VARconnection

Project-Based Learning as a Tool to Close the STEM Gap

Project-Based Learning can boost students’ retention by letting them solve real-world examples that bridge the gap between theory and understanding the why behind what teachers are teaching. The ability to make these connections with a hands-on approach makes PBL a powerful tool for closing the STEM gap. Active learning enhances learning outcomes Project-based learning involves … Continue reading →

Gear Up for National Robotics Week

The 14th annual National Robotics Week is happening April 8-16, 2023. Founded by iRobot®, the goal of this week is to provide kids with fun robotics activities and events in the hopes of inspiring future STEM professionals. You can find plenty of free resources available for all grade levels to get your students involved. Click … Continue reading →

Women’s History Month 2023 | Honoring Influential Figures in K-12 Education and Beyond

Ruby Bridges Ruby Bridges was the first African American child to desegregate a southern elementary school. Read a short bio of the sacrifices she and her family endured to advance the civil rights movement by clicking here. Movers and Shakers in STEM Robotics Showcasing representation is key to encouraging more girls to pursue STEM careers. … Continue reading →

Infographic: Empowering Girls in STEM

2 Motivational Lessons from STEM #Sheros

Girls face an uphill battle to pursue STEM, and it’s not for lack of good grades and talent. They need help combatting negative gender stereotypes that prevent them from choosing STEM fields. Women STEM professionals play an important role in encouraging and building confidence in the next generation of STEM women. Women advocates can help … Continue reading →

Keeping Girls in STEM: Nurture, Not Nature is the Problem

Changing how girls are nurtured in STEM could be one of the biggest barriers to growing female representation in STEM. It’s easy to assume that a lack of participation is linked to a lack of economic opportunity, but surprisingly girls from high-income families are more likely to be taught that boys are more talented in … Continue reading →

Black History Month | Honoring Black Educators and Influential Figures in Education

As Black History Month winds down, educators will still be doing their best to close education gaps and get students career ready. We want to give one last tribute to the black educators and other influential heroes we celebrated for this year’s Black History Month because they are a vital source of inspiration for those … Continue reading →

Get Ready for Student Testing

Teachers report spending as much as 20 to 50 percent of the school year preparing students for tests and assessments, including learning test language and format, and practicing multiple choice questions. You could win back more time for learning by incorporating testing more organically within your daily lessons. Tips for getting students ready for testing: … Continue reading →

5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement in 2023

Design your classroom around these 5 tips to boost student engagement this year. Like social media community guidelines, creating your classroom or community guidelines lets you share your expectations for proper classroom behavior. Doing so will help foster a safe environment where students can share their experiences and input. Create accountability for students by having … Continue reading →

Boosting STEM Diversity in 2023

Providing a strong STEM foundation in K-12 schools is necessary to prepare students for well-paying, in-demand jobs; however, our education system has a history of leaving underrepresented groups in STEM behind in their academic preparation. To advance STEM diversity, The U.S. Department of Education announced on December 7, 2022, that it launched itsRaise the Bar: … Continue reading →