STEM Explorers: Unlocking the World Around Us

Science Grades 5th Grade 3:31 Video
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Lesson Description

An introductory lesson to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) for 5th-grade students. This lesson explains what STEM is, its importance, and how it relates to everyday life.

Video Resource

Introduction to STEM for KIDS! | Teacher Resource Cabin

Teacher Resource Cabin

Duration: 3:31
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • STEM is an interdisciplinary approach to learning.
  • Science helps us understand the world around us.
  • Technology are the tools and skills we use to solve problems.
  • Engineering is the process of creating new things.
  • Math is a language of numbers to describe the world.
  • STEM skills are important for future careers and problem-solving.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define STEM and its four components (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
  • Students will be able to explain the importance of STEM in everyday life and future careers.
  • Students will be able to identify examples of STEM in action.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they think STEM is. Write their ideas on the board. Then, introduce the video 'Introduction to STEM for KIDS!'.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the video 'Introduction to STEM for KIDS!' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zln8T4T9aA). Instruct students to pay attention to the definitions and examples of each STEM component.
  • Defining STEM (10 mins)
    After the video, discuss each component of STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Ask students to provide examples of each from the video and their own lives.
  • Why STEM Matters (10 mins)
    Discuss the importance of STEM. Use the video's examples of robots doing chores or homework to spark discussion about the impact of technology. Ask students to think about future careers that use STEM skills.
  • STEM in Action (10 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Have each group brainstorm examples of STEM in their school, community, or home. Each group shares one example.
  • Wrap-up and Quiz (5 mins)
    Summarize the key concepts of the lesson. Announce the upcoming quiz to recap their understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • STEM Scavenger Hunt
    Give students a list of STEM-related items or activities to find around the classroom or school (e.g., a lever, a circuit, a plant, a measurement tool). Students work individually or in pairs to find the items and explain how they relate to STEM.

Discussion Questions

  • What is something you learned about STEM that you didn't know before?
  • How can STEM skills help you solve problems in your daily life?
  • What are some careers that use STEM skills?
  • How can we encourage more kids to get involved in STEM?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Collaboration
  • Observation
  • Analytical Skills

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does STEM stand for?

Correct Answer: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Question 2:

Which of these is an example of technology?

Correct Answer: A computer

Question 3:

What do engineers do?

Correct Answer: Design and build things

Question 4:

Which subject uses numbers to describe the world?

Correct Answer: Math

Question 5:

According to the video, STEM helps us learn about:

Correct Answer: Real-life issues

Question 6:

What is something scientists study?

Correct Answer: The planets in the solar system

Question 7:

What could a robot that mows your lawn be an example of?

Correct Answer: How technology can impact people's lives

Question 8:

What is one thing that Math can be used for?

Correct Answer: To build structures and computers

Question 9:

Which of these jobs does NOT use STEM skills?

Correct Answer: Chef

Question 10:

Which of the following activities could you start doing today to practice STEM?

Correct Answer: All of the above

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

_______ is how we learn new things about the world around us.

Correct Answer: Science

Question 2:

The skills and tools that we use to achieve goals is called _________.

Correct Answer: Technology

Question 3:

__________ is the process of creating new things.

Correct Answer: Engineering

Question 4:

Numbers relate to the real world in ________.

Correct Answer: Math

Question 5:

When you play games, cook, or build things, you use ________ everyday.

Correct Answer: Math

Question 6:

Learning about real life issues is important to the changing ________.

Correct Answer: World

Question 7:

Simple machines, building strong stable structures, and how structures withstand forces are all life systems in ________.

Correct Answer: Science

Question 8:

Engineers know the best _______ to use for each component.

Correct Answer: Materials

Question 9:

Science is how we learn about _________ and ________.

Correct Answer: Matter

Question 10:

What does STEM help you be prepared for?

Correct Answer: Future jobs

Educational Standards

5.PS1.1:Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen. 5.ESS3.1:Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environments. 5.PS2.1:Support an argument, with evidence, that Earth's gravitational force pulls objects downward toward the center of the earth.

Teaching Materials

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