UNPACKING THE TEACHING BEC STEM CONNECT How to be successful with kids!

Overview  What to know before you go  Setting up for success  Managing the activity  Coming to closure

What to know before you go  Define the teacher role and set expectations  How long will you have to do the activity?  Discuss the activity/ ask about the students  Do not make assumptions  Understand if there are classroom routines that you can utilize?  Does the teacher already have groups assigned?  How do they get their students’ attention?  What is the best size for groups?  Marbles in Motion ideal group size is four students  Group management  Arrangement of the room

Setting up for success  Choose a strategy for assigning students to groups  Cards or popsicle sticks  Counting off  Determine roles in each group & how to assign them  Timekeeper, recorder, materials monitor, leader  Testers for each round  Plan time to arrange the room so that it fits your needs  Desks arranged so students have work space  Space for testing designs  Set up for PowerPoint presentation  Create an agenda with times for each part of the activity

Managing the Activity  Make sure instructions are clear  Make sure kids don’t start moving/working until you are finished with instructions  Ask kids to repeat instructions  Post summary during activity as a reminder  Don’t hesitate to remind kids verbally during the activity  Make sure kids know what they should be doing during each part of the activity  Get around to groups  Check in on progress  Ask questions, don’t give answers  Keep track of time

Coming to closure  Make sure to leave time for clean up (can be before or after closure)  Seek student input on what was learned  Use the questions on the PowerPoint slide  Ask for student questions  Thank everyone!