STEAM Activities in 30 Minutes for Elementary Learners (AASL Standards-Based Learning)

Product Description

Using STEAM activities, this book places school librarians at the intersection with inquiry in an elementary school. Learners will think like a scientist and design like an engineer using an iterative process to make authentic learning connections and develop a growth mindset. Designed to be completed in 30-minute class periods, 14 scaffolded STEAM activities allow school librarians to easily shift the same lesson between classes and grade levels. National School Library Standards alignments with STEAM content area standards promote instructional partnerships focused on teaching inquiry, collaboration, and learner-driven exploration, making STEAM a perfect approach for the elementary school library. An invaluable timesaver, this resource provides

activities scaffolded for grade bands K-2, 3-4, and 5-6, engaging learners at greater levels of complexity or cognition;
alignments to the AASL Standards Framework for Learners, the Next Generation Science Standards, and the National Core Arts Standards;
science background for school librarians and other educators who may be unfamiliar with the STEAM concepts being explored;
sample assessments, technology integration, collaboration and growth mindset tips, suggested picture books, and more.

This tool will inspire school librarians and other educators to create opportunities to engage in STEAM practices, collaboratively writing and assessing their own scaffolded lesson plans.

From School Library Journal

Elementary school librarians who want to get their students thinking like scientists and designing like engineers should turn to Rinio’s collection of STEAM lessons. Mindful that library classes are often constrained by a 30-minute time frame and by frequent change of grade levels, Rinio has developed easily scaffolded lessons around a central topic. Lesson concepts are tied together by the National School Library Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the National Core Arts Standards. The lessons, meticulously planned and organized, begin with an overview, essential questions, and standards. The “Science Background for Educators” section offers support for librarians reviewing science concepts. While only easily found materials are required, librarians should allow time to collect resources and should consider needs like heat and water sources. Following the American Association of School Librarians’ shared foundations, the lessons include an assessment, tips for collaboration, further exploration, picture books that reflect the lessons’ themes, and a technology integration section, with information on how to use Google Sheets to document information, make predictions, analyze patterns, and create graphs. A helpful appendix contains instructions for using Google Sheets. Rounding out the work are chapters for librarians wishing to create their own STEAM lessons, examine strategies for collaboration, and create formative assessments. VERDICT Incorporating STEAM in the library will stimulate curiosity in students, leading librarians to a wealth of opportunities to foster lifelong learners. Highly recommended for elementary school librarians seeking to prioritize STEAM.-Laura Fields Eason, Danville H.S., KYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

Deborah Rinio is a former school librarian and current Adjunct Professor of Library Science. She has a PhD in Communication & Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and experience as a curriculum developer for the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She was a member of the AASL Standards & Guidelines Editorial Board that wrote the 2017 National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. She is published in Knowledge Quest, School Library Connection, and VOYA.