Icebreaker: Share Your Current EdTech Experience
Current Technology
What digital tools or platforms are you currently using in your classroom? How are they enhancing learning?
Innovation Perspectives
What aspects of educational innovation most excite you? What challenges or concerns do you have about implementing new technologies?
Let's take 5 minutes to discuss in pairs, then share with the group!
Why STEAM? The Future Demands It
STEAM education integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.
Critical Thinking
Develops analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
Creativity
Fosters innovation and out-of-the-box thinking
Collaboration
Builds teamwork and communication skills
STEAM prepares students for future careers that don't even exist yet by teaching adaptable skills rather than static knowledge.
Makerspaces: The Heart of STEAM Innovation
Makerspaces are dedicated environments where students can create, experiment, and learn through hands-on projects that blend digital and physical tools.
Key Elements:
- Physical tools: 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics kits
- Digital resources: Coding platforms, design software
- Traditional materials: Art supplies, recyclables, textiles
- Collaboration spaces: Flexible furniture, presentation areas
Makerspace Benefits
- Encourages iterative design thinking
- Builds technical and creative skills
- Develops problem-solving mindset
- Fosters resilience through trial and error
- Creates authentic assessment opportunities
Interactive Discussion: What Makerspace Resources Do You Have or Need?
Discussion Prompts:
Current Resources
What Makerspace tools or technologies does your school currently have access to? How are they being utilized?
Wish List
What additional resources would transform your STEAM teaching capabilities?
Implementation Barriers
What challenges are you facing in establishing or expanding hands-on STEAM activities?
Let's take 10 minutes to discuss in small groups and share our insights!
Deep Dive: Project-Based Learning (PBL) in STEAM
What is PBL?
A teaching method where students gain knowledge and skills by investigating and responding to an authentic, engaging, and complex question or challenge over an extended time period.
Core Elements:
- Driving question or challenge
- Sustained inquiry
- Authenticity and real-world connection
- Student voice and choice
- Reflection and revision
- Public product or presentation
STEAM PBL Examples:
Design Challenge
Students design and build solar-powered vehicles to explore renewable energy concepts
Community Solution
Create adaptive technology solutions for individuals with disabilities in your community
Digital Storytelling
Develop interactive digital stories that teach younger students about environmental conservation
Case Study: A Successful STEAM PBL Project
Solar-Powered Car Challenge at Westview Middle School
Project Overview
Eighth-grade students designed, built, and tested solar-powered vehicles over six weeks, culminating in a school-wide race and engineering showcase.
Curriculum Integration
- Science: Solar energy, electrical circuits, physics of motion
- Technology: Data collection tools, digital documentation
- Engineering: Design process, structural integrity
- Arts: Aesthetic design, marketing materials
- Math: Measurements, calculations, data analysis
Outcomes
- 32% increase in science test scores
- Improved engagement among previously disinterested students
- Development of collaboration and problem-solving skills
- Increased interest in engineering careers
Teacher reflection: "This project transformed my classroom. Students who normally struggled became leaders, and everyone was genuinely excited about learning."
Interactive Activity: Crafting a Driving Question
A strong driving question is the foundation of effective PBL. It should be open-ended, challenging, and connected to real-world issues that students care about.
Characteristics of Effective Driving Questions:
- Provocative and engaging
- Open-ended with multiple possible solutions
- Aligned with learning standards
- Authentic and relevant to students' lives
- Requires deep investigation and critical thinking
Activity Instructions: Break into subject-area groups of 3-4. Draft 2-3 driving questions that could anchor a STEAM PBL unit in your classroom. We'll share and provide feedback in 15 minutes.
Example Driving Questions:
"How can we design a school garden that maximizes food production while minimizing water usage?"
"How might we create interactive art installations that teach visitors about local ecology?"
"What solutions can we develop to reduce food waste in our school cafeteria?"
