STEM product for early learning centres can play an important role in preparing kids for a bright future. However, when social distancing is important, how can kids use STEM product for early learning centres and stay on track? When it comes to STEM, we have to work in groups. Education should not be disrupted. It may not be possible for an early learning centre to sanitize every single supply between classes. Teachers cannot properly plan classes.
Distance learning is the only solution which is much easier than social distancing and sanitizing supplies several times a day. Some distance learning STEM activities can be very beneficial for kids.
STEM Quick Build Challenge
You can engage students with this challenge during a live virtual class. This challenge includes a building task using a range of materials. Kids can take part in such challenges from the comfort of their homes. The following are some easy, quick build challenges:
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Building a tower capable of holding weights.
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Building a tower taller than the student.
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Building a zip line
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Building a tower capable of holding a stuffed animal
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Building a chain reaction
Students can gather materials before the virtual session begins. Tell them to gather straws, paper, toilet paper rolls, paper plates or cups, tape, newspaper, Legos etc. Before building the actual structure, students can draw a design on paper. This challenge requires brainstorming that helps in developing the following skills:
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Problem-solving
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Creativity
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Perseverance
Give them 10-15 minutes to build the structure. In the end, let them show their work to their classmates.
STEM Scavenger Hunt
This is also a great way to engage students when they are learning from their homes. In this task, students have to find different objects representing a STEM word. Kids will love to run around to find objects. This activity can be hilarious. Students will be introduced to new vocabulary. You can ask them to find:
Make sure that students know all the rules related to safety and time limits.
Introduction to Coding Communication Challenge
You can also promote collaboration and communication with some distance learning activities.
Set-Up
Students have to handle an emergency on the International Space Station. They need a special tool to make repairs and save astronauts. A robotic astronaut can make this tool when given instructions from NASA’s Mission Control.
Overview
Students have to mimic the way computer scientists program a robot. Put students into pairs. The first student, say Student A, has to send instructions to make the tool. The second student, say Student B is a robotic astronaut. Student B will receive commands from Student A to make the tool.
In this activity, both students require the same material such as Legos or Zoab, paper, modelling clay, index cards or other materials.
Instructions
Student A provides commands and Student B builds the tool. The teacher compiles these commands into a Google Slides presentation. The student following these instructions builds the design and uploads photos of the final design.
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