Critical Thinking, STEM and Teaching

5 fun STEM learning resources for summer engagement

eSchool News

JUNE 16, 2025

Fortunately, a wide range of high-quality digital tools can help K-12 learners stay curious and build STEM skills throughout the summer months. Here are five online learning resources to support summer STEM learning: 1. Each lesson poses a big question–like “Why do stars twinkle?” or “Can a tree grow without seeds?”–and

STEM

STEM Learning Science Textbooks

5 reasons why game design is the best way to teach STEAM skills

eSchool News

JUNE 27, 2025

These benefits translate well to STEAM contexts, where critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity are essential. Enhances problem-solving & critical thinking Game development forces students to think like systems engineers, breaking down problems, testing outcomes, and refining solutions.

Game-Based Learning

Game-Based Learning Skills Teaching Gamification

8 under-the-radar digital learning resources

eSchool News

JULY 11, 2025

The platform uses AI to assess student performance and provide just-in-time support, making it a great tool for teaching scientific practices and critical thinking aligned with NGSS. It’s an excellent tool for fostering critical thinking, debate, and reflective dialogue.

Social Studies

Social Studies Learning Critical Thinking Science

Reimagining the Flipped Classroom: Integrating AI, Microlearning, and Learning Analytics to Elevate Student Engagement and Critical Thinking

Faculty Focus

JULY 1, 2025

In the digital era, especially post-pandemic, this strategy has gained renewed importance for fostering active learning, critical thinking, and academic resilience. These data-driven approaches make it possible to transition from reactive teaching to proactive guidance. Flipped Classroom 2.0 Silva holds a B.B.Mgt.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Student Engagement Lecturing Quizzes

Reimagining the Flipped Classroom: Integrating AI, Microlearning, and Learning Analytics to Elevate Student Engagement and Critical Thinking

Faculty Focus

JULY 1, 2025

In the digital era, especially post-pandemic, this strategy has gained renewed importance for fostering active learning, critical thinking, and academic resilience. These data-driven approaches make it possible to transition from reactive teaching to proactive guidance. Flipped Classroom 2.0 Ekanayake Ms. Silva holds a B.B.Mgt.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Student Engagement Lecturing Quizzes

Creating a fun robotics lesson that addresses 4 ISTE standards

eSchool News

JUNE 17, 2025

Educators can adopt similar strategies to design interdisciplinary lessons that promote engagement, creativity, and foundational literacy and STEM competencies across grade levels. I aim to demonstrate how technology integration can be purposeful and manageable by modeling this approach. ISTE Standard for Students 1.1

STEM

STEM Interdisciplinary Collaborative Learning Communication

Why Districts Are Turning to Esports to Reach More Learners

Edsurge

JUNE 18, 2025

It showcased communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking — the 4Cs in action. Through competitive gaming, students strengthen digital literacy, teamwork and social-emotional skills , while also creating pathways to explore STEM learning and career readiness. For the students, it was more than a game.

STEM

STEM Disabilities Interdisciplinary Critical Thinking

How Teachers Are Making Computer Science Click

Edsurge

JUNE 16, 2025

From first grade classrooms to high school computer labs, teachers across the state are building confidence in CS instruction and finding meaningful ways to connect it to their everyday teaching. And when I saw that these options were all STEM related, I thought to myself, ‘Let’s do it!’” We learned so much.

Science

Science Teachers Critical Thinking STEM

Engaging Experiential Learning Activities for Students

Teach Hub

MAY 2, 2025

Whether working with younger or older students, hands-on activities can make a huge difference in engagement, retention , and critical thinking. For example, If youre teaching a unit on community helpers, create a mini post office, grocery store, or hospital. How to Implement: Set up role-playing scenarios based on lessons.

