Contributors to the iSTEM (Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) department share ideas and activities that stimulate student interest in the integrated fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in K–grade 6 classrooms. The authentic STEAM project described here was born of a critical need of one child in the community. Using the Design Thinking framework, a class of fourth graders embarked on what was arguably the most meaningful school project of their lives. We place an explicit focus on the M in STEAM.
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A cartoon exploring a problem about football is coupled with a full-page activity sheet.
Joel Amidon and Matt Roscoe
A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
Mathematical Explorations: Find the Distance: No Formula Necessary
classroom-ready activities
Ryota Matsuura and Yu Yan Xu
This activity involves finding the distance between two points in a coordinate plane and emphasizes reasoning from repeated calculations, which is one of the mathematical practices specified by the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
Joel Amidon and Matt Roscoe
A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
Mi Yeon Lee
The goal of the project this month is for students to design and build a tinfoil boat that is capable of carrying the maximum weight with the least expense, learning the scientific concept of buoyancy; incorporating the technological tool of TinkerPlots; applying engineering principles to designing and building a boat; and using mathematical knowledge of area, graphs, and data analysis. Integrating Science Technology Engineering in Mathematics (iSTEM) is the venue for ideas and activities that stimulate student interest in these integrated fields in K–grade 6 classrooms.
Elizabeth T. Walker and Jeffrey S. Molisani
Multiple entry points on the road to assessing students can tell teachers if students can do math and therefore apply math to real-world problems.
Joel Amidon and Matt Roscoe
A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
Liat Zippin and Lisa Englard
Math by the Month is a regular department of the journal. It features collections of short activities focused on a monthly theme. These articles aim for an inquiry or problem-solving orientation that includes at least four activities each for grade bands K—2, 3—4, and 5—6. In this issue, the problems capitalize on the natural curiosity of children to explore measurement.
Jordan T. Hede and Jonathan D. Bostic
See how sixth-grade students design and create quilt squares for this geometry project.