Integrating Arts into STEM: Why the 'A' Matters
The 'A' Brings:
- Creative problem-solving approaches
- Visual communication skills
- Aesthetic considerations in design
- Emotional connection to learning
- Increased accessibility for diverse learners
Arts integration transforms STEM into STEAM, creating more holistic learning experiences that develop both analytical and creative thinking.
Powerful STEAM Integration Examples:
Digital Storytelling
Students create interactive narratives that teach scientific concepts through compelling characters and plots
Data Visualization
Transform complex data sets into visually stunning and informative infographics or interactive displays
Kinetic Sculptures
Design moving art installations that demonstrate physics principles while creating aesthetic experiences
Sustainability & STEAM: Teaching Responsibility Through Making
Makerspaces present perfect opportunities to teach environmental stewardship alongside STEAM concepts through thoughtful material choices and project focuses.
Sustainable Practices for Makerspaces:
- Establish a "Materials Library" of recycled and upcycled items
- Create a system for sorting and reusing leftover materials
- Challenge students to incorporate sustainability into design constraints
- Partner with local businesses for material donations
- Monitor and reduce energy use of makerspace equipment
Sustainable Project Examples:
Upcycling Challenge
Transform "trash" into functional products or art pieces using makerspace tools
Energy Monitors
Design and build devices to track classroom energy usage and develop conservation strategies
Water Conservation
Create automated irrigation systems for school gardens that optimize water usage
Interactive Discussion: How Can You Incorporate Arts & Sustainability?
Discussion Prompts:
Arts Integration
What specific strategies could you use to meaningfully incorporate arts into your STEM teaching?
Sustainable Making
How might you incorporate eco-consciousness and sustainability principles into your makerspace activities?
Cross-Curricular Collaboration
What opportunities exist to partner with art teachers or environmental educators at your school?
Let's take 10 minutes to discuss in small groups, then share highlights with everyone!
"The best STEAM activities seamlessly blend disciplines in ways that mirror how real-world innovation happens."
Hands-On Demo: Using 3D Design Software for Student Projects
Why 3D Design?
- Develops spatial reasoning skills
- Bridges digital and physical making
- Introduces professional design concepts
- Creates tangible outcomes via 3D printing
Beginner-Friendly Tools:
- Tinkercad: Free, browser-based, intuitive interface
- Blocks CAD: Block-based coding for 3D modeling
- Morphi: Tablet-friendly design app
- Sculptris: Digital clay sculpting
Quick Exercise:
Let's spend 15 minutes exploring Tinkercad together:
- Create a free account or log in
- Follow along to design a simple name tag or keychain
- Explore how you might extend this into a classroom project
Pro tip: Start with simple projects that can be completed in one class period, then gradually increase complexity as students build skills and confidence.
The AI Revolution in Schools
Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally changing education by providing tools that personalize learning, automate routine tasks, and enhance student engagement.
AI's Educational Superpowers:
Personalized Learning
Adapts content and pacing to individual student needs and learning styles
Task Automation
Handles grading, feedback, and administrative tasks, freeing teacher time for higher-value interactions
Content Enhancement
Creates engaging, interactive learning materials and experiences tailored to curriculum goals
The Teacher's Evolving Role:
With AI handling routine tasks, teachers can focus on:
- Building relationships and emotional connections
- Guiding complex problem-solving
- Facilitating deeper discussions
- Fostering creativity and critical thinking
- Providing human context and ethical guidance
Meet Our EEP In-House AI Tools
EEP AI Chatbot
- Provides instant answers to student questions
- Assists with research and information gathering
- Offers writing suggestions and feedback
- Helps with classroom management routines
- Available 24/7 for homework support
EEP AI Lesson Planner
- Generates customized lesson plans aligned to standards
- Suggests differentiation strategies for diverse learners
- Creates assessment tools and rubrics
- Recommends resources and activities
- Adapts plans based on student performance data
Both tools are designed to support teachers, not replace them, by handling routine tasks and providing resources that enhance human instruction.
Interactive Demo: Using the EEP Chatbot in the Classroom
Let's See It In Action!