Activities

Activities Learning Students Critical Thinking

Explore 8+ STEM Activities for Middle School to Get a Reaction

Teachers Pay Teachers

JUNE 4, 2025

STEM isnt just the latest teaching topic: Its an innovative, cross-curricular way to strengthen problem-solving and critical thinking skills across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. And when you introduce STEM into your classroom, you get some of the coolest projects around! Table of Contents 1.

Middle School

Middle School Middle School STEM Activities

Dual Enrollment Numbers Are Rising. Colleges Want Them to Keep Growing.

Edsurge

MAY 9, 2025

Not only do these courses offer students a jump-start on credits once they get to college, but they also equip them with skills like time management, critical thinking and study habits that researchers say encourage them to enroll and stay in college. The number of dually enrolled students has boomed in recent years.

Instructors

Instructors Math Study High School

Coding, Creativity and the New Digital Fluency

Edsurge

JUNE 11, 2025

Coding alone isn’t enough; students must also learn to think systemically, design creatively and build with intention. Research increasingly shows that creativity fuels deeper learning, especially in STEM education. According to Amy Patterson, Chief Program Officer at Urban Arts, “We’re not just teaching video games.

Ethics

Ethics Science Motivation Game-Based Learning

50 Ideas For Simple STEM Activities For Kids

Teach Thought

MAY 18, 2025

Skip to content Read Menu Toggle Critical Thinking Posts Learning Posts Literacy Posts Recent Newsletter Support Us? See also 50 Project-Based Learning Ideas 50 Ideas For Simple STEM Activities For Kids 1. This STEM activity helps students learn more about propulsion, friction, and even design iteration. tynker.com 9.

STEM

STEM Activities Math Discussions

Is the Traditional Classroom Becoming Obsolete?

Ask a Tech Teacher

APRIL 28, 2025

In this new paradigm, collaboration and critical thinking are essential. Additionally, the importance of emotional intelligence in teaching is gaining recognition. The use of digital tools fosters collaboration and interaction, which can enhance critical thinking skills.

Hybrid Learning

Hybrid Learning Learning Styles Study Critical Thinking

What To Teach On The First Day of School: FREE First Day of School Lesson Plans

Teaching with a Mountain View

JULY 3, 2025

As you’re planning your activities, decide which expectations you’ll be teaching with each activity. Keep all tasks accessible and engaging – think of tasks with a low floor and high ceiling here or consider some critical thinking tasks! Think of the first day of school as just a small preview of the classroom’s rhythm.

Teaching

Teaching Schools Math Activities

Prepared for tomorrow: Reimagining readiness in Indiana education

eSchool News

MAY 2, 2025

The other, from the president and CEO of Project Lead The Way (PLTW), a national nonprofit organization that provides schools with innovative, hands-on, project-based STEM curriculum designed to develop critical skills and knowledge, while preparing students for careers beyond the classroom.

Education

Education STEM Knowledge Skills

6 Creative Ways to Build Community Connections Beyond the Classroom

Teaching with a Mountain View

JUNE 12, 2025

Mystery Guests encourage students to work together, use critical thinking skills, and broaden their horizons. Before the visit, teach your students to ask meaningful questions. Allow them to sign up for speakers they’re most interested in and teach them to ask thoughtful questions. What’s one way you help others?

Writing

Writing Questions Discussions Activities

25 Team-Building Activities for Kids to Connect Classmates

Teachers Pay Teachers

JULY 23, 2025

No matter where you play, these activities teach cooperation and elevate the joy in your classroom. Research in the Journal of University Teaching & Learning indicates that collaborative games facilitate effective teamwork and understanding of what makes a team successful. The best part?

Activities

Activities Communication Assignments Grades

28+ Exciting Experiments for Kids in Elementary School

Teachers Pay Teachers

MAY 21, 2025

Fun Experiments for Kindergarten and 1st Grade Stir up some wiggles and wide-eyed wonder through inquiry-based learning where elementary students will marvel their way to big ideas and critical thinking. These easy science experiments for 2nd graders and exciting STEM projects for kids are perfect for igniting curiosity.

