STEAMStart First Grade Units 1-5

<p>STEAMStart is a long-range project with short-term modules and single day activities. STEAMStart builds from the simple need to construct a "home" to the very complex structures required to bridge a river. STEAMStart presents "literacy components cross-cutting standards and authentic assessment with math at every turn and corner (as well as edge and vertex). Outcomes require patience to design reasonable solutions to real-world problems. In the process students use core skills in aesthetically beautiful project-based learning. Fabrication requires the development of a logical sequence and network: build spatial awareness; use math skills in real world challenges; develop problem-solving tools; increase manual dexterity and attention to detail.</p><p>Learning shapes is great. Doing short-term interactive projects that involve shapes is even better. Turning those projects into inquiry-based challenges takes things a step further. Involving students in long-range projects that require multiple steps depth of knowledge and true integration of science and math is the goal.</p><p>What is the format of these STEAM explorations?<br />ENGAGE:  Each activity uses a read-aloud book to jumpstart the investigation and engage students.<br />EXPLORE: Get students up and moving to activate that extremely useful muscle memory.<br />EXPLAIN:   Each activity includes a brief background for the purpose of introducing the subject matter.and guiding discussion about the explorations.<br />EXTEND: Although each of the 5 units containing a total of 25 investigations is written to stand alone together they also build knowledge required to meet a long-range project referred to as Module 1'  In this long range project students will ultimately be challenged to help Rhombi prepare for a trip.<br />ELA Build skills in communication writing and speaking.</p>