Christine Tarver, a former 5th grade teacher in Florida (U.S.), was determined that her students advance their abilities and skills using education technology. She wanted her students to experience hands-on learning combined with emerging technologies, understanding that by doing so they were more likely to develop the critical skills necessary for the 21st century.
In her efforts to find education technology resources and tools for her students, Tarver discovered MyStemKits curriculum. MyStemKits is a collection of over 330 standards-driven STEM lessons. The lessons and Design Challenges work in tandem with a 3D printer to produce 3D-printed manipulatives that help students better understand the STEM concepts and skills being taught. Each MyStemKits lesson includes 3D printable files, a teacher guide, an extensive lesson plan, and student assessments, activities, and handouts.
After initial hesitation about her skills using this innovative technology in her classroom, she discovered that the simple set up and user-friendly features of MyStemKits soon dispelled her worries. Tarver stated, “Having a 3D printer in my classroom was a little bit scary. But now that I have my own 3D printer in my classroom and printing 3D resources from MyStemKits.com, I’ve realised how easy it is and how accessible it is to bring this type of resource and technology into my classroom. It is something that excites my kids every day.”
After successfully facilitating a few of the geometry-based lessons using 3D-printed manipulatives, her confidence level about using STEM technology was increased and she was excited about integrating more MyStemKits lessons and activities. In addition, her students’ positive reactions to the 3D-printed manipulatives reassured her that she made a great decision by choosing MyStemKits.
To hear from Ms. Tarver and her experience using MyStemKits, watch the video:
To read more on Ms. Tarver’s experience, read the full case study here.
