Showcasing art and STEM with DIY projects not only enhances learning and creativity but makes these subjects more accessible to a broader audience. The Ask a Tech Teacher team explores how to do that in innovative ways that should please your students:

Exploring the Intersection of Art and STEM Through DIY Projects

Blending art and STEM into creative DIY projects isn’t just fun—it’s a brilliant way to help kids learn. By combining creativity with problem-solving, children can better understand concepts that might otherwise seem too technical or dull. These activities encourage hands-on learning and spark curiosity, making art a natural gateway into the exciting world of STEM.

What is STEAM and Why Does Art Matter in STEM?

STEAM is an educational approach that includes science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Adding art to STEM isn’t just a trendy idea; it’s a game-changer for education.

Why?

Because art bridges the gap between creative expression and technical knowledge. It makes abstract ideas tangible and helps kids visualize concepts that can seem confusing. Take geometry, for example. Kids can learn about shapes and symmetry by designing patterns or mosaics. Art also adds personality to STEM, making lessons more relatable. A child designing a rocket for a science project might include unique colors and designs, connecting creative thinking with engineering. Art also makes STEM less intimidating. A child who struggles with math might feel more confident when they see how it connects to something creative, like designing a math mosaic.

This integrated approach makes learning more accessible and enjoyable, fostering a love for discovery. (more…)

Learning a language is a long process, often filled with ups and downs. The Ask a Tech Teacher team has these six tips to help you learn any language faster: 

Be a Quick Learner: 6 Tips to Learn Any Language Faster

Learning a new language may be overwhelming, but it can also be enjoyable and rewarding when you apply the right strategies. You’ll be amazed at your progress when you’re dedicated to learning with a positive mindset.

If you want to learn a language faster, you need to double your efforts. From perfecting pronunciation to saying complete sentences in a foreign language, these practical tips can make language learning fun and efficient. (more…)

Genius Hour

Overview

The Genius Hour Project traditionally sets aside 20% of class time to pursue a topic students are passionate about. An after school setting follows these basics, but adapted to a full-time exploration of the topic.

Basics

While immersing themselves in a topic they love, Genius Hour also teaches students how to pursue a goal important to them. That means fulfilling 8 specific benchmarks:

1. Brainstorm to come up with a topic that fits required parameters.
   
2. Write a paragraph of at least five lines on why this topic is important to learn.
3. Write another paragraph about what student already knows on the topic and what s/he needs to learn.
4. Create a list of five research questions to guide inquiry including where to find the answers. These will be approved by the teacher.
5. Pitch conclusions to the group (on Project Pitch Day). Student must be persuasive and use evidence to convince classmates this is a worthwhile topic. Student should plan to use Prezi, HaikuDeck, Voki or another presentation method that fits their communication style.
   
6. Now go forth! Enjoy the research.
7. When done, create a presentation that will share research and conclusions with classmates.
8. On Project Presentation Day, present research and take audience questions. Use tools similar to those used on Project Pitch Day.

While this is student-paced and self-directed, the teacher overseas each benchmark. (more…)

National Handwriting Day is celebrated on January 23rd each year. It is a day dedicated to promoting the importance of handwriting and encouraging people to embrace the art of writing by hand. This day was established to honor the birthday of John Hancock, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, known for his prominent and stylish signature on the Declaration of Independence. Handwriting is considered a personal and unique form of expression, and National Handwriting Day aims to celebrate and preserve this traditional skill.

Articles on handwriting from Ask a Tech Teacher:

Check these out:

Is Handwriting So Last Generation

Is Handwriting So Last Generation–Redux

How to Create a Handwriting Workbook to Help Improve Penmanship

Handwriting vs. Keyboarding–from a Student’s Perspective

When is Typing Faster Than Handwriting? (more…)

Here are some Winter activities to share the joy of winter (click here for updates to list):

1. 5 Videos to teach about winter
2. Winter Facts and Worksheets
3. The Winter Solstice, from PBS–a video for youngers
4. Winter Vocabulary–a video
5. What is a Solstice, from National Geographic–a video
6. What is the Winter Season–a video
7. Winter Coloring Pages, Printables, and more
8. Winter Games–digital

