STEM POEMS | STEM ACTIVITIES

STEM Poems in STEM Activities can put a fun twist into learning science, technology, engineering and math concepts while extending creative ELA skills.

“Poetry shouldn’t be just a part of the language arts curriculum. It offers another way to communicate and demonstrate our understanding of a concept in content areas. It is a method for deepening comprehension and developing a level of empathy and knowledge that can be applied to real-world.”

STEM POEMS in STEM ACTIVITIES

The following teacher created STEM activities are not only for teachers to use in their curriculum, but also parents and grandparents can pull from them fun activities to explore with their children and grandchildren of all ages. Put your own twist to them and share with us below. I’d love to hear from you!

STEM POEM ACTIVITY #1	SCREEN SHOT
Poet-Tree, a family activity Project Learning Tree @ plt.org (outdoor learning)
Subjects:  Science, ELA, Art Summary: “Take children outdoors to observe a variety of trees and then encourage them to write a poem” using observation (sight, smell, sound, touch) from a variety of perspectives. Location: outdoors in a safe area with trees Materials: journal, pencil, paper, colored pencils Nana’s notes:  use technology (camera, computer, printer, PowerPoint, Prezi, etc. to extend STEM activities) word bank, adult help creates a bonding activity, create tree bark and leaf rubbings

STEM POEM ACTIVITY #2	SCREEN SHOT
 6 Surprising Math Activities You Can Do With Shel Silverstein Poetry We Are Teachers @ weareteachers.com	Â
Subjects: ELA, Math, Art Description:  Integrate ELA and Math using fun poems by Shel Silverstein; counting, measuring, money, adding, subtraction, writing exercises include writing STEM poems Materials:  Poems, Bandaids, butcher paper, pencils, rulers, play money, receipt pad, sandwich bag, tape, paper shapes, writing paper, coins, dollar bill, construction paper, glue sticks, Nana’s notes: STEM activities need to include creativity supporting children’s ability to “think outside the box.” Find these 6 Math Printable Poems @NanasCorner.com

STEM POEM ACTIVITY #3	SCREEN SHOT
 Animalogy: Animal Analogies Marianne Berkes @ arbordalepublishing.com
Subjects: ELA, Science, Math Description:  “Compare and contrast different animals through predictable, rhyming analogies. Find the similarities between even the most incompatible animals . . . bat is to flit as eagle is to soar; dog is to bark as lion is to roar. Comparisons include sounds, physical adaptations, behaviors, and animals classes and are so fun, readers learn without even realizing it! Animalogy is to fun, as animals are to nature.“ Materials: poems, extensive free online Activity Guide Nana’s notes: includes a 6-page For Creative Minds section in the back of the book and a 48-page cross-curricular Teaching Activity Guide online; includes writing stem poems.

STEM POEM ACTIVITY #4	SCREEN SHOT
 STEM Through The Months for Budding Scientists, Engineers, Mathematicians, Makers and Poets – Back to School Edition by Gary Carnow, Beveryly Ellman, Joyce Koff	Â
Description: “STEM Through The Months for Budding Scientists, Engineers, Mathematicians, Makers and Poets is a series designed for parents, teachers and students. Using monthly-themed events as a springboard and the maker movement for inspiration, your students will build cross-curricular connections as they explore STEM – Science, Technology, Math and Engineering. These classroom-tested activities will help you make and create wonderful learning experiences.  All units are correlated to the Common Core. Use these ideas for any day of the week, any week of the month or any month of the year.” Materials: varied for the many STEM activities Nana’s notes: Every STEM project should include a poetry component…these do by introducing the world of poets and poetry into the ELA component adding the A to STEM. 4 editions – one for each season, multiple grade levels, classroom tested.

STEM POEM ACTIVITY #5	SCREEN SHOT
 Flying in Style: Differentiated STEM Activities by Janet Aaker Smith more books by the author
Subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, ELA Summary: “Flying in Style, using the science theme of flight, brings together learning theory & instructional strategies that can be adapted to any subject matter. The theme engages and encourages active learning. Students solve problems, apply what they learn, interact with other students, engage in tactile and kinesthetic activities, ask questions, and reflect on the process.” Location: home, outdoors, classroom Materials: numerous Nana’s notes: available on Amazon.com, title link above gives many free pages of STEM activities from the book including designing a kite, electroboard, and airfoil, coding, research, and much more…look for the activities of writing stem poems.