Elementary School

Elementary School Elementary School Science Schools

How to teach K-12 coding without computers

eSchool News

APRIL 23, 2025

The absence of computers can be an opportunity to focus on the logic and thinking that underpins programming, allowing students to engage in activities that foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Here are some strategies and resources to aid in teaching coding concepts without relying on computers: 1.

Teaching

Teaching Critical Thinking STEM Science

7 ways data collection is improving STEM education

eSchool News

JANUARY 3, 2016

STEM classes in particular have a natural potential to be both tech-rich and inquiry-based, especially hands-on lab activities. Here are 7 ways technology is enhancing and expanding STEM education in our school district. One exciting way we’re infusing technology into STEM education is through our district’s Innovations Labs.

STEM

STEM Laboratory Education Science

5 essential STEM education reads

eSchool News

APRIL 17, 2023

STEM education is a critical part of a comprehensive K-12 education–it helps students build and improve critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and it teaches students to be persistent when presented with a challenge. Representation is another obstacle to more ubiquitous STEM participation.

STEM

STEM Reading Critical Thinking Education

IRIS Offers Lessons to Help STEM Educators Teach About Recent Earthquakes

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

September 8, 2021) — The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) is providing free resources to help STEM educators teach about recent earthquake events, such as the 7.0 WASHINGTON, D.C. magnitude earthquake in Mexico on September 8 and the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on August 14.

STEM

STEM Teaching Education Distance Learning

How hands-on learning deepens STEM engagement

eSchool News

APRIL 8, 2025

Key points: Probeware is key in helping students make sense of scientific concepts 5 powerful ways to link STEM lessons to real-world applications Rural areas are poised for unique STEM education, but need more resources For more news on STEM learning, visit eSN’s STEM & STEAM hub STEM careers are on the rise.

STEM

STEM Learning Science Critical Thinking

5 approaches that engage middle school students in STEM learning

eSchool News

DECEMBER 2, 2024

Here are five strategies teachers can take to make STEM come alive in their classrooms. Incorporate hands-on activities and experiments Hands-on activities let students engage directly with STEM concepts, making learning tangible and memorable.

Middle School

Middle School Middle School STEM Interdisciplinary

5 helpful hacks for managing a STEM classroom

eSchool News

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

However, it does mean that STEM classrooms require skilled management to keep students focused on their tasks. Hack 2: Teach collaboration Building a collaborative environment is fundamental in STEM education. This means teaching students not just how to speak, but how to listen as well.

STEM

STEM Failure Communication Classroom Management

6 ways to support multilingual learners in STEM

eSchool News

JANUARY 17, 2024

STEM can help with English language development by allowing students to engage with language in a variety of ways. The hands-on nature of STEM learning also makes concepts and vocabulary easier to grasp, and makes learning fun. Part of “doing STEM” means learning to speak the language of STEM.

STEM

STEM English Languages Language

5 powerful ways to link STEM lessons to real-world applications

eSchool News

MARCH 14, 2025

Key points: Real-world relevance makes STEM learning more personal for students 12 lesser-known K-12 STEM education resources Using free resources to connect the environment to education For more on STEM concepts, visit eSN’s STEM & STEAM hub Why are we learning this? To be fair, its a valid question.

STEM

STEM Fairness Testing Critical Thinking

Helping science-averse teachers integrate STEM and literacy

eSchool News

DECEMBER 19, 2024

This understanding has deepened through my collaboration with Kathy Renfrew, whose journey from a self-proclaimed science-phobic classroom teacher to renowned STEM educator and leader illustrates the transformation that happens when educators break down traditional subject-area barriers and create truly interdisciplinary units.

STEM

STEM Science Interdisciplinary Teachers

How our school transitioned from STEM to STEAM

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2019

Imagine this: You’re a teacher at a school that’s been on board with STEM since the first little whispers about how it can provide unique learning experiences centered on 21st-century skills. A little more than three years ago, our new principal made the decision to transition our school from STEM to STEAM.

