#SquirrelsChat meets once a month at 8:00 p.m. EST to discuss education technology and tools, professional development and technology integration. This chat is moderated by Squirrels LLC, creators of classroom screen-mirroring solutions Reflector 2, ClassHub, AirParrot 2 and Ditto.
Hello, this is Rosalyn in Atlanta, Digital Learning Specialist for literacy. One new thing I experienced this summer was Chigao #ISTE2018 Anne the awesome STEM lesson plans from @MicrosoftEDU#squirrelschat
Hi all! It’s Emily from @Squirrels! I had a great summer full of trips to visit family, for ISTE, and just for relaxation. Looking forward to connecting with everyone tonight! #SquirrelsChat
Hello, this is Rosalyn in Atlanta, Digital Learning Specialist for literacy. One new thing I experienced this summer was the beauty of Chigao #ISTE2018#squirrelschat
Hi everyone, Becky, Director of PD @Squirrels, this summer I saw an amazing exhibit @phxart focused on women in art while working with a school in Phoenix #SquirrelsChat
#ISTE18 was such a great expo and conference this year. We always love presenting but meeting up with and connecting our #AlphaSquirrels is even better! #SquirrelsChat
Q1 Makerspaces are an important component of STEM education, but STEM is an umbrella term. Makerspace is a Hands-On opportunity to apply STEM principles.
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A1-This is a question me and my edu partner in crime talk about. She’s our IT and technology is what she sees as the difference. I think the difference is science. STEM solves a problem, Makerspace your imagination can go anywhere. #SquirrelsChat
Funny cause I thought the opposite. I feel like younger kiddos need to experience Makerspaces and then move into using that to solve a problem?? Thoughts??#SquirrelsChat
From my viewpoint, I think either is valid and would be dependent on your learners and curriculum. Makerspaces can be used to introduce tools and problem solving or to solidify what’s already been done in the classroom. #squirrelschat
I think of STEM as a curriculum and grouping of disciplines and makerspaces as a physical place to teach or reinforce STEM concepts. I think makerspaces are for all ages! #squirrelschat
A2: I think something open-ended where students get to decide for themselves, possibly something problem-based. Allow them to create something that solves a small problem of their choice.
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A3-big problem for us is getting teachers to give it time. It’s designated as a special, but the classroom teachers have to stay and work with STEM teacher. Hoping they’ll see the value! #SquirrelsChat
A3: Getting teachers outside of traditional STEM content areas to feel confident integrating STEM & makerspace projects is challenging. As a former English teacher my mantra used to be "I'm an English teacher, I don't do math". It took a big mindset shift for me #squirrelschat
A4: I have learned that libraries are huge promoters of makerspaces in the community. I've also always wanted to attend a Maker Faire, has anyone ever been to one? @makerfaire#squirrelschat
A4- We are hoping to get members of our community to come in and speak or assist in making with the kids. Letting kids see how different jobs use the ideas of STEM IRL might spark a career path! #SquirrelsChat
Huge thank you to @Themrsgeeky for moderating tonight’s #SquirrelsChat! I appreciate everyone’s insight and experiences shared tonight. Lucky to have a knowledgeable and welcoming community! @Squirrels#alphasquirrels
