Strategies for Teaching STEM: Getting Started – Robert Walsh, Part 1 (Homeschooling Every Subject)

Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution

"The best STEM projects take a real problem and require blending knowledge to engineer solutions." ~ Robert Walsh

Watch this full interview on our YouTube Channel.

Dive into the world of STEM education with Yvette Hampton and Robert Walsh from Excalibur Solutions STEM Academy. Robert and Yvette discuss the benefits and complexities of teaching STEM in a homeschooling environment. Discover why incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is more accessible than you think! 🌟 Learn all about integrated learning approaches, why STEM is essential, and how to get started with free tools like Scratch and Tinkercad.

📌 Key Topics Covered: • Understanding the intricacies of STEM education • Practical tips for homeschooling moms • Transitioning from block-based coding to text-based languages • The value of interdisciplinary learning

Come back Wednesday and Thursday for the rest of this conversation.

Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Would you please consider a year-end gift to support the Schoolhouse Rocked ministry?

Recommended Resources

Excalibur Solutions STEM Academy

Scratch Programming Language - Learn to Code

TinkerCAD – Learn 3d Modeling, Coding, and Electrical Design, and Physics

Snap Circuits – Learn Electronics

Introduction to Logic, by Dr. Jason Lisle – Masterbooks

Podcast Recommendations:

Homeschooling Every Subject Series

Thinking Dad Podcast

📚📖 Ready to start homeschooling? 🏠📓

🍿 Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution 🍿 for FREE today and get the 📖 Homeschool Survival Kit 📖 delivered to your inbox immediately!

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ Are you in need of a fresh vision for your homeschool? Join us for 4 days of Homeschool Encouragement at the Homegrown Generation Family Expo. Use the coupon code PODCAST to save 25% on registration today!

Discussion Questions:

1. Robert mentions the complexity of learning STEM due to its interdisciplinary nature and the need to learn a new "language." How can parents make this dual learning process less overwhelming for students?

2. Yvette shares her apprehension towards teaching STEM subjects. What strategies can parents who feel similarly employ to effectively teach these subjects to their children?

3. Robert emphasizes the importance of exposing children to STEM subjects to prevent preconceived misconceptions about these subjects. What are some practical ways to introduce these subjects to children at home?

4. Discuss the differences between what Robert calls 'single subject STEM' and 'crafty STEM' versus effective STEM projects. Why is it important to distinguish between these types?

5. How can tools like Scratch and Tinkercad facilitate early interest and competency in STEM for young learners? Discuss their benefits and potential challenges.

6. Robert talks about the interdisciplinary component of STEM. How does this approach mirror real-world problem solving, and why is it vital for student learning?

7. Considering Robert's definition of STEM, how might homeschooling parents create authentic, interdisciplinary STEM projects for their children?

8. Robert mentions the transition from visual-based languages, like Scratch, to text-based languages, such as Python, in programming. Discuss the potential benefits and difficulties students might face during this transition.

9. How can learning tools like Tinkercad's circuit simulation and physics simulator help students understand abstract concepts in a more tangible way?

10. Yvette talks about the advantage of homeschooling in identifying a child's strengths and interests early on. How can parents leverage this knowledge to tailor a STEM education that both interests and challenges their child?

Be the most popular mom in your co-op. Get your Schoolhouse Rocked merch here.

SPONSORS:

CTCMath - CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today.

BJU Press Homeschool provides complete curriculum for preschool through 12th grade with both traditional textbooks and video courses available. Education from a Christian worldview reshapes how children see the world. BJU Press materials teach Christ's power and lordship through the Big Story of creation.

Apologia – Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.

The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.

Connect with us:

@schoolhouse_rocked on Instagram

Schoolhouse Rocked on Facebook

Schoolhouse Rocked on YouTube

@SRHomeschool on Twitter

Schoolhouse Rocked Website (Blog, Newsletter, Support, Store, Movie, and More!)