STEAM — Blog — msgilbertrocks

Building a Mobile LEGO Wall: Repurposing for Playful Learning

Transform your classroom into a creative hub with a DIY mobile LEGO wall! Learn how we repurposed a thrifted cabinet into a Playful Learning station. Get inspired by our step-by-step guide and budget-friendly tips.

STEAM, MarGilly, Editor's PicksMarGillyAugust 1, 2024crafting, LEGO, collaboration, MarGilly, projects, Playful Learning, STEAMComment

Mission: Transport with Root

MarGilly, the collaborative duo of Maggie Lu and Jen Gilbert, is excited to share this fun and engaging activity that combines literature, technology, and engineering in a unique way as Mission: Transport with Root.

Interactive Makey Makey Poster

MarGilly, the collaborative duo of Maggie Lu and Jen Gilbert, is always on the lookout for new and engaging ways to teach science to our students. Recently, we created a Makey Makey interactive poster project for Earth Day with the goal of sharing the content with younger students.

STEAM, MarGillyMarGillyMay 14, 2023STEAM, classroom teaching, projects, science, Makey Makey, interactive, MarGilly

Bandage Organizer

While I love a variety of bandages…I don’t love that the assorted box has them all mixed together with no organization at all. In my head I pictured an organizer with three sections to easily identify and access the bandage size I wanted without digging through a box and then I set out to create it on Tinkercad .

STEAMJen GilbertNovember 12, 2022STEAM, 3D model, 3D printing, projects

Catapults: Ball Over The Wall Challenge

Popsicle stick catapults for fun as well as hands-on experience with building, testing, and measuring.

STEAMJen GilbertJanuary 7, 2022classroom teaching, science, STEAM, socially distant

LEGO Learning Kits

Permission to fail is an important gift to give yourself. In giving yourself that permission, you open yourself up to numerous opportunities for learning. Without trying and failing you would not know success, or even in my opinion, have as much joy in teaching.

Rosie the Root Robot

Last year I tested a Root robot from iRobot Education on loan as part of their ambassador program. Adventures continue with my very own Root affectionately named Rosie 2.0.

Crafting with a Silhouette Cameo 3

I am so glad I purchased the Silhouette Cameo 3 when I did. As I have been stuck at home for so long it has given me a lovely outlet to design and create.

STEAM, MarGillyJen GilbertOctober 25, 2020art, crafting, classroom teaching, products, vinyl cutting, projects, STEAM, personalization

Rockets and Roller Coasters

Rockets and roller coasters, oh my!

STEAMJen GilbertDecember 1, 2019classroom teaching, STEAM, engineering, integration, science

Beginning with LEGO Simple and Powered Machines

Thanks to my teaching partner, we now have 4 LEGO Simple & Powered Machines kits and 3 Pneumatics Add-Ons sets to use in science with 7th and 8th grade!

STEAM, Editor's PicksJen GilbertNovember 24, 2019classroom teaching, collaboration, LEGO, STEAM, engineering, integration

Condiment Packet Organizer

Anyone else have an unused space in their refrigerator that they would like to make more functional? For me it was the “butter tray” compartment in the refrigerator door.

STEAM, Editor's PicksJen GilbertAugust 31, 2019STEAM, 3D printing, 3D model, Tinkercad, Thingiverse, projects

Classroom LEGO Wall

A classroom LEGO Wall for the new school year. The process is shared along with more detailed resources from others. Video compilation included!

STEAM, Most PopularJen GilbertAugust 4, 2019projects, classroom teaching, engineering, interactive, STEAM, LEGO

Laser Cut Organizer

A hybrid of two recent projects. Created as gifts for my team to start the school year. Files available on Thingiverse!

STEAMJen GilbertJuly 28, 2019laser cutting, laser etching, STEAM, projects

Laser Cut Acrylic Puzzle

Using a puzzle generator that exports as an SVG file allows you to create a clean laser-ready file for your project.

STEAM, Editor's PicksJen GilbertJuly 22, 2019laser cutting, laser etching, STEAM, edtech, projects

Laser Cut Pencil Cup with Tray

Ever have an idea in mind for a product you would like to use in your classroom? Why not consider making it yourself!

(STEAM)² and Engineering in the Classroom

Northeastern Illinois University’s Center for College Access and Success (CCAS) does a wonderful job with the (STEAM)² conference.

ConferencesJen GilbertApril 29, 2019integration, engineering, classroom teaching, STEAM

FETC 2019 and STEAM for All Learners

On the list of “conferences I want to attend and present at one day” FETC was right up there with ISTE.

ConferencesJen GilbertFebruary 4, 2019STEAM, classroom teaching, integration