Welcome to Vivify’s Blog!
Brick by Brick: Intro to Criteria and Constraints
The world’s greatest superhero needs your help! Your mission is to create an exact replica of their top-secret headquarters. But there’s a catch: the villain has stolen all the blueprints! It’s time to put on your engineering hats, strategize with your team, and rebuild the superhero’s headquarters brick by brick. The fate of this mission depends on you—let’s get started!
The Brick by Brick: Intro to Criteria & Constraints lesson builds communication skills, increases understanding of the engineering design process, and is a great way to connect to authentic engineering work. Learn more below and find this lesson for FREE in our STEM resource library.
Water STEM Activity: Design a Water Pipeline!
Water is one of the most vital resources on our planet, yet many students are unaware of the engineering marvels that ensure clean water reaches our taps daily. The water pipeline STEM challenge is an exciting way to introduce students to the crucial role of engineers in solving real-world problems while aligning with key educational standards.
Top 3 AI Tools for Educators
AI has the potential to save teachers valuable time while transforming students' learning experiences. But with the growing number of AI tools available, where should educators begin?
A Search for Life: Astro-Rover STEM Challenge
The Astro-Rover STEM Challenge is a classroom favorite, with many of my students calling it the highlight of their entire school year! What makes this space-themed unit unique is the way it blends science concepts and design thinking into one truly interdisciplinary package. The Astro-Rover STEM lesson, perfect for middle school classrooms, captivates students with the thrilling topic of alien life while aligning with key NGSS science standards, such as understanding how the presence of water can indicate potential for life.
Eating in Space 5E Science: Design a Menu for an Astronaut!
Did you know that astronauts eat mac and cheese in space? That’s just one of 203 different things on the menu!
Design a Zoo 5E STEM Project
Have you ever wanted to own a zoo? With this STEM challenge, you and your students can!
Earthquake-Resistant Structures STEM Project
Why do earthquakes happen? How can we protect people and buildings during an earthquake? These are just some of the questions students explore in the Earthquake 5E STEM challenge. In this challenge, students learn about earthquakes and how engineers design structures to be earthquake-resistant.
Top Resources for the 2024 Solar Eclipse!
Many classrooms around the world are gearing up to view a spectacular event—the 2024 solar eclipse! To make this cosmic phenomenon an unforgettable and enriching experience for both educators and students, we are excited to share the best resources for celebrating the solar eclipse! We also share a free Solar Eclipse Explorer Kit filled with teacher slides, an editable note to families, and tons of resources to plan a solar eclipse party or celebrate in your classroom or home!
Engineer a New Fruit! Genetics STEM Lab Activity
Are you ready to take your students on a fun and hands-on journey into the realm of genetics? Blend engineering principles with the tantalizing world of culinary delights with this delicious STEM lab! Read on to explore how food can become the ultimate medium for engaging K-12 students in thought-provoking lessons about genetics and food engineering concepts.
5 Tips for Teaching STEM With Robots
Programming Sphero robots can help students develop essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. From building simple obstacle courses to working through real-life cybersecurity challenges, students will be fascinated by what they can get robots to do, no matter what grade they are in. Read on for 5 tips for teaching STEM with Sphero robots!
Engineering and the 5E Science Model
Are you looking to add engineering to your science classroom? Most educators use the 5E learning model to teach science concepts. Can engineering design fit into 5E science units? Yes! Read on as we break down the steps of the 5E Science Learning Model, adding Engineering in 5E Science Model, and examples of an Engineering 5E Unit.
How to Teach STEM Through A Story
Do you begin your lessons with a story? Stories are a powerful tool that will increase engagement in STEM activities. Read below for strategies including a video on developing stories that provide motivation and tie in real-world STEM events and career connections. We also link a freebie blueprint to develop your own STEM storyline!