Edgewood Elementary STEM Certified, VEX GO Robotics Program

Spring is a critical planning season for STEM learning. As districts expand hands-on science, coding, and problem-solving instruction, device strategy matters more than ever. Our latest blog explores how Chromebooks support everyday STEM learning and why spring planning sets the stage for stronger Q3 and Q4 decisions. Read the full blog to see how planning can support sustainable STEM programs https://bit.ly/4upXm9b

Watch young innovators in Philadelphia take flight with Educators 4 Education! 🚀 In this exciting STEM activity, students design and build their own rockets using simple materials like paper, straws, and tape. Through hands-on learning, kids engage their senses—seeing, touching, and experimenting—to better understand science, technology, engineering, and math concepts. Activities like this not only make learning fun, but also help spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence that can lead to future careers in STEM fields. RizeUp TV for more! This experience empowers students to think critically, solve problems, and explore new possibilities—all while having fun launching their own creations! 📍 Location: Philadelphia 🎓 Program: Educators 4 Education STEM Initiative #STEM #STEMKids #STEMEducation #RocketActivity #DIYRockets #KidsScience #FutureEngineers #HandsOnLearning #STEMFun #BuildAndLaunch #PhiladelphiaKids #AfterSchoolProgram #ScienceIsFun #YoungInnovators #LearnThroughPlay #EngineeringKids #STEMProjects #EducationMatters #CreativeKids #STEMCareers 🚀

- Our Approach: Play-based learning + STEM for young learners - What We Offer: Interactive play school programs, STEM kits, workshops - Why Choose Us: Experienced educators, hands-on learning, focus on curiosity - Our Goal: Nurture future innovators and problem-solvers - Impact: How our methods boost creativity, critical thinking in kids

Many schools proudly say they offer a STEM program. But when you look closely… what they actually have is STEM activities, not STEM education 🤔 Robotics kits, coding lessons, and science labs are powerful tools, but tools alone don’t create a STEM program 🙅🏻♂️ A real STEM program integrates disciplines, encourages problem-solving, and develops the skills students need for the future 🚀 In this carousel, I break down the difference between STEM exposure and authentic STEM education 💡 I’m curious: What do you think truly defines a strong STEM program in schools❓

You are very correct. the real goal of stem is to imbibe skills not just getting fancy tools. Fancy tools that most schools keep looked up.

Authentic STEM learning happens when students are encouraged to explore, design, question, test ideas, and solve meaningful real-world problems. In those moments, STEM stops being a set of activities and becomes a way of thinking. .

I agree with some of what you have written, Omar Sharaf. Thank you for your insight and starting the conversation. Families Aimed Toward Excellence FATE and Bits and Bytes STEM Foundation are focused on providing STEM Exposure and experiences in out-of-school time spaces. We use the tools you mention, such as robots and coding, but we also use proven, evidence-based curricula, such as LEGO Education, Techbridge Girls, and Girls Who Code, to name a few. Exposure matters as well as mentors when creating an inclusive space where youth feel like they belong and are comfortable being curious and creative. I dare to ask whether school is the only place a student can learn critical thinking, innovation, collaboration, problem-solving, and real-world application?

STEM can be conceptualized in many ways, but through a research lens, it is fundamentally about interdisciplinary learning, the integration of multiple disciplines to design solutions that make the world better. It’s not just about exposure to tools like robotics, coding, or science labs; it’s about how students engage with knowledge across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in meaningful, connected ways. A strong STEM program creates opportunities for students to apply concepts, think critically, collaborate, and engage in problem-solving rooted in real-world challenges. However, many schools face barriers in implementing authentic STEM education. These include limited teacher training and confidence in facilitating interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning; rigid curricula and time constraints driven by standardized testing; and the misconception that STEM is defined by access to technology rather than pedagogy. Additionally, inequities in resources, lack of a coherent vision, and challenges in assessing skills like creativity and problem-solving further complicate implementation.

This year in my STEM class, I've wanted to delve deeper into the science of Game-Based Learning. With my students, we started by analyzing Connect 4 (Classic & a few fun remixed versions) on these five principles: 1) Choice 2) Chance 3) Strategy 4) Competition 5) "Fair" Students then created their own remixed versions of the Tic-Tac-Toe & then identified the benefits of game play! People often see STEM as starring at a computer, but this unit allowed us to unplug & play! #gamebasedlearning #gamedesign #STEM Hasbro

SUNY Oswego has received a $150,000 grant from National Grid to support student research and expand our popular KidsTech program. The investment will fund summer research opportunities for up to 10 students — helping them pursue publications, conference presentations and hands-on creative and scholarly projects that prepare them for an evolving workforce. It also expands KidsTech, allowing SUNY Oswego students to bring STEM, math, science and arts programming to even more K–6 learners across the region — and directly into local classrooms. This partnership strengthens our shared commitment to building a skilled, diverse workforce and creating equitable pathways into high-demand fields across Central New York. Read the full story: https://ow.ly/YvyK50YoaKQ