Understanding the Ethos Behind Strawbees

The Founding Vision

Strawbees was co-founded by Erik Boji Thorstensson, a passionate inventor and advocate for hands-on learning. The idea for Strawbees originated from a straightforward yet powerful concept—creating an educational tool that empowers students to use their imagination and develop problem-solving skills through tangible, interactive experiences. Erik envisioned a product that transcends conventional learning, sparking curiosity and innovation in every classroom. 

This article is a collection of excerpts from an interview with Erik, discussing everything from where it all started to the importance of experiencing and experimenting with creative ideas in the classroom.

The Journey of Innovation and Inspiration with Strawbees

In the ever-evolving field of STEM/STEAM education, providing students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences is critical. Strawbees embodies this vision through its innovative products and educational solutions. But how did this journey begin? What drives Strawbees to continually enhance the STEM/STEAM educational landscape in the United States?

Embracing STEM/STEAM Education

In the context of US education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM (which adds Art to the mix) are essential frameworks aimed at preparing students for a technologically advanced and creative future. Integrating these disciplines helps students become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators. Strawbees has positioned itself as a pivotal resource for educators striving to implement these educational paradigms effectively.

Watch School of Ridiculous Invention - Tower factory

Innovative Teaching Methods

Strawbees products are designed with the philosophy of maker education at their core. Maker education encourages students to learn by doing, a concept that Strawbees fully embraces. By allowing students to create and experiment, Strawbees helps cultivate creativity and critical thinking, key components of effective STEM/STEAM education.
Teachers in the US have utilized Strawbees for various hands-on, project-based learning activities. Whether it’s constructing simple geometric shapes or designing complex robotic mechanisms, Strawbees offers endless possibilities for students to explore engineering and design principles. This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students grasp abstract concepts through practical application.

Sierpinski Pyramid Lesson  - https://classroom.strawbees.com/resource/construct-sierpinski-pyramid-activity

Hands-On Learning with Strawbees

At the heart of Strawbees’ offerings is the notion of hands-on learning. This method has been shown to significantly enhance students' understanding and retention of concepts. Students learn best when they can manipulate materials and see the immediate results of their experiments. Strawbees kits are built to facilitate such learning experiences, providing students with the tools they need to build, create, and innovate.

Guinness World Record Largest Pyramid - Photo credit: https://www.ollebjerkas.se/colossus

Project-Based Learning in Action

Project-based learning (PBL) is another cornerstone of Strawbees' educational approach. PBL allows students to work on extended projects that require applying knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems. With Strawbees, teachers can design projects that align with STEM/STEAM curricula, from simple engineering challenges to complex robotics projects.

Take, for example, a high school physics class using Strawbees to construct bridges. Students can apply principles of physics and engineering to design and build a bridge capable of supporting weights. This not only makes learning more interactive but also enables students to collaborate and think critically—skills essential for their future careers.

Robotics Kits for Schools

Robotics is becoming an integral part of modern education, and Strawbees excelling in this area is evident through its diverse range of classroom robotics kits. These kits are suitable for all grade levels, providing scalable challenges that grow with students' abilities.

In the US, where incorporating technology into education is encouraged, Strawbees kits offer an accessible way for schools to introduce robotics into their curricula. Educators can use these kits to teach essential skills such as coding, mechanical design, and problem-solving, fostering a STEM/STEAM classroom environment that is both fun and educational.

Strawbees Sustainability Station - https://shop.strawbees.com/cart/steam-products/sustainability-station

Classroom STEAM Kits

One of the significant advantages Strawbees offers is the flexibility of its classroom STEAM kits. These kits can be integrated into various subjects and educational levels, from elementary to high school. Whether it's a simple geometry lesson or a sophisticated robotics challenge, Strawbees kits provide the tools necessary to bring any STEAM subject to life.

For US teachers looking for resources that align with educational standards, Strawbees offers solutions that meet the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These standards emphasize scientific practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas, all of which can be explored using Strawbees products.

Curriculum Alignment

Aligning educational resources with curriculum standards is crucial for effective teaching. Strawbees understands this need and has developed resources and lesson plans that comply with US educational frameworks. These resources are designed to help teachers seamlessly integrate Strawbees into their daily teaching, ensuring that activities are both educational and compliant with mandated standards.

Strawbees provides detailed guides and lesson plans that outline how to use their products within different subject areas. These resources help educators create interdisciplinary STEM/STEAM curricula that combine science, technology, engineering, art, and math in meaningful ways. By following these plans, teachers can provide students with comprehensive learning experiences that cover multiple disciplines in a cohesive manner.

Professional Development for Educators

Supporting educators in their professional growth is a vital part of Strawbees' mission. To this end, they offer various professional development opportunities to help teachers expand their knowledge and skills in STEM/STEAM education.

Strawbees provides workshops, online courses, and certification programs tailored to the needs of US educators. These opportunities enable teachers to stay current with the latest educational trends and best practices, ensuring they are well-equipped to inspire and engage their students.

For instance, Strawbees’ workshops offer hands-on training that allows teachers to experiment with Strawbees kits and explore different teaching strategies. Online courses provide flexible learning options, allowing teachers to gain new skills at their own pace. Certification programs recognize teachers' expertise in integrating Strawbees into their classrooms, providing them with credentials that enhance their professional standing.

The Future of STEM/STEAM Education with Strawbees

As Strawbees continues to innovate, its commitment to enhancing STEM/STEAM education remains unwavering. By providing educators with the tools, resources, and support they need, Strawbees helps create learning environments where students can thrive.

For US educators seeking to inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem solvers, Strawbees offers a pathway to achieving those goals. With a focus on hands-on learning, project-based approaches, and strong community support, Strawbees is revolutionizing the way STEM/STEAM subjects are taught and experienced in classrooms across the country.

Unlock the Potential of Your Classroom with Strawbees.

For more information about integrating Strawbees into your classroom, visit our shop and discover how our products can transform your teaching and enrich your students' learning experiences.