Skill Sharpeners: Steam, Grade 6

Engage children in solving real-world problems with Skill Sharpeners: STEAM. STEAM is an approach to project-based learning that uses science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics to engage children in empathizing, thinking critically, collaborating, and coming up with solutions to solve real-world problems.

Skill Sharpeners: STEAM is where creativity meets academics. Each unit includes a fun hands-on STEAM project that encourages children to enjoy the journey of creating and sharing his or her solution to help create a better world.

Recipient of the 2021 Parents' Picks Award for Best Products for Elementary Kids, Skill Sharpeners: STEAM provides fun activities that prompt children to think creatively.

Skill Sharpeners: STEAM activity books for grade 6 are organized around 9 real-world topics related to the environment, the Earth, people and cultures, and social and emotional learning. Topics include themes such as:

• Misinformation STEAM task: Plan and record a podcast episode.
• No Transportation STEAM task: Create an instructional manual that tells how to revamp an old bicycle.
• Handwashing STEAM task: Create an original game to help children learn effective handwashing and record people playing the game.
• Bullying STEAM task: Plan and record a training video of a scripted scene to show how SEL can help students resolve conflicts.
• Nowhere to Skate STEAM task: Design and construct a 3-D model of a skate park.

Each unit includes a grade-appropriate story or nonfiction reading article, a STEAM task to solve, and activities that provide an integrated approach to learning:

• Science: important concepts and vocabulary related to the unit's theme
• Technology: models about how technology is applied in the real world
• Engineering: examples of engineering solutions in the world
• Art: creative solutions through art projects
• Math: math operations to figure out solutions

Plus, each title includes a:

• Career spotlight that highlights specific careers related to the topic
• Supply list for each STEAM task
• Bonus STEAM puzzle
• Certificate of completion
• Answer key

Skill Sharpeners: STEAM creates entertaining and fun activities that get children thinking and learning without even realizing it.

Every Skill Sharpeners workbook now includes a free downloadable Teaching Guide! Skill Sharpeners: STEAM Teaching Guides include:

• How to Use directions for approaching STEAM education
• Sample pacing guide to complete lessons and activities
• Teaching suggestions with STEAM rubric and graphic organizers
• Extension activities that include literature suggestions, virtual field trips, and discussion guides to deepen children's connections and understanding