Learning in 3D - Presentation at the National Science Teachers Association

I have been a proud member of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) for about 15 years and enjoy their conferences (and publications) very much. I have presented at countless NSTA conferences over the years and this month, I traveled to Baltimore to lead a workshop/presentation on using bridges as a means to create integrated science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning experiences.

Even at 8 o’clock in the morning, interested teachers from the east coast were deeply engaged in some core Salvadori ideas. We discussed how the structures that surround us provide numerous opportunities for in-depth, project-based STEM explorations for all learners. We explored the curricular applications of arch and suspension bridges. Using everyday materials, we built model arches and discussed how k-12 teachers could use this model to explore many aspects of STEM including: a) examining the forces at work on the structure, b) calculating the load a bridge can withstand, c) investigating how simple machines enable bridges to be built, and d) applying measurement, patterns and geometry as part of the design process of engineering.

We had so much fun with arches that we never got to the suspension bridge activity! But as those teachers learned, all of these exciting resources are available for FREE in the Salvadori Resource Center. Oh, and here’s the Power Point link.