Our EEP Chatbot can support both teachers and students throughout the learning process. Here's a live demonstration of how it might be used during a STEAM project.
Demonstration Scenario:
Students are designing sustainable housing solutions as part of a PBL unit on climate change and energy efficiency.
Sample Chatbot Interactions:
- Generating research questions about sustainable materials
- Providing background information on solar energy systems
- Helping troubleshoot design challenges
- Suggesting testing protocols for energy efficiency
- Assisting with presentation preparation
Discussion Questions:
As we explore the chatbot, consider:
- How might this tool save you time in your classroom?
- What types of questions would be most valuable for your students?
- How could you use this to differentiate instruction?
- What potential challenges do you foresee?
Ethical AI Use in Education
As we integrate AI tools into education, we must thoughtfully address ethical considerations to ensure these technologies benefit all students equitably.
Critical Evaluation
Teach students to question AI outputs, recognize limitations, and verify information
Equity & Inclusion
Ensure AI tools work effectively for all students regardless of background or abilities
Privacy & Data
Maintain transparency about data collection and prioritize student privacy protections
Classroom Guidelines:
- Establish clear policies for appropriate AI use
- Require citation of AI assistance in student work
- Balance AI support with independent thinking
- Model ethical decision-making around technology
- Discuss potential biases in AI responses
Interactive Discussion: What Concerns or Opportunities Do You See with AI?
Discussion Prompts:
Potential Benefits
What aspects of AI integration excite you most for your teaching practice? How do you envision using these tools?
Concerns & Challenges
What worries or reservations do you have about incorporating AI in your classroom?
Student Impact
How might AI tools affect different types of learners in your classroom? What guardrails would you put in place?
Let's have an open, honest conversation about the future of AI in education!
The goal isn't to replace teachers with AI, but to give teachers AI superpowers that enhance their effectiveness and creativity.
Hands-On Activity: Designing a Chatbot Interaction Flow
Activity Overview:
Working in pairs, you'll design a series of prompts and responses for using our EEP Chatbot to support a specific STEAM lesson.
Steps:
- Choose a STEAM topic or concept to teach
- Identify 3-5 key moments where chatbot support would be valuable
- Draft specific prompts students would use
- Anticipate helpful responses and follow-up questions
- Consider how to incorporate critical thinking about the AI's suggestions
We'll provide a template to guide your planning!
Example Interaction Flow:
Initial Research
Student prompt: "What are 3 renewable energy sources that could power a small classroom?"
Critical Evaluation
Teacher guidance: "Compare these options. Which would work best in our climate? What evidence supports your choice?"
Design Support
Student prompt: "What materials would I need to build a simple solar panel demonstration?"
Sharing & Peer Feedback on Chatbot Designs
Presentation Format:
- Briefly describe your lesson context (1 min)
- Walk through your chatbot interaction flow (2 min)
- Highlight how it supports learning objectives (1 min)
- Receive peer feedback (1 min)
Feedback Focus Areas:
Learning Value
Does the interaction genuinely enhance student understanding of the STEAM content?
Critical Thinking
Are students encouraged to evaluate and build upon AI suggestions rather than accepting them uncritically?
Accessibility
Is the interaction flow appropriate for diverse learners with different abilities and backgrounds?
Practicality
Can this interaction flow be realistically implemented in a classroom setting?
Remember: The goal is to use AI as a tool that amplifies human teaching and learning, not as a replacement for thoughtful instruction.
Step 1: Identify Learning Goals & Student Needs
Begin With Clear Objectives
Effective AI-enhanced STEAM lessons start with well-defined learning goals that align with curriculum standards while addressing the specific needs of your students.
Key Considerations:
- Identify specific standards and competencies to target
- Consider prerequisite knowledge and skills
- Assess student interests and real-world connections
- Determine appropriate assessment methods
- Plan for differentiation and accessibility
Using AI to Support This Step:
Standards Alignment
EEP AI Lesson Planner can identify relevant standards across multiple subjects for true STEAM integration
Student Data Analysis
AI can analyze previous performance to identify growth areas and learning preferences
Interest Mapping
Generate project ideas that connect curriculum to student interests and current events
Step 2: Incorporate STEAM & PBL Elements
With learning goals established, design a compelling PBL framework that meaningfully integrates all STEAM disciplines around an authentic challenge.
