{"id":8242,"date":"2023-08-15T17:03:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-15T21:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/?p=8242"},"modified":"2023-08-15T16:55:05","modified_gmt":"2023-08-15T20:55:05","slug":"innovate-with-low-tech-and-no-tech-steam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/2023\/08\/innovate-with-low-tech-and-no-tech-steam\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovate with Low-Tech and No-Tech STEAM!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What is STEAM?\" width=\"660\" height=\"371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/f4TE4e9LkpM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Low-Tech, No-Tech STEAM&#8230;&#8230;Isn&#8217;t that an oxymoron? Actually, no, it&#8217;s not! STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math to guide inquiry, discussion, collaboration, and critical thinking. It is still STEAM teaching, even if it is <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/makered.org\/blog\/low-tech-no-stress-coding-and-making-in-nyc-public-schools-with-gwynn-white-best\/\" target=\"_blank\">low or no tech<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/thehomeschoolresourceroom.com\/2020\/04\/09\/technology-stem-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\">Technology<\/a> is a broad topic; it <a href=\"https:\/\/code.org\/files\/Hour-of-Code-Unplugged-Activities.pdf\">does not have to mean using a computer<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/ideas.demco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Guide-To-Low-tech-Making.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Low-tech, no-tech STEAM<\/a> usually involves a hands-on activity which is an engaging and fun way to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.naeyc.org\/resources\/pubs\/tyc\/feb2020\/breaking-down-steam\" target=\"_blank\">teach<\/a> a variety of concepts. The <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.invent.org\/blog\/trends-stem\/value-stem-education\" target=\"_blank\">benefits<\/a> of STEAM learning include problem-solving and critical thinking skills, collaboration, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/resilienteducator.com\/classroom-resources\/real-world-stem-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\">real-world connections<\/a>, resilience, and creativity. Collaboration is important. Students need to learn to work together to accomplish projects. Mistakes are learning opportunities. Students <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/miro.medium.com\/v2\/resize:fit:1400\/format:webp\/1*MYu5NkY1bKnFRec1U1drMg.png\" target=\"_blank\">build resilience<\/a> when they try and try again before they succeed. Each student&#8217;s skill set will contribute to the final product. You (or even they) may not even know a student has a skill until it is demonstrated during a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instructables.com\/Project-Based-Engineering-for-Kids\/\" target=\"_blank\">STEAM project<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023_AUG_15_LowTech_NoTech_STEAM_Silva.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023_AUG_15_LowTech_NoTech_STEAM_Silva-200x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023_AUG_15_LowTech_NoTech_STEAM_Silva-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023_AUG_15_LowTech_NoTech_STEAM_Silva-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2023_AUG_15_LowTech_NoTech_STEAM_Silva.png 735w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How do you structure <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/webnew.ped.state.nm.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Low-Tech-to-No-Tech-Science-FINAL.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">low-tech, no-tech STEM<\/a> in the classroom? Break projects into steps or smaller pieces using an <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1OSIuZg1tA28YOPmqsUdbVrJWbkQWDYqCS4o2NJ3ecR8\/edit\" target=\"_blank\">engineering<\/a> or <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/spencerauthor.com\/the-launch-cycle\/\" target=\"_blank\">design process<\/a>. There are many options from <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/engagetheirminds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/img_9752.png\" target=\"_blank\">elementary<\/a> to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/presentation\/d\/1UddNVCLxQlsqGRzK-QA7c2e9ujMUOf3EI83rDLrA7xQ\/edit#slide=id.p\" target=\"_blank\">middle<\/a> to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teachengineering.org\/populartopics\/designprocess\" target=\"_blank\">high school<\/a>. Then start off with <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.weareteachers.com\/stem-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\">less intensive projects<\/a> and build to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vistathink.com\/long-term-stem-projects\/\" target=\"_blank\">major projects<\/a>. For example, start with small projects like <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instructables.com\/Simple-Catapult-1\/\" target=\"_blank\">catapults<\/a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/researchparent.com\/coding-a-lego-maze\/\" target=\"_blank\">Lego mazes<\/a> before moving on to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/cubscoutideas.com\/8158\/rube-goldberg-machine\/\" target=\"_blank\">Rube Goldberg Machines.<\/a> You could also begin with <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/pbskids.org\/designsquad\/build\/roving-moon\/\" target=\"_blank\">elastic-powered rovers<\/a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homesciencetools.com\/article\/how-to-build-a-solar-oven-project\/\" target=\"_blank\">solar ovens<\/a> before moving on to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/mars.nasa.gov\/participate\/marsforeducators\/soi\/\" target=\"_blank\">Living on Mars projects<\/a>. