Welcome to Vivify’s Blog!
Building Bricks STEM Challenge: Engage Young Minds Through Hands-On Learning
Do you have a bunch of building bricks or LEGO® blocks in your classroom? Are you looking for low-prep STEM stations for younger students? Check out our free Building Bricks Challenge Mats, a perfect way to introduce K-5 students to STEM! Read all the details including materials, set-up, and lesson plan to implement with your students.
Incorporating Engineering Practices into Texas Science Classrooms
If you're a Texas educator, you’ve likely heard about the new science standards that now include engineering practices. But you might be wondering: What exactly are they, and how can you integrate them into your teaching?
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.
Astronaut Training and the 4 C's of STEM
Embark on a space adventure with your class! Challenge your students to complete astronaut training to collect all four badges: creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking! Read more on how to build foundational STEM skills through engaging and hands-on Stage 1 STEM activities through the theme of space exploration.
25 Year-Round STEM Task Cards for Building Bricks!
We love using Legos or other building bricks in our STEM classroom for quick builds or independent stations. Read on for our tips on developing task cards along with 25 ideas for quick build STEM challenges covering fall, summer, winter, and more!
Exploring National Parks with a STEM Challenge!
My most vivid family memories involved both travel and education. Not in a boring fashion, but super fun, “this will stick with me for the rest of my life” kind of way. Where did my traveling education occur? National Parks! And now, as an educator, I share my love for nature with a National Park project and STEM challenge. Read below for a semester unit on national parks that includes research, planning, budgeting, natural resources, and design through an experience that I hope will spark a sense of wonder and discovery for your students!