iExploreScience: STEM in Elem
iExploreScience: STEM in Elem is for upper elementary teachers — especially grades 3–5 —who want to make elementary science and math more engaging, without adding more prep or overwhelm to their day. If you’re looking for practical ways to bring STEM and hands-on learning into your classroom while still meeting standards like NGSS, this podcast is for you.
Each week, you’ll get (ideally) short, (always!) actionable episodes (about 15–30 minutes) filled with classroom-tested ideas you can actually use. From simple STEM challenges and low-prep science activities to math routines, lab management, and neurodivergent-friendly strategies, everything is designed to help you keep students thinking, moving, and engaged—especially during the most challenging times of the year.
You’ll also hear honest reflections from real classroom experiences, with a focus on what works (and what doesn’t) in my 5th grade science and math classroom — no perfection required.
I’m Nicole, and I share practical, hands-on science and math ideas designed specifically for upper elementary teachers who want engaging, rigorous lessons without the overwhelm.
iExploreScience: STEM in Elem
117 How to Improve Observation Skills in Your Science Classes
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Have you noticed your students' observation skills aren't what you'd like them to be? You aren't alone. In this episode, we answer a listener's question about how to improve students' observation skills. This episode s full of easy-to-implement ideas for the first few weeks of school.
Click here to read the episode recap.
Other Episodes to Check Out
- Incorporating Student-Centered Science Stations
- All About Anchoring Phenomena
- Using Student Questions to Build Storylines
Other Resources
- Using a Notice and Wonder Activity - Sadler Science
- Four Ways to Actively Engage Students with Anchoring Phenomena - iExplore Science
- Asking Questions - Sadler Science
- How to Teach Nature Drawing by John Muir Laws and Emily Lygren (Free Download)
📬 Stay Connected
- 📰 Substack: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/
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