Welcome to Playful STEM! This is my site for sharing ideas about facilitating joyful and creative STEM-based learning experiences. Since 2018, I’ve been teaching STEM to 400+ students in grades PreK through 8 at a public school in semi-rural Maine. I am passionate about creating tasks and projects where students are engaged in playful exploration and empowered as thinkers, designers, and makers.
Background & Experience:
Despite being a lifelong fan of “Mz.Frizzle,” I never expected that I would become a STEM teacher. I began my learning (and then teaching) career obsessed with reading. A classic nerd throughout my years in school, I still never go anywhere without a book (or now, an e-reader) within my reach. Accordingly, I double-majored in English and Educational Studies at Colby College. After graduation, my passion for literacy led me to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where I completed my M.Ed in Language and Literacy and developed a new interest in technology, media, and digital literacy.
My first teaching position was at a very small school in rural Maine — so tiny, in fact, that I was the only second grade teacher during my four years there. Science and Technology quickly became hallmarks of my classroom; I was able to receive grant funding to purchase robots and a 3D printer and began running a popular robotics club. Before long, I was struggling to fit in all of the STEM content I wanted to teach alongside other required curriculum components, so I jumped at the chance to pursue a role where I could focus all of my energy on providing engaging STEM experiences. At our school, STEM is set up alongside art, music, library, and PE as a “special,” so I’m fortunate to be able to deliver instruction to students ranging from 4 to 14 years old. I also lead an after school club called “Makers Gonna Make” and host various family events throughout the year.
When I’m Not Teaching…
I enjoy cycling, reading, and playing board games. Food and cooking are also passions of my mine — I’ve recently been enjoying the challenges of a new role as “meal architect,” for my son, Alden, who was born in 2020. I live with Alden, my husband, and two cats (Linus and Schroeder) in Maine.
What’s Up with the Question Mark?
Meet Q! Q has been my classroom mascot since my very first day teaching. I call my STEM students “Curious Creators,” and Q’s shape reminds us that asking questions and being curious are essential parts of being an effective maker. You’ll likely see him peppered all over this site!