STREAM PROJECT

Environmental Education STREAM (Science Technology Reading Engineering Arts Mathematics)

Project

There are two options for this project.  You can work individually or in a group of 2 or 3.  No groups larger than 3. 

Option 1.  KIWI-type Science Discovery Box.  Any Science SOL.  A collection of materials and documents that can be used to teach a particular science concept.  Should include components from Reading, Science and at least one other area from STREAM.  For examples of kits, go to www.kiwico.com and look at the Kiwi, Atlas, Doodle, or Tinker crate Lines (you’ll find these by under the OUR LINES tab on the website.)  When you go to the Line, you can see sample crates.  We also have several crates in the classroom.  Start planning early so that any needed materials can be ordered. 

Option 2.  Outdoor Teaching Backpack.  The backpack will contain materials and resources. Should include components from Reading, Science and at least one other area from STREAM and focused on environmental education topics.  Go to https://www.homesciencetools.com/science-kits/biology-nature-kits/ to see examples.  The focus of the kits should be local plants/animals/insects/environments.  We have viewers, small microscopes, and lots of other materials available and additional items can be ordered. 

The completed kits will be placed in local school or public library spaces.  They could be used by teachers or parents.  Since your names (if you wish) and the College of Education will be associated with these project kits, it’s important that things like grammar, age appropriateness, and safety are considered as you develop your kit.

Due Date: Day of Final Exam

I've linked to an example of what a STREAM project might look like for the backpack option. There are really three main components to the kit: the first is an introduction that gives a general idea of what the kit is about.  For example in the kit I've linked to, the idea is learning about Virginia nature by studying what's available in a backyard or schoolyard.  Emphasis is on observing - writing and sketching - and identifying.  Then there is a part lists for materials and resources with links where needed.  The third part would be the instructions/activities for the kits.  Remember these kits might be used by parents who don't know much about nature or science, so provide clear guides as to what thing might be done with the kits.  Try to come up with activities that make use of the components of the kits.  This is the most important part of the kit.  Don't forget to include activities that focus on reading and arts.  Also, include relevant children's' lit books.

     IMPORTANT!  Unfortunately, these will all be digital kits.  So, you won't be printing out the materials.  What you can do is provide a link and describe in clear detail how it can be used.  For the activities in the kit (I've asked you to do at least 4) don't just list the link.  Describe how it fits the kit you've developed, add additional resources or worksheets that you might find on Pinterest and include these images, list and describe handouts/worksheets that would be included.  Make the activities as complete as possible.  For Example, a good resource for sketching/drawing is here.  For my kit, I would print this out and include it in the backpack.  Since these kits are digital I won't print it out, but I'll list it in the activity, describe it, and talk about how it should be used.

Click here to see a brief example.