The Value of Grey Thinking
One of the most common questions we receive, unsurprisingly, is along the lines of What one piece of advice would you recommend to become a better thinker? The question is kind of cheating. There is, of course, no one thing, and if Farnam Street is a testament to any idea, it’s that you must pull from many disciplines to achieve overall wisdom. No truly great thinker is siloed in a small territory.
Virtual STEM Camp is here! - STEM Camp
We are so excited to launch Virtual STEM Camp this week! Your team at STEM Camp has pivoted quickly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to develop educational content that is consistent with our values of fun, yet educational STEM experiences. The Virtual STEM Camp pilot was launched the week of April 6, 2020.
Overcoming Obstacles to Critical Thinking
The ability to think critically is one skill separating innovators from followers. It combats the power of advertisers, unmasks the unscrupulous and pretentious, and exposes unsupported arguments. Students enjoy learning the skill because they immediately see how it gives them more control. Yet critical thinking is simple: It is merely the ability to understand why things are they way they are and to understand the potential consequences of actions. Devastating Consequences, Tremendous Opportunities
15 online STEM Activities at home
As more districts have started closing, we’ve had a lot of parents and educators looking for “home STEM” distance learning ideas. Here are 15 resources, gathered by the STEAM Café team and from our beloved Facebook group that you can use. Please keep in mind that while these are fantastic resources for doing STEM at home, many of these activities are NOT entirely aligned to the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’re practicing imperfect action, and we hope that these resources will get you through this difficult time. You can also join our Facebook Group for more resources.
The Critical Thinking Skills Cheatsheet [Infographic]
Critical thinking skills truly matter in learning. Why? Because they are life skills we use every day of our lives. Everything from our work to our recreational pursuits, and all that’s in between, employs these unique and valuable abilities.
Virtual STEM Camps - A Smart Choice for STEM Learners
A growing number of STEM summer schools are transitioning online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we discuss whether online schools are any good, and then list some of the advantages of virtual STEM camp. A Shift to the Virtual Paradigm
Mental Models: The Best Way to Make Intelligent Decisions (~100 Models Explained)
This guide explores everything you need to know about mental models. By the time you’re done, you’ll think better, make fewer mistakes, and get better results. On this page: The Great Mental Models Volumes One and Two are out. Learn more about the project here.
Updated: Free STEM and STEAM Resources for Schools During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Coronavirus & Remote Learning Updated: Free STEM and STEAM Resources for Schools During the COVID-19 Outbreak By Dian Schaffhauser06/11/20 (Updated June 11) Education technology companies and organizations have stepped forward to help educators bring STEM and STEAM experiences to students in virtual ways during the COVID-19 closures.
The Art of Having an Informed Opinion
“What the pupil must learn, if he learns anything at all, is that the world will do most of the work for you, provided you cooperate with it by identifying how it really works and aligning with those realities. If we do not let the world teach us, it teaches us a lesson.” — Joseph Tussman