STEM

STEM Art Schools Critical Thinking

3 best practices to create a STEM-focused school

eSchool News

OCTOBER 23, 2023

Department of Labor , in 2021, there were nearly 10 million workers in STEM occupations–a total projected to grow by almost 11 percent by 2031. This figure represents a growth rate twice as fast as non-STEM occupations. The department also noted that STEM jobs often pay substantially more than jobs in other fields.

STEM

STEM Interdisciplinary Schools Fairness

STEM learning makes this educator shine

eSchool News

DECEMBER 22, 2022

Not surprisingly, many of this year’s Top 10 focused on innovative ways to engage students, digital resources, and online and hybrid learning strategies related to post-pandemic teaching. This year’s 7th most-read story focuses on a Hero Awards winner dedicated to STEM education.

STEM

STEM Hybrid Learning Education Learning

Preparing students for Industry 5.0: Rethinking STEM to shape the future workforce

eSchool News

OCTOBER 31, 2024

As we prepare the workforce of the future, it becomes clear that we must rethink our approach to STEM education. It’s no longer enough to teach technical skills in isolation. Hands-on STEM learning is key to this evolution. Key points: Industry 5.0 strongly emphasizes collaboration between humans and machines. Why drones?

STEM

STEM Students Teaching Methods Textbooks

Inside the unique STEM school for students with learning difficulties

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

A new STEM academy for those with learning difficulties focuses on hard and soft skills. In that light, the scramble to provide students with hard skills, like robotics and coding, coupled with related soft skills, such as critical thinking and collaboration, seems only natural. million by 2018. It was very successful.

STEM

STEM Special Education Counselling Students

The 2 stages of successful early STEM education revisited

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

My classroom is a safe environment where students feel it’s acceptable to try, even if they’re not going to be successful the first time–and that certainly applies to STEM education. That’s why our school gradually introduces STEM concepts, and coding in particular, to students as they progress through each grade level.

STEM

STEM Education Beliefs Game-Based Learning

3 real-world competitions that support STEM learning

eSchool News

SEPTEMBER 27, 2019

STEM learning is proving key to the future of work, as an increasing number of jobs–some of which have yet to be created–will require STEM knowledge. But topics such as math and engineering also can be challenging, leading many students to stop engaging in STEM learning.

STEM

STEM Critical Thinking Learning Motivation

5 ways teaching science with probeware promotes 3D learning

eSchool News

MAY 30, 2024

Key points: Probeware helps connect students to in-depth learning opportunities Black students need more STEM career exposure 5 helpful hacks for managing a STEM classroom For more news on science learning, visit eSN’s STEM & STEAM hub Are you looking for effective ways to integrate three-dimensional learning into your science classroom?

Science

Science Mobile Devices Teaching STEM

3 free STEAM education resources to nurture student curiosity

eSchool News

JULY 30, 2024

Putting the ‘E’ in integrative STEM instruction For more news on STEAM, visit eSN’s STEM & STEAM hub According to the National Math and Science Initiative , STEM education helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fosters communication, and bolsters teamwork.

STEM

STEM Education Critical Thinking Students

7 reasons to ditch recipe-style science labs

eSchool News

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

This “cookbook recipe” teaching style not only stifles creativity, but it can also hinder critical thinking skill development. At the age level I teach, pretty much everyone needs my attention at the same time, but I only have two hands. I only have two hands.

Science

Science Critical Thinking STEM Textbooks

6 educator predictions about teaching and learning in 2025

eSchool News

JANUARY 16, 2025

We asked educators to share their views about teaching and learning in 2025 (find industry predictions for 2025 here ). Traditional tests focused on factual recall may instead give way to assessments that better align with NGSS’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of knowledge in real-world contexts.

