Building Grit and Engagement with Strawbees
In Pasco County, Florida, K–8 Computer Science teacher Patrina Conrow has found an innovative way to challenge her Gifted and Talented students—by integrating Strawbees into her STEM lessons.
With a passion for hands-on learning and a drive to help students develop critical thinking and perseverance, Patrina’s journey showcases how simple tools can have a big impact in the classroom. Here’s how she uses Strawbees to engage over 550 students each semester—and why it’s become a staple in her teaching toolkit.
Patrina Conrow
K-8 Computer Science Teacher
Pasco County Schools
Florida
Background
“Gifted and Talented students are actually the ones who want perfection on the first try—and they quickly learn that it doesn’t happen.”
With 16 years of teaching experience, Patrina Conrow has always had a passion for STEM and technology. Starting by integrating tech into her Kindergarten classroom, she soon expanded her reach across grade levels and even began supporting fellow teachers. Every tool she’s brought into the classroom, she has learned on her own.
Now teaching Gifted and Talented students in computer science, Patrina finds that Strawbees helps unlock creative thinking and problem-solving skills in a meaningful way.
Implementation
Patrina first discovered Strawbees through the Pocketful of Ideas cards, using them for free building activities because of how accessible and flexible the materials are. As she became more comfortable, she began integrating structured lessons from Strawbees Classroom.
“I was new to computer science, so I was just trying to explore all the different things I actually had in my classroom. I didn’t really know how to use everything.”
One of her first classroom implementations was the light-sensing flower project, which was a hit with her learning enrichment group. She also helped organize a STEM night with other educators, designing a full “golf course” of 18 different Strawbees and robotics challenges for students and parents to experience together.
Across all grade levels—from Kindergarten to 5th grade—Patrina uses Strawbees to support a wide range of activities, from constructing 2D shapes to engineering the tallest straw tower. In a single semester, she teaches over 550 students and uses Strawbees with all of them.
“Every student is engaged because it’s hands-on and requires out-of-the-box thinking. I couldn’t name a single student who wasn’t engaged.”
Outcomes
Over time, Patrina transitioned from simple building challenges to more structured coding and robotics lessons. Along the way, she appreciated how responsive Strawbees has been to educator feedback.
“At our professional development session, I mentioned that I couldn’t click on the number to pick up where I left off in Strawbees Classroom. You said it was being worked on—and the next time I logged in, it was fixed! My kids noticed it before I did. I just think that was really awesome.”
The adaptability of Strawbees has allowed Patrina to tailor activities to both non-coding and coding lessons, easily linking them to her students’ main content areas. Even when working with high-energy 5th graders, Strawbees captures their focus.
“They’re getting close to middle school and can be a little rowdy. But when I bring out the Strawbees, they’re all engaged—and pretty competitive.”
Most importantly, Patrina sees how Strawbees helps her Gifted and Talented students develop resilience.
“Grit and perseverance are qualities that really need to be built. They don’t always come naturally—even to students who are gifted and talented.”
