Virtual K–12 STEM Teacher Workshop
Set the stage for fruitful, collaborative STEM learning and lay the groundwork for a supportive classroom community. This interactive back-to-school workshop will help teachers prepare practical routines, inquiry-based activities and classroom structures that can be used from the very first day of school.
Workshop at a Glance
About This Back-to-School STEM Workshop
What is the first day and week of school like for your students? For many students, the opening days of a new school year can feel stressful and confusing, with information coming at them from several different directions. But the first few hours in a classroom can also be memorable, energizing and welcoming.
A great school year begins with a strong first day. During this workshop, participants will explore ways to create a STEM classroom that is structured, student-centered and supportive from the beginning.
Participants will leave with practical ideas that can be adapted for STEM classrooms across grade levels, from elementary school through high school.
Build a Classroom Community That Can Thrive All Year
This workshop is designed to help teachers develop a practical toolkit for creating and deepening connections with their students. The goal is not simply to survive the first week of school. It is to use those opening experiences to create a rich learning environment where students feel ready to ask questions, collaborate, experiment and grow.
First-Day STEM Activities and Classroom Resources
Explore this collection of optional hands-on science, math and engineering activities. These resources can help teachers introduce collaboration, inquiry, problem-solving and classroom community-building from the very beginning of the year.
- Activity 01
Marshmallow Challenge
Introduce teamwork, iteration, testing and productive risk-taking.
Explore the Activity - Activity 02
Ball Bounce
Encourage students to observe, ask questions and explore patterns.
Explore the Activity - Activity 03
Petals Around the Rose
Use a dice-based puzzle to encourage persistence and reasoning.
Explore the Activity - Activity 04
Lab Grouping Game
Turn group formation into a collaborative problem-solving activity.
Explore the Activity - Activity 05
Whirly-Gig Lab
Build confidence with experimentation, testing and discussion.
Explore the Activity - Activity 06
Mystery Cube Inquiry
Encourage observation and questioning through scientific modeling.
Explore the Activity - Activity 07
Card Sort Challenge
Support communication and student-led problem-solving.
Explore the Activity - Activity 08
Build a Boat
Use an engineering design challenge to begin building teamwork.
Explore the Activity - Activity 09
Help Harry
Plan, build, test and revise an approachable engineering solution.
Explore the Activity
Meet the Workshop Leader
Juliette Guarino Berg
Juliette Guarino Berg is an elementary science specialist who has served as a STEM educator, curriculum developer, coach and professional-development leader in New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area for almost two decades.
She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Science Education at Teachers College, Columbia University and serves as the Director of K–12 STEM Consulting and School Support with STEMteachersNYC.
Register for the Workshop
Reserve your place for this virtual professional-learning workshop. Use the button below to register directly through Eventbrite.
Registration Information
STEMteachersNYC works to provide affordable professional-learning opportunities for educators. Some workshops are subsidized, discounted or offered at no cost.
- Review the Registration FAQ for ticketing and refund policies.
- Learn about scholarship opportunities for eligible teachers.
- Contact the team for invoice, purchase-order or ticketing questions.
About STEMteachersNYC
STEMteachersNYC is celebrating 15 years of professional learning for teachers, by teachers, about teaching. Since 2011, the nonprofit has delivered classroom-focused workshops and built a supportive community of STEM teacher-leaders.
STEMteachersNYC is an approved CTLE provider and NYCPS MTAC vendor.