The Gift of STEM In #STEMChat This Week!

by | Nov 9, 2015 | Reflect | 0 comments

One of the most authentic ways for kids to learn problem solving, collaboration, and resilience is through play.   You don’t have to read my blog for more than 2.3 seconds to know that I think play is important.  So the thought of joining in a chat about great games to inspire STEM learning through play?  I am thrilled!

This Thursday, I’ll be joining in #STEMChat to chat about holiday gifts for kids that inspire STEM fun and learning. As a mom and educator, I love the idea of gifts that are interesting, provide challenge, but also inspire kids to think critically and creatively.  Why not stuff their holiday stockings full of cardboard and ductape?  Wrap some fun learning opportunities like a book about coding or sewing kit?  Or, if you’re looking for some out of the box fun, that happens to come in boxes, join in #STEMChat this week to learn about some great games, and maybe even win some for yourself.

One awesome giveaway will be CodeMaster.  I am in love with the idea that a board game could foster coding logic skills.  While it’s a single player game, I think it would be the perfect partner or trio activity for the classroom to inspire collaboration and teamwork.  60 levels challenge learners to push their thinking.   I immediately thought about those Minecraft and Lego loving learners we all have in our classrooms when I took a look at this game.

Another game that really caught my eye, and immediately made me think, “YES! Something musical for our Launch Pad maker space,” is Compose Yourself that allows kids to compose their own music using a special deck of transparent cards, then listen to their music online.  There’s much more to it, but it got me thinking about the music space as a maker space, and it’s definitely one area of learning I don’t want to forget. Even though I can’t sing a note.

Since #STEMChat is once again partnering with ThinkFun and will be giving away these two awesome games above, including a Holiday Hoopla Pack, they’re also giving away the awesome rocket inspired Laser Maze™ Jr, and a twist on a classic favorite in Rush Hour Shift.

Join us for #STEMchat on Thursday, 11/12, from 8-9 PM Central.

Joining in the chat with me will be  @ThinkFun,  @SelfishMom,  @TeachMama,  @ThienKim, and the fabulous  @KimMoldofsky, also known as The Maker Mom and founder of #STEMchat.

 

 

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