Sub Plans for a STEM Classroom
Post by Michelle Bogden
Originally Posted: March 18, 2022
Updated: February 2024
Are you in need of sub plans for your STEM classroom? Whether it's planned ahead, the morning of, or a 2 week COVID quarantine, I try to always have low-prep STEM lesson plans ready if needed. But sometimes preparing for a sub can feel like more work than actually being there! So I got together with the Vivify team to brainstorm ideas and put together strategies and recommendations for how to run a successful STEM classroom with a substitute teacher!
Before we dive into recommended STEM lessons, here are three strategies for preparing for a sub.
1: Establish STEM Classroom Management
One of the first ways to always be prepared for a substitute in a STEM classroom is by establishing strong classroom management at the start of the year. Read more here about 10 tips for managing a STEM Classroom. This includes having classroom procedures that the students are familiar with so they know exactly how the classroom runs, even when you are gone!
2: Keep it Simple
I like to leave lessons that aren’t too challenging (for the students and substitute!), but I don’t want them to feel like busywork. I like sub lessons that require student thinking or skill-building such as brainstorming activities or practicing designing data tables or graphing. I also like stories about different STEM careers or professionals with some intentional questions to get them thinking.
Here is advice from another STEM teacher:
“I always keep it simple with repeats of things students have already done. I usually have a digital book for younger kids, followed by a simple STEM activity or an iPad activity. For older kids, a demo video and then choose your own STEM activity using supplies in the classroom they have experience with. At the end, they share out with the sub what they made, did, etc. I’ve asked the students for feedback, and they seem to enjoy these lessons.” - Julie Lyons, STEM and Technology teacher for Grades PK-5
3: Prepare the sub for STEM
Your STEM classroom is likely different than a traditional science or math class. Instead of passing out worksheets or putting on a movie, my hope is that the substitute teacher can continue to engage students in hands-on activities that promote my STEM classroom learning goals. I leave a welcome letter for the substitute describing the unique STEM culture along with strategies to maximize learning. I also provide a form describing classroom procedures, student teams, materials, technology, and other details. Click here for editable versions of all the forms I use!
Click for editable templates for subs!
A unique challenge for STEM classrooms is accessing technology. One pro tip is to put important login details inside student name tags. Below is a photo of name tags from Julie’s grade 2 STEM and tech classroom. She prints out and pastes the SeeSaw login details inside each name tag tent. Perfect way for the sub to know names and help students access their accounts!
Feeling overwhelmed? No need to worry! We have done the hard part for you. As a team, we have discussed what works in our STEM classrooms and tried out these STEM activities to ensure you will have a successful experience while out of the classroom!
Recommended STEM Activities for a Sub Lesson Plan
The world of STEM has such a depth of knowledge that it can sometimes be intimidating. Yes, STEM is building, designing, robotics, and engineering, but equally important is building a foundation of Stage 1 STEM skills. Think teamwork, communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are valuable no matter the age or level of your students. And these are perfect for focusing on prepping your sub plans. Here are some ideas!
Pipe Cleaner Tower Challenge: Build the tallest tower using only pipe cleaners
Helium Stick: Get in a line and try to lower a stick made of straws
Newspaper Tower: Building the tallest tower or a chair using only newspapers and tape.
Unplugged Coding & Communication: Develop commands to explain to a partner how to build a tool
Digital STEM Choice Board: Bring real-world STEM careers and real-world connections through digital STEM choice boards
Quick Build STEM Task Cards: Get your students building and creating with 24 STEM activity task cards using common materials.
STEM Careers BINGO Game: Play the classic BINGO game and learn new STEM careers.
Communication Challenge: Practice communication through writing instructions as an unplugged intro to coding activity
Who is an Engineer or Scientist: Help students break down the stereotypes around STEM careers by showing them that anyone, including them, can be an engineer or scientist! Includes a game and research activity.
Introduction to Science and Engineering Critical Thinking: Students will explore science and engineering through a series of critical thinking STEM exercises.
Recommended Websites for a Sub Lesson Plan
A great way to reduce the stress for a sub is to give students the chance to explore some really cool websites related to a science or engineering topic of interest. Below are some of our favorite websites, from exploring careers to coding, that are ideal for a low-prep sub plan!
Many of these websites are part of our digital choice boards that allow students to choose their adventure! These require students to reflect on information on the website. Click here for our bundle of STEM choice boards including a space mission, career exploration, and virtual field trip!
Click for our digital STEM choice boards!
Barefoot Computing: Free interactive games teaching computational thinking
eGFI: A website dedicated to exploring engineering careers, includes career profiles, news stories, and more.
Learn to Code: From PreK to 12th graders, this website is packed with tons of coding games that will keep students hooked!
PBS Kids Design Squad: An awesome website for engineering design challenges, this site also includes videos and digital games around engineering topics.
National Geographic for Kids: Learn about animals, take quizzes, play action games, and more.
NASA Resources:
NASA Space Place: This interactive website covering all things space is a great exploration activity for independent learning for PreK - 6th graders.
NASA Climate Kids: This interactive website has games, articles, and videos all about the weather, climate, and biology for elementary and middle school grades.
NASA STEM Engagement: Database of activities and lessons.
Earth Observatory Kids: EO Kids is written for audiences aged 9 to 14. It is published with support from NASA’s Landsat, Terra, and Aqua missions.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): The education page of the NOAA includes interesting articles and videos for middle and high school covering topics such as ocean acidification and coral reef ecosystems.
Science Buddies Career Discovery Tool: Students take a quick quiz about their interests and get a personalized list of STEM careers with detailed information to explore each pathway.
Vivify’s STEM Career Chats: Allow students to explore our career chats including astronauts, engineers, and other STEM professionals who share their pathways to STEM and the work they do.
