​Harnessing the Power of Shorts and Clips in the STEAM Classroom

​Harnessing the Power of Shorts and Clips in the STEAM Classroom

14th Aug 2024

Incorporating short films, animated clips, and commercials into the classroom is an engaging way to teach complex concepts through storytelling and visual examples. These shorts, whether animated or live-action, can be particularly effective in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) classroom. Educators are using these visual tools to impart lessons on perseverance, teamwork, problem-solving, and more. Below, we explore how various educators are successfully integrating these clips into their teaching.

1. Teaching the Value of Failure with "Meet the Robinsons"

  • Clip: Failure - Meet the Robinsons - Keep Moving Forward
    URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3UqEps1r5E
  • Lesson: This clip is perfect for teaching students about the importance of failure as a stepping stone to success. Cristina McNatt uses it to emphasize the message of "Keep Moving Forward," showing that setbacks are essential to learning and growth. Beth Gier plans to incorporate it into her first-day activities to set a positive tone for embracing challenges.

2. Exploring Teamwork with Pixar's "The Power of Teamwork"

  • Clip: Pixar 2014 The Power of Teamwork Short Film
    URL: https://youtu.be/xql3BKJMscI?feature=shared
  • Lesson: Laura Howland Aquilone uses this short film to initiate discussions about the importance of teamwork before engaging students in collaborative challenges. The video helps set the stage for projects where cooperation is key to success.

3. Engineering Design Process with "Soar"

  • Clip: CGI Award-Winning 3D Animated Short: "Soar"
    URL: https://youtu.be/UUlaseGrkLc?si=vIUy2V3EnBgGeJHc
  • Lesson: "Soar" is a fantastic resource for teaching the Engineering Design Process. Kristen Strong Albright uses this short film to guide students through brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and refining their ideas, mirroring the journey of the character in the film.

4. Perseverance and Innovation with "Ormie the Pig"

  • Clip: Ormie the Pig
    URL: https://youtu.be/EUm-vAOmV1o?si=sE2eekbiHGxtC9l-
  • Lesson: Meredith Anderson highlights how this humorous and clever short teaches perseverance. Students learn about the importance of trying new approaches and thinking outside the box, mirroring Ormie’s relentless pursuit of cookies.

5. Science Concepts with "Drop" and the Water Cycle

  • Lesson: Though a direct link wasn’t provided, Sarah Fox Demaray recommends "Drop" as an excellent resource for teaching the water cycle. The short film visually demonstrates the cyclical nature of water in the environment, making it easier for students to grasp the concept.

6. Innovative Thinking with "The LEGO® Story"

  • Clip: The LEGO® Story
    URL: https://youtu.be/NdDU_BBJW9Y?si=ulnui9xfy4hZBUHF
  • Lesson: This short film is used to inspire creativity and innovation. It tells the history of LEGO, emphasizing the importance of persistence, creativity, and the impact of small ideas that grow into something much bigger.

7. Growth Mindset with Michael Jordan’s “Failure” Commercial

  • Clip: Michael Jordan "Failure" Nike Commercial
    URL: https://youtu.be/45mMioJ5szc?si=N5weKRzTVX9CZ2rV
  • Lesson: Lynda Lloyd Delo uses this powerful commercial to teach about growth mindset. The lesson emphasizes that failure is not the end but a necessary part of the journey to success.

8. The Power of Persistence with "Scrambled"

  • Clip: Scrambled
    URL: https://youtu.be/kmrZyByO8Qc?si=bhNcdF_EDq2qRlmb
  • Lesson: April Pavlak uses this engaging short to challenge students with problem-solving tasks, like solving a Rubik's Cube. It’s a great way to illustrate the rewards of persistence and creative thinking.

9. Exploring Storytelling with Disney Shorts

  • Lesson: Angelynn Zschokke and Carolyn Peterson use Disney shorts to discuss storytelling elements and engage students in identifying story components. This method not only strengthens narrative skills but also fosters critical thinking as students analyze the structure of each short.

10. Teaching Scientific Observation with "Day & Night"

  • Lesson: Teri OConnor uses the short film "Day & Night" to teach kindergarteners about the differences between daytime and nighttime, aligning with their science standards. The short serves as a visual aid to reinforce their observations.

11. Innovative Thinking with "Meet Molly" (GE Commercial)

  • Clip: Meet Molly, the Kid Who Never Stops Inventing GE Commercial
    URL: https://youtu.be/sygqZWBcuKk?si=sDOSr-vp_UL4_w4A
  • Lesson: Gerin Ragan Hennebaul uses this commercial to inspire students to think like inventors, encouraging them to brainstorm their own innovative solutions to everyday problems.
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