The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

I am a huge fan of Seesaw and teaching with the Engineering Design Process. So naturally, I found a way to merge the two with my everyday teaching in the STEM classroom. Today’s episode is from an online summit I did in the past at one of the Seesaw Connect Online Conferences. In today’s episode, I am breaking down different ways that I like to integrate Seesaw when teaching with the Engineering D...

Even though it's not in the name, literacy definitely has a place within STEM challenges. In fact, I would even say that STEM and literacy are a perfect match. The audio from today’s episode is from an online summit I presented at in the past at one of the Wonder Workshop International STEAM Summits. In this episode, I'll be sharing five different ways that you can combine STEM and literacy togeth...

Stop motion requires minimal materials for students to be successful but involves a high level of creativity and critical thinking. This episode is a presentation from an online summit I spoke at in the past, the Teach with Tech Conference. In this episode, I provide an intro to stop motion animation, a list of tools to get started, an explanation of student examples, and ways to extend this lesso...

Today is a special episode that you helped me plan. I told you to ask me anything. You sent me questions on Instagram and via email. I’m answering those questions in today’s episode. Some of these questions are STEM-related, but some are personal, and I’m answering them all. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode...

In today's episode, I chatted with Kelly Hogan from mathematically enthused. Kelly shares her journey from classroom teacher to STEAM teacher and provides tips and tricks for strategies and activities she has incorporated into her classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode45 Download my Free K-5 STEM &...

Looking for some fun robot ideas for wintertime? In this episode, I will be sharing with you five winter-themed robot lessons that you can teach in your classroom. These are lessons that I have taught my students that they have absolutely loved, and I know that yours will too. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episo...

Have you been wondering what robots you should buy for your elementary STEM space? In this episode, I will be giving my recommendations for the best robots that you should invest in for your elementary classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode43 Download my Free K-5 STEM & Teach Year-Long Plan Leave a...

Looking for some fun winter STEM activities? These five winter-themed challenges are perfect for sub plans, one-day lessons, and even classroom parties. My students have had a really fun time with these. So you can definitely implement these winter STEM activities in your classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com...

Today's episode is another oldie but goodie! I am re-releasing episode 22, the first guest interview I did on the show. In this episode, I interviewed Jen Sevvy about how she implements engineering design sprints during her students' design challenges in a day. You'll love her creative ideas for how she taught these quick one-day lessons using the Engineering Design Process, which are perfect if y...

Do you teach STEM, but you are exclusively in a co-teaching or coaching role? Or, if you are a classroom teacher and you are looking for ways you can co-teach and plan with an instructional coach in your building, this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I interview my longtime friend Becca McMillan. Becca gives us insight into what a STEM coach does, tips for co-teaching, and lesson plan idea...

The holidays are creeping in, and it's a great time to look for deals to purchase new items for your STEM space or even start creating your wish list of must-have items. In this episode, I share five of the best STEM toys in 2022 for your classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode39 Download my Free K-5 ST...

Are you looking for Hour of Code ideas for elementary STEM? There is an abundance of free resources available, but it can be overwhelming navigating them all and finding what will work best for your classroom. In today’s episode, I break down how to navigate Hour of Code resources for K through five, review devices you can use and options for unplugged coding, and provide instructions on how you c...

Looking for easy November STEM activities to try?  In this episode, I will share with you four ideas you can implement in your classroom immediately. There is a lot to celebrate during the month of November, so these STEM challenges that I will be sharing with you aren't tied to a specific holiday or celebration.  These fun ideas will help you harness the crazy energy during this month a...

Today's episode is an oldie but goodie. For this episode, I am re-releasing episode 8, where I share my top three behavior management strategies for STEM teachers. Whether you are a STEM teacher, classroom teacher, or library specialist, this episode will provide you with three behavior management strategies to implement with your students. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this epis...

Struggling to find a structure and a flow when teaching your STEM lessons? In today's episode, I'll be sharing with you how to teach all of my K through five STEM lessons. This method has allowed me to get through the content. Students are able to have enough work time, and it even saves a little room for cleanup at the end. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, a...

Have you ever felt stuck or overwhelmed with lesson planning, specifically project-based learning?  It takes a lot of time and careful planning to create these meaningful experiences for students.  Today, I had the pleasure of talking to Jeff Imrich, the co-founder of Rock by Rock. We had a meaningful conversation on what learning can look like in STEM and engagement in the classroom usi...

No matter what you teach, writing sub plans is a lot of work. Sometimes it's easier to teach than write the sub plans. Am I right? For those days you need to be out of the building, here are my tips, systems, and lesson ideas for STEM sub plans, so you don't have to stress about it anymore. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimere...

One big thing I know a lot of teachers struggle with is what type of robot they should use in the elementary space. My top recommendation is always Dash by Wonder Workshop. You're definitely in for a treat! For today's episode, I had the chance to interview Bryan Miller, now in his seventh year working at Wonder Workshop, leading Strategic Outreach and Educator Success. Bryan prides himself on rem...

SEL is quite a buzzword in the education community, but the overall concept isn't new. In fact, no matter what subject or grade level you teach, there's always room for integrating social-emotional learning, growth mindset, and developing soft skills in your everyday teaching. Today, we have a special guest, Jill Loesch, from the Self Nurtured Teacher, and she is going to be talking about just tha...

While there are a lot of similarities between the general education classroom and the STEM classroom, there are a handful of things that surprised me during my first year teaching STEM. Whether you are currently a STEM teacher and this is your first year, or maybe you've been doing it for a while, or you're a classroom teacher who's trying to implement STEM, or maybe you're even a classroom teache...

Writing a student learning objective or SLO can be a little bit tricky, especially when you teach all the grades in the school K through five STEM and beyond. You may be wondering, "Where do I even begin?" I felt the same exact way when I first became a STEM teacher. If you are looking for examples of student learning outcomes, in today’s episode, I share three SLOs I have written over the years t...

Digital citizenship is an important topic to discuss with students of all ages, even in the elementary classroom. With a world of technology constantly growing, we need to equip our students better to be able to adapt and respond online when different situations arise. In today's episode, I'll be sharing with you how to teach digital citizenship in the classroom with a STEM twist. HERE is the link...

With Halloween right around the corner, you are most likely thinking of Halloween-themed STEM activities to try. If you’re looking for fun ideas for STEM activities perfect for class parties, one-day challenges, and class rewards, then I have you covered. In today’s episode, I will share five Halloween STEM activities for you to try. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pi...

When writing a sound lesson plan, there are a lot of components you want to make sure you include, such as the standards, resources, and what students will be creating. There is a lot to think about. In this episode, I will give you a behind-the-scenes look into how to write your STEM lesson plan from start to finish and help you improve the experiences in your classroom. Head to the show notes fo...

With all the cool tools and resources out there, it's important to structure your STEM lesson so that it is rooted in standards but still engaging. In this episode, I will be sharing with you four different ways that you can plan and structure a STEM lesson and make it work for the time that you have in your classroom. Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all...