STEAMStart First Grade: Adventures in 2D Shapes

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. 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. What is the format of these STEAM explorations? ENGAGE: Each activity uses a read-aloud book to jumpstart the investigation and engage students. EXPLORE: Get students up and moving to activate that extremely useful muscle memory. EXPLAIN: Each activity includes a brief background for the purpose of introducing the subject matter.and guiding discussion about the explorations. 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. ELA Build skills in communication, writing and speaking.