STEM iLab - External Resources
-
03-01-2015
Engineering is Elementary (EiE)
Engineering is Elementary is a rigorously researched, classroom-tested curriculum that increases students' interest in and confidence about engineering. EiE is designed to encourage all children — including those from underrepresented groups — to envision themselves as potential engineers. EiE's 20 units present fun, engaging engineering challenges that allow students to apply science knowledge in meaningful ways. Each unit is introduced by a storybook about a child who solves a problem through engineering. Set in locations around the world, the storybooks integrate literacy and social studies — and provide context and meaning for the hands-on activities that follow.
Visit EiE (External Link)>> -
02-01-2015
LEGO® Education
Few tools generate as much excitement in the classroom as those that enable students to truly take charge of their own learning. With the LEGO® Education WeDo, students become motivated, active learners who don't just know, they do. Designed for children grades 2-5, WeDo is a learning solution that blends hands-on manipulatives with integrated technology and curriculum to create a minds-on experience that is aligned with key educational standards and learning objectives. The project-based activities included in the curriculum help build science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) knowledge while incorporating lessons in language arts. Working in pairs, students utilize their skills to create moving models, all while enhancing their creative and problem-solving abilities.
Visit LEGO Education (External Link)>> -
01-01-2015
Buck Institute for Education (BIE)
The Buck Institute for Education (BIE) helps teachers prepare students for successful lives. BIE shows teachers how to use Project Based Learning in all grade levels and subject areas. As a mission-driven nonprofit organization, BIE creates, gathers, and shares high-quality PBL instructional practices and products and provides highly effective services to teachers, schools, and districts. For teachers, BIE offers professional development on how to design, assess, and manage projects that engage and motivate students. For schools, BIE helps bring coherence to PBL practices across grade levels and subject areas, and supports the creation of school-wide processes and structures to support PBL. For districts, BIE offers unrivaled service and expertise in creating and sustaining district-wide PBL initiatives. The exponential increase in demand for its services and products speak to BIE's ability to help educators around the world provide a better education for all students.
Visit BIE (External Link)>> -
01-01-2015
Florida's 21st Century Community Learning Centers Initiative
21st Century Community Learning Centers provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The focus of the program is to help students meet or exceed local and state standards in subjects including reading and math through a broad array of enrichment activities that complement their regular academic programs. In addition, 21st CCLC programs offer literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
Visit 21st CCLC (External Link)>>
The Children's Forum was awarded the 21stCentury Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) administrative grant in 2012 through a competitive procurement process of the Florida Department of Education. Through the federally-funded grant, the Forum provides training, technical assistance, monitoring, and evaluation for 21st CCLC programs across the state.