Essential PBL Components:
Driving Question
Create an open-ended, engaging question that frames the challenge
Sustained Inquiry
Plan for iterative research and investigation process
Authenticity
Connect to real-world issues and stakeholders
Student Voice
Build in choices and decision points
Reflection
Include opportunities to evaluate progress and learning
Public Product
Plan for sharing work with authentic audience
STEAM Integration Checklist:
- Science: Include scientific concepts, inquiry, or natural phenomena
- Technology: Incorporate digital tools and computational thinking
- Engineering: Apply design process to solve problems
- Arts: Integrate visual, performing, or language arts elements
- Math: Use mathematical concepts, measurements, or data analysis
Step 4: Plan Makerspace Activities & Materials
Material Considerations:
- Identify required tools, technology, and supplies
- Source sustainable and cost-effective materials
- Prepare alternative options for differentiation
- Create systems for material management
- Test activities before classroom implementation
Effective STEAM learning requires thoughtful preparation of physical and digital resources that enable hands-on exploration and creation.
Balancing Physical & Digital Making:
Physical Making
- Develops fine motor skills and spatial awareness
- Creates tangible artifacts for assessment
- Provides multi-sensory learning experiences
- Builds practical craft and tool skills
Digital Making
- Enables rapid iteration and prototyping
- Facilitates collaboration and sharing
- Develops essential digital literacy
- Creates polished, professional outputs
Step 5: Build Reflection & Feedback Loops
Deep learning happens when students regularly reflect on their process and receive timely feedback from multiple sources, including AI-powered analytics.
Reflection Strategies:
- Design thinking journals to document process
- Gallery walks for peer feedback
- Video reflections on learning journey
- Milestone check-ins with specific prompts
- Final metacognitive reflections on growth
AI-Enhanced Feedback:
Progress Analytics
AI tools track individual and group progress against learning objectives
Real-time Guidance
Chatbot provides immediate support when students encounter challenges
Growth Visualization
Data dashboards help students visualize their development over time
Interactive Workshop: Draft Your AI-Enhanced STEAM Lesson Plan
Workshop Overview:
Now it's time to put these concepts into practice by drafting your own AI-enhanced STEAM lesson plan using our EEP AI Lesson Planner tool.
Materials Provided:
- Lesson plan template with guiding prompts
- Access to EEP AI Lesson Planner tool
- STEAM integration checklist
- Sample lesson plans for reference
- Resource lists for common STEAM topics
Time Allocation:
You'll have 30 minutes to work on your draft lesson plan, focusing on the key elements we've discussed.
Suggested Approach:
Topic Selection
Choose a subject area and grade level relevant to your teaching context
Driving Question
Formulate an engaging question that incorporates multiple STEAM disciplines
AI Integration
Identify 2-3 specific ways to leverage AI tools to enhance the learning experience
Activity Sequence
Outline the key learning activities and assessments for your lesson
Breakout Groups: Collaborate on Lesson Plan Development
Group Formation:
Form groups of 3-4 teachers based on similar grade levels or subject areas to collaborate on lesson plan development.
Time Allocation:
You'll have 45 minutes for collaborative work before we reconvene for presentations.
Collaboration Goals:
Refine Your Concept
Share your initial ideas and receive peer feedback to strengthen your lesson plan concept
Address Challenges
Identify potential implementation challenges and brainstorm solutions collectively
Enhance AI Integration
Explore creative ways to leverage the EEP Chatbot and AI Lesson Planner effectively
Prepare to Share
Organize your thoughts for a brief 3-minute presentation of your lesson plan to the full group
Workshop facilitators will circulate to provide guidance and answer questions.