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/carlyandadam.com\/thecarlyandadam\/the-best-stem-storage-hacks\" target=\"_blank\">Organization<\/a> is key! Find a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/easyteachingtools.com\/organize-stem-materials\/\" target=\"_blank\">material organization system<\/a> that works for your projects\u2014plan for storing projects that take more than one class to complete and for <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eduporium.com\/blog\/eduporium-weekly-5-things-to-add-to-your-makerspace-supply-list\/\" target=\"_blank\">material<\/a> storage for future projects. Make sure you have <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/Time is another key. Students will take longer with projects when just starting out, you may need to give a time limit for each part of the process Definitely expect some mess! Plan time for clean up!\" target=\"_blank\">materials<\/a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/resilienteducator.com\/classroom-resources\/steam-projects-cheap-supplies\/\" target=\"_blank\">supplies<\/a> ready before starting a project. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/stemtropolis.com\/stem-projects-using-recycled-materials\/\" target=\"_blank\">Recycle materials<\/a> from home and the classroom. Ask students and other teachers to bring in recyclable materials for projects. The dollar store is also a great place to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/misstechqueen.com\/2021\/08\/20\/stem-activities-on-a-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\">get budget-friendly materials<\/a>! Time is another key. Students will take longer with projects when starting out; you may need to give a time limit for each part of the process. Expect some mess! Plan time for clean up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/ideas.demco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Guide-To-Low-tech-Making.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Low-tech<\/a> and no-tech STEAM <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stemminds.com\/top-5-low-tech-stem-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\">activities<\/a> can take many <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/makermaven\/low-tech-makerspace-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\">forms<\/a>. Some great fun stand-alone projects are <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.makerspaces.com\/how-to-make-a-bristlebot\/\" target=\"_blank\">bristlebots<\/a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.kaplanco.com\/ii\/diy-robot-hand\" target=\"_blank\">robot hands<\/a>, &#8220;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/kiddieacademy.com\/blog\/family-activities\/low-tech-stem-activity-what-the-heck-is-that\/\" target=\"_blank\">What the Heck is that<\/a>?&#8221;, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.csunplugged.org\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\">unplugged coding<\/a>, and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.handson-stem.org\/post\/oobleck-liquid-or-solid\" target=\"_blank\">Oobleck<\/a>. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instructables.com\/teachers\/\" target=\"_blank\">Instructables<\/a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/pbskids.org\/designsquad\/build\/\" target=\"_blank\">PBS&#8217; Design Squad Global<\/a> are bountiful project resources. There is even a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/mass.pbslearningmedia.org\/collection\/design-squad-latinx\/\" target=\"_blank\">Design Squad Latinx<\/a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/mass.pbslearningmedia.org\/collection\/dsgclubs\/t\/arabic-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\">resources in Arabic<\/a>! Once your students are comfortable, you can begin scaffolding smaller projects into longer projects like <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com\/2022\/04\/22\/building-a-sustainable-city\/\" target=\"_blank\">building a sustainable city<\/a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teachengineering.org\/activities\/view\/cub_weather_lesson06_activity1\" target=\"_blank\">trash to treasure<\/a>, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com\/2022\/05\/23\/toy-take-apart-and-repurposing-a-creative-problem-solving-lesson\/\" target=\"_blank\">toy take apart and repurposing<\/a>, and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stem.org.uk\/resources\/collection\/372964\/practical-action-stem-challenges\" target=\"_blank\">Global Goals STEM challenges<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Low-tech, no-tech STEAM is a fun and engaging option for any classroom! TeachersFirst has great STEAM <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teachersfirst.com\/search_action.cfm?grade_low=0&amp;grade_high=12&amp;searchtext=steam&amp;searchtype=all\" target=\"_blank\">classroom resources<\/a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.com\/blog\/?s=STEAM\" target=\"_blank\">blog posts<\/a>; check them out. Implement low-tech, no-tech STEAM for a lively school year! Are you using low-tech and no-tech STEAM activities in your classroom? Share your favorites in the comments below!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Low-Tech, No-Tech STEAM&#8230;&#8230;Isn&#8217;t that an oxymoron? Actually, no, it&#8217;s not! STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math to guide inquiry, discussion, collaboration, and critical thinking. It is still STEAM teaching, even if it is low or no tech. Technology is a broad topic; it does not have &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/2023\/08\/innovate-with-low-tech-and-no-tech-steam\/\" class=\"more-link\">read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[257,258,149,254,22],"class_list":["post-8242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-classroom-application","tag-design-thinking","tag-engineering","tag-innovation","tag-steam","tag-stem"],"modified_by":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8242"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8364,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8242\/revisions\/8364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8242"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachersfirst.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}