Teaching

Teaching Education Learning Interdisciplinary

Local partnerships can build STEM workforce development in your district

eSchool News

JUNE 1, 2022

The measurable success of recruiting students into STEM based pathways via a popular high school program known as FlexFactor has led the Department of Defense to recently invest $5 million via its Manufacturing Engineering Education Program (MEEP).

STEM

STEM Critical Thinking Middle School Middle School

The Impact of Inclusive STEM Education

Edsurge

MAY 15, 2024

STEM identity can last a lifetime and help students thrive in school, future careers and life. Inclusive STEM programs widen job opportunities for the growing technology sector, support students in building digital literacy skills and empower young people to become creators — not just consumers — of technology.

STEM

STEM Interdisciplinary Education Science

New science resources promote critical thinking and problem solving

eSchool News

MARCH 4, 2021

New resources from the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) are intended to help K-12 educators, including parents homeschooling their children, plan their science lessons.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking Science Student Engagement Accessibility

New Online Platform from Vernier Boosts High School Students’ STEM Learning with Fun, Interactive Investigations and Projects

eSchool News

MARCH 31, 2022

BEAVERTON, Oregon, March 31, 2022 — Leveraging standards-based instructional content and its award-winning technology, Vernier Software & Technology is announcing Vernier Connections , an innovative web-based platform to engage high school students in hands-on STEM learning and exploration.

STEM

STEM High School High School Critical Thinking

5 fun STEM learning resources for summer engagement

5 reasons why game design is the best way to teach STEAM skills

Trending Sources

8 under-the-radar digital learning resources

Reimagining the Flipped Classroom: Integrating AI, Microlearning, and Learning Analytics to Elevate Student Engagement and Critical Thinking

Reimagining the Flipped Classroom: Integrating AI, Microlearning, and Learning Analytics to Elevate Student Engagement and Critical Thinking

Creating a fun robotics lesson that addresses 4 ISTE standards

Why Districts Are Turning to Esports to Reach More Learners

How Teachers Are Making Computer Science Click

Engaging Experiential Learning Activities for Students

Explore 8+ STEM Activities for Middle School to Get a Reaction

Dual Enrollment Numbers Are Rising. Colleges Want Them to Keep Growing.

Coding, Creativity and the New Digital Fluency

50 Ideas For Simple STEM Activities For Kids

Is the Traditional Classroom Becoming Obsolete?

What To Teach On The First Day of School: FREE First Day of School Lesson Plans

Prepared for tomorrow: Reimagining readiness in Indiana education

6 Creative Ways to Build Community Connections Beyond the Classroom

25 Team-Building Activities for Kids to Connect Classmates

28+ Exciting Experiments for Kids in Elementary School

How to teach K-12 coding without computers

7 ways data collection is improving STEM education

5 essential STEM education reads

IRIS Offers Lessons to Help STEM Educators Teach About Recent Earthquakes

How hands-on learning deepens STEM engagement

5 approaches that engage middle school students in STEM learning

5 helpful hacks for managing a STEM classroom

6 ways to support multilingual learners in STEM

5 powerful ways to link STEM lessons to real-world applications

Helping science-averse teachers integrate STEM and literacy

How our school transitioned from STEM to STEAM

3 best practices to create a STEM-focused school

STEM learning makes this educator shine

Preparing students for Industry 5.0: Rethinking STEM to shape the future workforce

Inside the unique STEM school for students with learning difficulties

The 2 stages of successful early STEM education revisited

3 real-world competitions that support STEM learning

5 ways teaching science with probeware promotes 3D learning

3 free STEAM education resources to nurture student curiosity

7 reasons to ditch recipe-style science labs

6 educator predictions about teaching and learning in 2025

Local partnerships can build STEM workforce development in your district

The Impact of Inclusive STEM Education

New science resources promote critical thinking and problem solving

New Online Platform from Vernier Boosts High School Students’ STEM Learning with Fun, Interactive Investigations and Projects

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