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
Biomechanical Engineering Unit
Bring STEM to life with this Biomechanical Engineering Unit Bundle! This comprehensive collection includes everything you need to engage your students in the exciting world of engineering design, from vocabulary foundations to hands-on projects. With a mix of presentations, practice activities, assessments, and project-based learning, this bundle saves you planning time while giving your students unforgettable, real-world STEM experiences. What’s Included: Presentation: Animals with Prosthetics
6th - 8th
Biology, Engineering, Physics
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ETS1-1
+1
Biomechanical Engineering: Build a Helping Hand
Bring energy and creativity to your STEM classroom with this project-based learning challenge! Over the course of one week, students apply each step of the Engineering Design Process to design and build their own prosthetic hand. With a suggested materials list and teacher guidance included, this project encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation. The excitement builds in the share step as students test the effectiveness of their prosthetic hands in a class-wide Rock, Paper, Sci
6th - 8th
Biology, Engineering, Physics
Also included in: Biomechanical Engineering Unit
Biomechanical Engineering: Build a Prosthetic Device
Engage your students in hands-on problem solving with this one-week, project-based learning experience! In this challenge, students apply every step of the Engineering Design Process as they work to create a prosthetic eagle beak. With a built-in materials list, teacher guidance, and room for student creativity, this project brings biomechanical engineering to life in a way that’s both rigorous and inspiring. Students will: Brainstorm and research animal needs Plan, sketch, and prototype a b
6th - 8th
Biology, Engineering
Also included in: Biomechanical Engineering Unit
The Engineering Design Process Worksheet
Flexible assessment of the Engineering Design Process! Use as a formative or summative tool to check student understanding and application of key STEM concepts.
6th - 8th
Engineering
Also included in: Biomechanical Engineering Unit
Biomechanical Engineering: Vocabulary
Introduce biomechanical engineering with essential vocabulary practice! A perfect way to build background knowledge and set students up for success before starting your STEM unit.
6th - 8th
Biology, Engineering
Also included in: Biomechanical Engineering Unit
Biomechanical Engineering: Animal Prosthetics Stories
Think artificial limbs are only for those of us with opposable thumbs and language skills? Think again. Thanks to technology, innovation, and a little bit of luck, animals who have lost paws, flippers, beaks, and tails can use modern prosthetics to make amazing comebacks. Bring STEM to life with this presentation on animals who use prosthetics! Perfect for introducing biomechanical engineering in a way that’s engaging, inspiring, and full of real-world connections.
6th - 8th
Biology, Engineering
Also included in: Biomechanical Engineering Unit
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: Biomechanical Engineering Unit
Biomimicry Design Challenge
This project takes students through each step of the Engineering Design Process as they create their very own invention or innovation inspired by nature! I use this resource as a final project and summative evaluation, each step of the design process is its own separate assignment. Drive Folder Includes: Design BriefDirections for the Ask StepDirections for the Imagine StepDirections for the Plan StepDirections for the Create StepDirections for the Test StepDirections for the Improve StepDirecti
6th - 8th
Engineering, Science
Biomimicry Notes and Examples
This presentation is used to introduce background information about biomimicry and bioinspired inventions to middle school students. Includes slides and "skeleton notes."
6th - 8th
Engineering, Science
Showing 1-12 of 12 results
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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