Stem to Story: Enthralling and Effective Lesson Plans for Grades 5-8

Praise for STEM to Story826 has always been a place where imagination and education meet. They are taking what is most exciting about STEM and creative writing and bringing the two together in unique and exciting ways. In these lessons, students are learning about the world around them and use actual scientific exploration to envision and build new ones.--Spike Jonze, Oscar-winning screenwriter and directorSTEM to Story offers quality STEM activities that are easily implemented to engage middle school-aged youth. The activities provide hands-on learning--sparking creativity, curiosity and confidence in discovering STEM in fun and innovative ways.--Jorge Perez, VP of Youth Development, Family Enrichment and Social Responsibility, YMCA of the USAA fabulous resource for teaching students one of the most important lessons: that science is fun, creative, and tremendously important for everyone. STEM to Story from 826 will help inspire future scientists by introducing them to the beauty of STEM, and help all students explore its impacts in their daily lives in positive and fun ways.--Rebecca Skloot, science writer and author of The New York Times bestseller, The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksOne of the great tragedies of traditional science education is that students often fail to realize that science is a deeply creative process. How wonderful to see in STEM to Story the science curriculum organically entwined with creative writing, bringing both imagination and the art of expression directly into the science classroom.--Brian Greene, professor of physics and mathematics, Columbia University; cofounder, World Science FestivalSTEM to Story inspires students to learn using fun, engaging, and meaningful lesson plans that combine hands-on discovery in science, technology, engineering, and math with creative writing. Aligned with both Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, STEM to Story gives teachers a wide range of field-tested lessons, workshops, and projects that have been created and classroom tested by professionals in each field. The workshop activities within the book are the innovative result of a partnership between 826 National's proven creative writing model and Time Warner Cable's Connect a Million Minds, an initiative dedicated to connecting young people to the wonders of STEM through hands-on learning.STEM to Story includes reflective observations by artsand science celebrities including Jon Scieszka, Mayim Bialik, andSteve Hockensmith. The dynamic lessons feature bonus activities,fun facts, and teaching points for instructors at every level.These quirky, exploratory lessons are sure to awaken youngimaginations and passions for both STEM and creative writing whileencouraging interest in scientific endeavors. Now teachers can makeboth science and writing a fun-filled adventure.