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Surprisingly, learning a foreign language has a set of guidelines that–if followed–are pretty good predictors of success. I didn’t know this, wish I did in the years I struggled through Russian. The Ask a Tech Teacher international team has put together a list for you. These aren’t online tools or books, but mental conscripts that will get you where you want to be with more efficiency and less pain:

The Secret to Learning English and Other Foreign Languages Faster

Mastering a new language can be a transformative journey, opening doors to new cultures, opportunities, and personal growth. For many, the challenge of learning a foreign language like English may seem daunting, but with the right strategies, the process can become both efficient and enjoyable. By adopting effective techniques, such as immersion, using media, and leveraging online resources, anyone can accelerate their language learning journey. (more…)

How to use Digital Quick Writes

This video is from a series I taught for school districts. It is now available for free, here on Ask a Tech Teacher:

–summarized by NoteGPT

Summary

In this video, Jacqui Murray discusses the concept of “quick writes” as a dynamic and engaging way to teach writing in the classroom. Quick writes are short, spontaneous writing exercises that allow students to express their thoughts and ideas without the pressure of formal writing tasks. Murray emphasizes the importance of variety and choice in writing activities, which can cater to students’ different preferences and skills. By integrating technology and allowing students to use a range of mediums—such as audio, visual, and written forms—quick writes not only reinforce writing skills but also enhance problem-solving, creative thinking, and communication abilities. The video outlines practical strategies for implementing quick writes in the classroom, provides examples of tools and techniques, and highlights how these exercises can meet Common Core standards. Overall, Murray advocates for a process-oriented approach to writing, focusing on student engagement and skill development rather than the final product.

Highlights

• ✍️ Dynamic Writing Experience: Quick writes offer an engaging alternative to traditional writing assignments, allowing students to express themselves freely.
• 🌍 Integration of Technology: Incorporating various digital tools enhances the writing experience and fosters creativity among students.
• 🎨 Variety of Mediums: Students can choose from multiple formats—writing, drawing, audio—to communicate their ideas effectively.
• 🕒 Short and Focused: Quick writes typically last 10-15 minutes, encouraging concise and thoughtful expression of ideas.
• 📢 Process Over Product: The focus is on the writing process and student effort rather than the final outcome, promoting a growth mindset.
• 📚 Alignment with Common Core: Quick writes can be tailored to meet various educational standards, making them versatile across subjects.
• 🤝 Collaborative Learning: Sharing and discussing quick writes with peers enhances understanding and communication skills.

Key Insights

• 📅 Flexibility in Timing: Quick writes can be integrated into any part of a lesson, making them adaptable to various subjects and topics. This flexibility allows teachers to connect writing with ongoing projects or discussions, reinforcing the relevance of writing in different contexts.
• 💡 Choice Empowers Students: By providing students with options for how they want to express their ideas—be it through writing, drawing, or using multimedia—teachers can cater to diverse learning styles. This choice not only fosters engagement but also encourages students to take ownership of their learning process.
• 🛠️ Technological Proficiency: Incorporating digital tools and platforms into quick writes helps students become more comfortable with technology. This not only prepares them for future academic challenges but also equips them with essential skills for the modern workforce.
• 🎯 Focus on Skill Development: Quick writes emphasize the importance of developing writing skills through practice rather than perfection. By creating a low-stakes environment where effort and process are prioritized, students are more likely to take risks and experiment with their writing.
• 🤔 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Engaging in quick writes requires students to think critically and solve problems quickly, especially when using new technologies or formats. This process aligns with educational standards that emphasize critical thinking as a vital skill for success.
• 📝 Assessment for Learning: Instead of grading the final product, teachers assess students based on their effort and engagement during quick writes. This formative assessment approach allows for ongoing feedback and supports a learning environment focused on growth rather than competition.
• 🎉 Fun and Engagement: Quick writes can be a fun way to break up traditional lessons, making writing enjoyable for students who may otherwise find it daunting. By incorporating games and creative formats, teachers can foster a love for writing that extends beyond the classroom.