Group Presentations: Share Draft Lesson Plans
Presentation Format:
Each group will have 3 minutes to share their AI-enhanced STEAM lesson plan, focusing on:
- Driving question and learning objectives
- STEAM integration approach
- AI tool integration strategy
- Key student activities and assessments
Audience Role:
As you listen to presentations, prepare thoughtful feedback and questions using the provided rubric.
Presentation Order:
- Group A: [Grade level/subject area]
- Group B: [Grade level/subject area]
- Group C: [Grade level/subject area]
- Group D: [Grade level/subject area]
- Group E: [Grade level/subject area]
Remember: These are works in progress. The goal is to share ideas and inspire each other, not to have a perfectly polished plan.
Peer Review & Facilitator Feedback
Structured Feedback Process:
STEAM Integration
How effectively does the lesson integrate all STEAM disciplines in an authentic way?
PBL Elements
Does the lesson incorporate key PBL components like driving questions, student voice, and public products?
AI Enhancement
Is AI thoughtfully integrated to enhance learning rather than simply being added on?
Feasibility
Is the lesson realistic to implement given time, resource, and technical constraints?
Facilitator Insights:
Our workshop facilitators will provide additional feedback highlighting:
- Creative approaches to STEAM integration
- Innovative uses of AI tools
- Potential extensions or modifications
- Resources to support implementation
Take notes on the feedback you receive - you'll have time to revise your lesson plan before finalizing your implementation strategy.
Overcoming Common Barriers
Implementing innovative STEAM and AI approaches often faces predictable challenges. Let's explore practical strategies to overcome these barriers.
Funding Constraints
- Start small with low-cost materials
- Apply for grants and DonorsChoose
- Partner with local businesses for donations
- Leverage free digital tools and open resources
Technical Limitations
- Begin with unplugged activities
- Create rotating stations to share devices
- Develop offline backup plans
- Recruit student tech leaders as support
Time Pressures
- Start with mini-projects (1-3 days)
- Integrate across existing curriculum
- Use AI tools to streamline planning
- Create reusable project frameworks
Confidence & Training
- Build a professional learning community
- Utilize online tutorials and webinars
- Start with your comfort zone, then expand
- Embrace "learning alongside" students
Building a Culture of Innovation
Leadership Support:
- Align innovation with school vision and priorities
- Provide dedicated time for planning and collaboration
- Celebrate and showcase innovative teaching
- Model risk-taking and learning from failure
- Allocate resources strategically to support innovation
Sustainable innovation requires a supportive culture that values experimentation, embraces productive failure, and provides ongoing support.
Teacher Collaboration:
- Form cross-disciplinary teaching teams
- Schedule regular time for sharing and planning
- Create systems for documenting and sharing successes
- Establish peer observation and coaching
Student Voice:
- Involve students in designing learning experiences
- Gather and respond to student feedback
- Create student innovation ambassadors
- Showcase student work to the broader community
Interactive Discussion: What Support Do You Need to Innovate?
Discussion Prompts:
Resource Needs
What specific resources, materials, or tools would most help you implement STEAM and AI-enhanced learning?
Professional Development
What additional training or support would build your confidence and capacity for innovation?
Structural Changes
What changes to schedules, spaces, or policies would better enable innovative teaching at your school?
Let's identify specific action steps to support your innovation journey!
"Innovation thrives when teachers have both the freedom to experiment and the support to succeed."
Using Data to Drive Continuous Improvement
Effective innovation is informed by ongoing data collection and analysis that reveals what's working and where adjustments are needed.
