Check out your wish list and TPT carts....what is on your list for Back to School? Get extra saving with the Back to School sale ..read more

I have noticed that many teachers want to plan engineering lessons in their classroom.  I have some tips to hep get you started or to make your lessons more meaningful.   I was a third and fourth grade teacher for many years.  I moved to fifth grade math and science at our middle school and spent three years focused on two content areas.  This year I am now teaching engineering and technology.  I have about 400 students and see my students every day for one trimester.  My curriculum is based on 6 modules:  Engineering 101, Material World, Do the Rot Thi ..read more

Our fifth graders have to take the Massachusetts STE test in the spring.  It is a state test that covers grades 3-5 science, technology and engineering standards.  As part of a review, I had my classes create basic circuits using batteries, holders, wires, light bulbs and sockets.   I wanted to bring their knowledge to the next level.  We then used the snap circuit kits to learn about more complex circuits.   My student LOVE them!!!  The projects are endless.  Please warn your students about the fragile wires on some of the pieces.  I had to ..read more

My students love KEVA planks!!!!   What are KEVA Planks? (visit http://www.kevaplanks.com/) Every building piece is the same.  KEVA planks are about 1/4 inch thick, 3/4 inch wide and 4 1/2 inches long.  No sorting or looking for special pieces You build structures by simply stacking the planks.  No glue or connectors. Easy clean up. Made of sturdy maple. The only difference between the two sets below is the contraptions set has two balls and the manuals are different.  The contraption manual has some ways to set up ramps.  I have both sets. Check o ..read more

We have been battling some very cold weather this week in New England.  We spent the week at out camp in New Hampshire and the heat was broken and we had a frozen water pipe.  Luckily we got both fixed and didn't have any damage. I have always wanted to do the boiling water experiment and got my daughter's boyfriend to go outside for me.  AMAZING!!!! I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!!!!  I have been going back to Weight Watchers and I love their new program.  I need to get back to the gym and get back into my routines.  I want make changes that will las ..read more

Sorry I am a day late to the party...better late than never. I am linking up with Forever in 5th Grades Monthly Linky Party called Show and Tell Tuesday.   Here are a few things that I'd like Show and Tell! My engineering classes have been building structures.  My kids love my new Kinex set from Donor's Choose.  I highly recommend this building set.  My students are creating bridges using popsicle sticks that can allow a car to pass and hold weight.  This group had one of the best designs. My family getting ready for our 27th annual tree tour progr ..read more

This year is totally new for me.  Teaching engineering everyday with five classes has been awesome but there are some challenges.  One of the struggles is having meaningful activities for groups that finish their work early.                                  We are currently working on bridges and are building in stages.  I have set up several different activities that they can choose to work on if they are finished. Lego Bridges/Lego wall Kinex Bridges Research a famous bridge or structure:&nbs ..read more

We are getting ready to start our unit on bridges.  I wanted to review 3D shapes and parts. I started with a lesson on the strongest shape, a square or a triangle.  I used the AngLegs and gave each group a triangle and a square made with them.  We held them and pushed down on the top of the shape.  The square collapsed.  The kids quickly saw that the triangle was stronger.  I gave them one more angle piece and I asked them if they could make the square stronger.  Students added the piece diagonally and identified that the square was made of two triangles ..read more

My fifth graders take the MCAS state science assessment in the spring.  We incorporate third and fourth grade standards into our curriculum.  Engineering is the perfect place to do circuits!!!! I had my classes make simple, parallel and series circuits with basic materials; batteries, wires, light bulb, and holder.   After reviewing the basics we added a challenge.  They had to build a fan using a small motor.  Groups experimented with ways to make the blades and bases.  They got creative turning the fans into spin art. As part of my module, I introduc ..read more

My OCD kicked in and I decided to get my Lego tubs organized!!!!  Last summer, I asked my Facebook friends for any Lego donations and had great success.  I ended up with a couple of large bins.  My intention was to get organized before the school year and then the year began.  We are now in November and I finally can breathe and want to get my room running more efficiently.   I purchased this sturdy cart from Amazon.  The drawers can be pulled out and carried to work spaces. The cart is also portable and can be moved wherever the kids are working.  &n ..read more