Transforming STEAM Learning with Strawbees

Melissa’s first Strawbees project was a hands-on exploration where her middle school students took the lead. “I had never used these before... I was brand new,” she admits. Trusting her students’ ingenuity, Melissa initiated a learning process where they created a new shape each day to understand the mechanics of Strawbees.

This exploration culminated in an ambitious class project: constructing a massive pyramid. “They really wanted to make the gigantic pyramid,” Melissa says. The entire class participated, and the result was a structure large enough for multiple students to sit inside​.

One student declared, “This was their favorite tech project that we ever did”, encapsulating the excitement and engagement generated by this hands-on learning experience​.

The Strawbees project stood out not just for its creativity, but for the remarkable transformation in student engagement and confidence. Melissa observed how students who were initially hesitant with the tutorials eventually embraced independent problem-solving. One student, who often struggled with tasks, was the first to finish. “He never looked at the tutorials and then he went around and he was helping other students, and it really helped him to shine” she recalls. This student’s success story exemplifies how hands-on projects can nurture confidence and collaborative learning​.

As Melissa notes, “I think sometimes we forget that middle schoolers like to have fun too”. The Strawbees project allowed them to blend play with learning, creating a bridge between creativity and real-world problem-solving.

One of the most inspiring moments occurred during the final stages of the project. Students naturally fell into roles, delegating tasks and working together seamlessly. “They started assigning roles and it happened on its own... everyone started working together as an entire class to build this,” Melissa shares​.

This spontaneous teamwork highlights the importance of collaboration, communication and creativity, critical skills emphasized in 21st-century education​ which were clearly visible when they stopped using the instructions and started to break the project down, decomposing the larger shape into much smaller pieces. 

The finished pyramid was more than a structure; it was a testament to what students can achieve when creativity, confidence, and collaboration intersect.

The project extended beyond Melissa's classroom. Students were eager to share their achievements with younger peers, showing off the pyramid and explaining how they built it. This enthusiasm reflects how meaningful hands-on STEAM experiences can inspire a broader school community. Melissa reflects “We had the Kindergarten kids and pre-schoolers sit inside it and take a turn."

Melissa’s comments are a powerful example of how innovative tools like Strawbees can transform STEAM education. By addressing resource challenges and fostering confidence, creative innovation, and collaboration, Melissa created an enriching experience that resonated deeply with her students.

In Melissa’s own words when discussing the training Strawbees provides to students and educators, “The first-period class loved it! They were so engaged in what you (Strawbees) were talking about. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to them.” she continues “I’m hoping that excitement will continue when we use the Strawbees to create something that will end up on the Finch Robot”. 

With educators like Melissa leading the way, the future of STEAM education looks bright, hands-on, and full of possibility.