116. Back to School Icebreakers

Show Summary:In this episode, Natasha and Claire explore a variety of icebreakers to help set the tone for the academic year. They share activities that are not just fun but also help in sharpening vital soft skills like communication and teamwork—key elements for the complex design challenges that lie ahead. From hands-on challenges with LEGO® blocks and towers to fun ways to keep attendance while building relationships with your students, they share how these activities lay the groundwork for an engaging and collaborative learning environment. Tune in as we navigate through these exciting strategies to kick-start your STEM classroom experience.Links from the Show:Related The STEM Space Podcast Episodes 114. Strategies for a Teacherpreneur105. Explaining the 3 Stages of STEM34. We Interviewed an Astronaut (Greg Chamitoff)Vivify STEM Blog Posts Get Your STEM Classroom Ready for Back to School!Find Student SparksThe Best 3 Back to School STEM Icebreakers (includes Space Docking & Tower Challenges)Pipecleaner STEM ChallengeVivify STEM LessonsStage 1: Icebreakers & TeambuildingSTEM Task Cards for Building Bricks: Growing Bundle!Tower STEM Challenges: 5 Icebreaker ActivitiesBack to School (Stage 1 STEM) Bundle: 50+ Icebreaker ActivitiesAll Stage 1 - Icebreakers & TeambuildingName Plate STEMSTEM Scope & Sequence (Pacing Guide)Elementary School (K-5)Middle School (6-8)Other STEM ResourcesVivify TikTok: Who Wears the Hat? (A Claire riddle!)Claire’s Foam Magnets Recommendations Book: Don’t Wake the DragonSubscribe to the Vivify STEM Newsletter!THE STEM SPACE SHOWNOTESTHE STEM SPACE FACEBOOK GROUPVIVIFY INSTAGRAMVIVIFY FACEBOOKVIVIFY TWITTERVIVIFY TIKTOK