Teacher Case Study: Sarah Kaiser

5th grade teacher Sarah Kaiser used the Aquarium Designer performance task.

A Defined STEM Learning Experience From:

Sarah Kaiser

5th Grade Teacher

Seatack Elementary School (VA)


Performance Task: 

Aquarium Designer


Here’s What We Did:

During my guided reading time, my students work in small groups to complete literacy tasks. I made one station the Defined STEM station. I introduced the task to my students as a whole group, they checked in with me periodically but for the most part students worked independently to complete the task.


All of my students were excited to begin work on the task and stayed engaged throughout it. Many students worked on the task at home as well as during any free time they had during school. They worked diligently and were very proud of their work.


Why Defined STEM Was the Perfect Fit:

Student could work at their own pace on the task. Some needed varying levels of scaffolding to complete the task and keep from getting discouraged but Defined STEM makes it easy to provide that differentiated support to students.