by Camille Harrison The essence of STEAM-based learning is integration. While I knew there were certain skills I wanted to teach students the content to teach those skills was wide open. I can still clearly remember the overwhelming feeling I had my first year teaching STEAM — so many options, what to cover. That first […]
by Camille Harrison It all started with a question. Our science teacher was discussing her unit on buoyancy. She wanted some help figuring out what other materials students could use to build small boats that would float in small kiddie pools in her classroom. She also just happened to witness a cardboard boat regatta in […]
post by Camille Harrison When I first jumped into a new role at my school as STEAM Integrator and Materials Librarian, the maker movement was in full swing. Makers are those who make, create, adapt and try to innovate in a variety of ways not limited to the more showy tech marvels so often highlighted […]
I started thinking about the intersections between the Science or Discovery Center and Math opportunities in the classroom when I taught Math and Science for the Young Child. I found it interesting that many of the textbooks we reviewed to be used for the course, separated much of the content between science learning and math […]
Did you know you can get a piece of peg board (2 ft X 4 ft) from a home improvement store for less than $10.00? I did a little research and discovered that peg boards come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and are made from a variety of materials. They are all pretty […]
I know, I know. You already have to take a “Safety” backpack outside with you every time you go out with the children, but this idea for an “Outdoor Math Kit” that goes out with you as well is worth the time and effort. In order to seize the “teachable moment” we need to be […]
I have been jotting ideas for blog posts whenever they come to me ever since I stopped writing regularly for Early Math Counts last year. My list isn’t that long but I can’t seem to break the habit. I get especially excited when I can take a couple of pictures to go along with the […]
posted by Thanh Shanahan I am a mom who likes to be on the go! Staying home only happens if it’s absolutely freezing or pouring rain, or if someone is contagious. One of our favorite places to visit is the zoo! There are a few “luxuries” that are not included in our membership. However, it […]
posted by Thanh Shanahan I am a creature of habit, I function better when things are in order. Some people might say I’m anal, but it is how I work. I was that way as a teacher and I am this way as a mom. And hopefully, I’m raising kids who also do well with […]
posted by Thanh Shanahan Life at home with my two little ones can be hectic at times. They are 19 months apart, and one of two things can happen as we go through our day. First is (unfortunately) fighting – toddlers and preschoolers are quite selfish and there is quite the learning curve for sharing […]