science Experiment (with recording sheet)
Bubble Factory (narrative writing)
Bubbles Cinquain Poem (planning sheet and writing page)
Bubble Art Directions
Bubble Poetry Walk (with original poem)
Double Bubble (math game with doubles facts)

Click {here} to check it out!

Here's one of my favorite activities from the pack:


And add the new GoNoodle video from Blazer Fresh on the Water Cycle! SO FUN!