Conclusion

Jacqui Murray’s discussion on quick writes highlights the importance of innovative and flexible writing practices in education. By integrating technology, allowing for student choice, and emphasizing the writing process, educators can create a more engaging and effective writing experience. Quick writes serve as a powerful tool to develop not only writing skills but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—all of which are essential for students in today’s world. Through this approach, teachers can foster a classroom environment that values creativity, encourages exploration, and supports skill development for all learners.

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This is a new Ask a Tech Teacher series on College and Career with a focus on military options. 

High school students contemplating a military career should research extensively, speak with recruiters, and perhaps participate in preparatory or introductory military programs to make an informed decision. Each branch of the military has unique offerings, so aligning personal goals with the branch’s culture and opportunities is crucial. There are several pathways for post-HS: opportunities for personal development, education, and professional training. Here’s an overview:

• Join directly from High School:

  • Enlistment: Students can enlist in one of the six branches of the U.S. military: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. This path typically requires passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to determine suitability for specific roles. High school graduates can start as enlisted personnel, gaining hands-on experience in various military occupations.

  • Benefits: Enlisting offers benefits like tuition assistance, health care, housing, and retirement benefits. The military provides training in over 150 career fields, many of which only require a high school diploma or GED.

  • Programs for Experience: Programs like the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) in high schools can provide students with early exposure to military life, teaching leadership, citizenship, and discipline.

• Attend college before entering the military:

  • Service Academies: High school students can apply to one of the U.S. military academies (e.g., West Point for Army, Naval Academy for Navy, etc.), which offer a combination of college education and military training. These are highly competitive and require congressional nomination. Graduates earn a commission as officers.

  • ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps): This program allows students to attend college and receive military training simultaneously. Upon graduation, ROTC participants commit to a period of service as an officer. The program offers scholarships that can cover tuition, fees, and other expenses.

This series will delve into making the military part of college-career choices. Here are some of the articles you’ll see with links to those already published:

• 5 Must-do Skills to Accomplish During High School
• 9 Secrets for Getting into a Service Academy
• 11 Ways to Become a Navy Officer and a Gentleman
• Apply for a Military Academy
• Average USNA Candidate
• ASVAB or a Service Academy? You Decide.
• College Bound: Take Inventory
• Didn’t get into a Military Academy? Try NAPS
• Goal Setting for a Fourteen-year-old
• OCS–an option
• STEM at USNA
• Successful USNA Graduates
• You’re a Sophomore and Interested in USNA

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“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.

Natural disasters is a related discussion to any number of topics–geography, ecology, Earth Day, even problem solving. Here are 17 websites that bring the power of these natural forces to students (click here for updates to the list):

• Avalanches
• Earthquakes
• Earthquakes–an animation
• Earthquakes for Kids

• Earthquakes–USGS
• Every Natural Disaster Explained in 12 Minutes (video)
• Flood—hugefloods.com

• Hurricanes
• Natural Disasters–for kids–video
• Natural disaster videos

• Natural Hazards–from Crash Course–video
• Savage Earth
• Storm Chasing

• Top 10 Natural Disasters for Kids–video
• Tsunamis
• Volcano videos
• Volcanoes

Click image below for slideshow of many natural disasters

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Virtual high schools have become increasingly popular as technology has advanced and educational needs have evolved. Here is an overview of key data and trends associated with them:

Enrollment and Growth

1. Enrollment Numbers: Virtual high schools have seen significant growth in enrollment. In the United States alone, millions of students are now taking at least one online course.
2. Growth Rate: The growth rate for virtual school enrollments has been steady, with a marked increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, as traditional schools shifted to online formats.

Demographics

1. Student Demographics: Virtual high schools serve a diverse range of students, including those who need flexible schedules, have health issues, are involved in professional sports or entertainment, or have experienced bullying in traditional schools.
2. Geographic Reach: Students from urban, suburban, and rural areas are enrolling in virtual high schools, with significant growth in rural areas where access to advanced courses may be limited.

Academic Performance

1. Performance Metrics: Studies show mixed results on academic performance in virtual high schools. Some students excel due to the flexibility and self-paced nature, while others may struggle without face-to-face interaction and structured environments.
2. Standardized Test Scores: Virtual high schools often have varied results on standardized test scores compared to traditional schools, with some performing above and others below average.

Curriculum and Instruction

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