How To: Gamify Learning... from Idea to Implementation

Gamifying learning can transform the classroom environment by making lessons more enjoyable and immersive. It boosts student motivation by providing instant feedback, creating a sense of achievement, and allowing for friendly competition. Gamified learning also encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving as students work through challenges together. It helps students develop perseverance and a growth mindset by promoting effort over outcomes. Aligning game objectives with learning goals, gamification helps reinforce content mastery in a fun and meaningful way.

Submitted by: Emmett Burnton, Boulder Creek High School, Deer Valley Unified School District

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How-To: Host a STEM Career Day

Words cannot fully relay the impact of a child seeing their parent or family member at school! Providing an event in which students can invite a family member to share out their career as it relates to STEM empowers all involved. Schools are reflecting the importance of STEM Education and family involvement, which gets the students excited to share with their family members the place in which they spend 70% of their week. Teachers can support the school-family bond by offering a welcoming environment in which families will begin to feel a sense of community.

Submitted by: Jaime Hansen, Canyon Springs STEM Academy, Deer Valley Unified School District

How To: Plan an Esports Club

Establishing an Esports Club can have a positive impact on students and the school community:

• Promotes teamwork - Esports encourages collaboration and teamwork among students as they compete in teams.

• Develops Critical Thinking - Competitive gaming requires strategy and critical thinking skills.

• Fosters Inclusivity - Esports can be inclusive, welcoming students with diverse interests and abilities.

• Provides Career Opportunities - It can introduce students to potential career paths in the gaming and esports industry.

Submitted by: Troy Rivera, Desert Meadows Elementary School, Laveen Elementary School District

How To: Organize A STEM Night

Community Events are ways in which schools can highlight the wonderful things happening across campus. STEM Night allows families and community members to visit your campus and see firsthand how STEM Education takes a priority while also highlighting community partnerships. Students are also given the spotlight in such events as their work and perseverance over the last few months is showcased for all to see in their classrooms. Community stakeholders/presenters become a part of your campus and the relationship/bonds that are created provide a ripple effect 

Submitted by: Jaime Hansen, Canyon Springs STEM Academy, Deer Valley Unified School District

How To: Start a Teacher Peer Observation Program

A teacher peer observation program has the potential to enhance the overall teaching experience. By creating a supportive network and fostering collaboration among educators, the program can promote the sharing of best practices, provide mentorship opportunities, and address common challenges faced in the classroom. This can lead to improved teaching methods, a deeper understanding of effective pedagogical approaches, or help reduce feelings of isolation and burnout among teachers, boosting morale and job satisfaction. Ultimately, a teachers supporting teachers program can empower educators, facilitate continuous professional growth, and contribute to creating a more enriching and engaging learning environment for students.