1 of 3

STEAM Time

©Maria P. Walther LLC

To launch this easy-to-implement independent learning structure:

Divide students into five mixed-ability groups (consider personalities that work well together).
Assign each group a color (blue, orange, red, yellow, and green).
Teach, demonstrate, and practice the activity in each center.
Tell students they will visit one center each STEAM time.
Turn the wheel ⅕ of a turn each day to indicate where they should go.
Meet with students for extra practice or enrichment while others are working in centers.

SCIENCE

Match the science activities to your science curriculum. Include a basket of topic-related books and some blank sheets of paper for responses. Rotate topics throughout the year. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Leaf Learners

Light Explorers

Flashlights
Fabrics
Puppet Theatre
CDs/Prisms
Mirrors

Space Scientists (put planets in order and draw)

Rock Observers (assorted rocks, magnifying glasses, and books)

Insect Investigators (plastic bugs, magnifying glasses, and books.)

2 of 3

ENGINEERING

Collect simple materials and pose design challenges. Rotate materials throughout the year. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Little Solo Cups
Popsicle Sticks with

Velcro Dots on the Ends

Legos
Building Tools
Wooden Blocks

TECHNOLOGY

Curate a collection of apps, programs, or online resources that students can access throughout the year.

©Maria P. Walther LLC

3 of 3

ART

Stock this center with art materials that invite creativity. Rotate materials throughout the year. Here are some materials that work well.

Plastic Templates
Silhouettes
Brown paper bags to make puppets
Construction paper strips to make sculptures
Pieces of papers with squiggles or dots

MATH

Match the activities and games in the math

center to the concepts you’re highlighting in

Math. Some additional engaging materials

include:

Tangrams
Pattern Blocks