BuildThinkGrow
15 Followers
Hillsdale, New Jersey, United States
About the store
- 7 years teaching Middle School STEM
- 2 years teaching Robotics and Animation
- Background in Elementary Education
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STEM Challenge - Candy Catapult and Hoop
Candy Catapult & Hoop STEM Challenge Add a sweet twist to your STEM lessons with the Candy Catapult & Hoop Challenge! In this hands-on activity, students will design and build a catapult that launches candy and a hoop that catches it — applying physics, creativity, and teamwork along the way. With three themed variations, this challenge is perfect for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or any time you want a festive, candy-inspired STEM activity! Whether you use it as a fun Friday project, a holi
4th - 12th
Classroom Community, Engineering
STEM Challenge - Paper Chain Icebreaker
Kick off a new class, marking period, or group project with this Paper Chain Icebreaker STEM Challenge! This activity combines two favorites — Common Ground and The Paper Chain Challenge — to get students connecting, collaborating, and competing all at once. First, students find “common ground” with their table groups by discovering shared interests and experiences. Then, they put their teamwork to the test as they work together to design and build the longest paper chain possible using lim
4th - 12th
Classroom Community, Engineering, Social Emotional Learning
STEM Challenge - Wind Powered Sail Cars
Wind-Powered Sail Car STEM Challenge Get your students thinking, designing, and testing with this Wind-Powered Sail Car STEM Challenge! Perfect for middle school (grades 6–8), this hands-on activity gets learners exploring engineering design, forces, and motion — all while having a blast competing to see whose car goes the farthest! This challenge is an excellent fit for: STEM Fridays or early-finish activities Ice breakers at the start of a new marking period Holiday weeks or half days when
5th - 9th
Engineering, Environment, Physics
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ETS1-1
 +1
Engineering Design Process Mini Poster
This can be used as a poster or as notes to hand-out to your students. Each step of the Engineering Design Process is explained for middle school students.
5th - 8th
Engineering
Also included in:Â Biomechanical Engineering Unit
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About the store
Experience
- 7 years teaching Middle School STEM
- 2 years teaching Robotics and Animation
- Background in Elementary Education
Teaching style
My teaching style is grounded in Project-Based Learning and a student-centered approach that fosters curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. I believe students thrive when they feel safe, valued, and empowered both emotionally and academically. I strive to create a classroom culture where all learners are encouraged to take risks, think critically, and explore real-world connections through hands-on, meaningful learning experiences.
Awards & shining teacher moments
🌟 LifeChanger of the Year Nominee (2024-2025) – Honored as a nominee for the national LifeChanger of the Year award, recognizing educators who go above and beyond to make a lasting difference in students’ lives. Praised by students and colleagues for creating a supportive and uplifting classroom where every child feels seen and valued.
🏅 Teacher of the Month (May 2024) – Celebrated by school leadership for exceptional dedication to student growth, positivity, and leadership within the school community.
My own education history
🔬Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Integrative STEM
🎓 TCNJ 2017 Graduate
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