What Data to Collect:
Engagement Metrics
Attendance, participation rates, time-on-task, student surveys
Learning Outcomes
Project rubrics, formative assessments, skill development tracking
Implementation Fidelity
Teacher self-assessment, peer observation, resource utilization
Stakeholder Feedback
Student reflections, parent input, community partner perspectives
AI-Enhanced Analytics:
- Automated progress tracking across projects
- Pattern identification in student engagement
- Personalized intervention recommendations
- Visualization tools for communicating impact
- Predictive modeling for resource planning
Preparing Students for a Tech-Centric Future
Beyond specific STEAM content, our educational innovations should develop the broader competencies students need for future success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Essential Future-Ready Skills:
Digital Literacy
Navigate, evaluate, and create digital content safely and effectively
AI Literacy & Ethics
Understand AI capabilities, limitations, and ethical implications
Adaptability
Embrace change and continuously develop new skills
Critical Evaluation
Assess information quality and recognize bias and misinformation
Human Collaboration
Work effectively with diverse teams on complex challenges
Creative Problem-Solving
Develop innovative solutions to novel problems
Interactive Q&A: Addressing Your Specific Challenges & Ideas
This is your opportunity to ask specific questions about implementing STEAM, PBL, and AI tools in your unique classroom context.
Our facilitators bring extensive experience in educational innovation and can address practical concerns related to:
- Technology integration challenges
- Adapting ideas for specific grade levels
- Supporting diverse learner needs
- Managing time and resource constraints
Open Discussion Format:
We'll use the remaining time to address your most pressing questions and concerns. Feel free to:
Ask Specific Questions
Share challenges you're facing or specific aspects you'd like clarification on
Share Implementation Ideas
Describe how you plan to adapt workshop concepts for your classroom
Request Resources
Inquire about additional materials or support for specific topics
Connect with Colleagues
Find potential collaboration partners with similar interests
Commitment to Action: Your Innovation Plan
Research shows that concrete implementation planning significantly increases the likelihood that workshop learning will translate into classroom practice.
Personal Action Plan:
Take a few minutes to reflect on what you've learned today and identify one specific change you commit to implementing in the next month.
1
What?
Describe the specific STEAM, PBL, or AI integration strategy you will implement
2
When?
Set a concrete timeline with specific dates for preparation and implementation
3
How?
List the resources, support, or preparation you'll need to be successful
4
Success?
Define how you'll measure the impact of this change on teaching and learning
Peer Accountability:
Consider finding an "innovation buddy" from today's workshop who can check in with you on your progress and share their own implementation journey.
We'll follow up in one month to see how your implementation is progressing and provide any additional support you might need!
Interactive Poll: Share Your Innovation Commitment
Let's make our commitments visible! Please take a moment to respond to the following poll questions using the QR code or link provided.
Poll Questions:
- Which aspect of today's workshop are you most excited to implement?
- STEAM integration
- Makerspace development
- Project-Based Learning
- AI tools integration
- What timeline are you setting for your first implementation step?
- Within 1 week
- Within 2-4 weeks
- Within the next quarter
- Next semester/year
Results Visualization:
We'll display the live results as responses come in, giving us a collective view of our next steps as a learning community.
These responses will also help us plan follow-up support and additional resources tailored to your specific implementation goals.
Your commitments create our community of practice! We'll use these insights to connect teachers working on similar innovations.
Closing Remarks & Thank You
Thank you for your active participation and engagement throughout today's workshop. Your enthusiasm and willingness to explore new approaches will directly benefit your students.
Remember that innovation is a process, not an event. Each small step you take creates new opportunities for student learning and growth.
Key Reminders:
- Access to EEP AI tools is available immediately
- Workshop materials will be shared via email
- Follow-up support sessions are scheduled monthly
- Online community is open for ongoing collaboration
"The future belongs to the curious. The ones who are not afraid to try it, explore it, question it, and turn it inside out."
— Anonymous
Feedback & Evaluation
Your feedback is essential for improving future workshops and developing resources that meet your needs. Please take a few minutes to complete our evaluation survey.
The survey covers:
- Workshop content relevance and usefulness
- Presenter effectiveness and engagement
- Balance of theory and practical application
- Facility and logistics assessment
- Suggestions for future workshop topics
- Specific support needs for implementation
Your responses are confidential and will be used to enhance our professional development offerings.
Survey Access:
You can complete the evaluation using:
- The QR code displayed on screen
- The link in your follow-up email
- The paper form in your workshop folder
Thank you for helping us improve!