VariQuest Blog

The VariQuest Visual and Kinesthetic Learning Suite Blog contains resources on classroom ideas, lesson plans, industry news, events, and offers throughout education.

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STEM | Academic Subject: STEM | Kinesthetic Learning

How Does Kinesthetic Learning Benefit STEM? [Infographic]

By: VariQuest Visual & Kinesthetic Learning Tools
September 14th, 2017

STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curriculum is meant to be an immersive solution to teach students learning those four disciplines in a way that is meaningful for real world application. As a Kinesthetic Learning approach is based in our need to move, touch, and feel to understand, the two concepts are an obvious pairing. Research has found that a student’s learning process, not their level of intelligence, is the most important indicator in determining learning abilities. With this approach, movement and action replace more passive forms of learning, fostering curiosity and creativity, and allowing students to confidently and actively absorb concepts while connecting them to real life. And with STEM careers increasingly shaping our future, integrating STEM-focused curriculum and activities with kinesthetic learning into your classroom will excite and encourage students to further explore their interests in STEM fields, and provide them with a bright future ahead.

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Professional Development | Academic Subject: STEM | Featured Topics: Professional Development | Kinesthetic Learning | Project-based Learning

Professional Development Webinar: Pink Brains vs. Blue Brains: What Neuroscience Teaches Us About STEM

By: VariQuest Visual & Kinesthetic Learning Tools
August 31st, 2017

Tuesday, November 7th at 9:00am CT The focus of student achievement has extended beyond reading and math scores and shifted to a “learning by doing, making, building, and discovering” approach. Despite the fact that this resurgence in experiential learning is supported by recent brain-based research about cognition, problem-solving, and innovation, females are still under-represented in STEM-based programs and careers. Join us on Tuesday, November 7th for a free professional development webinar at 9am CT, and learn about this often-discussed hot topic.

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How to Write a Grant eBook

How to Write a Grant eBook

This helpful guide includes an explanation of the grant process, including a checklist (with samples!), and useful links and resources to find funding!

Blog Feature

Guest Edu Bloggers | teacher appreciation

11 Things to Remember to Keep your Passion for Teaching Alive [Poster]

By: Melissa Hughes, Ph.D.
August 24th, 2017

The floors are polished, the desks are clean, the pencils are sharpened, and the “Welcome Back” bulletin board is up. Teachers across the country have spent the last few weeks cleaning, organizing, decorating, and planning for their new classes. A new school year is underway! As educators, we have a huge responsibility to our students, along with the parents who have entrusted their children to us. Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran, there will be days that it feels like you’re trying to push a peanut up a mountain. And there will be days that you feel every effort goes unnoticed. And then, there will be days that you see a child’s eyes light up with excitement when they finally “get it!” Those are the days that you’ll know exactly why you chose to become a teacher.

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Differentiated Instruction | Lessons/Activities/Templates | Student Engagement | Grade Level: Primary (PK-2) | Grade Level: Intermediate (3-6) | Academic Subject: Social Studies and History | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | Featured Topics: Templates for FREE download

"Explore Your World" Lesson Plan Unit

By: VariQuest Visual & Kinesthetic Learning Tools
August 17th, 2017

It's back-to-school time, you're crazy busy, and your brain is being stretched in a million different directions. We want to help! In partnership with The Curriculum Corner, VariQuest® presents a cross-curricular free lesson plan unit for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students titled, "Explore Your World."

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Featured Topics: Differentiated Instruction | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities | VariQuest Tools: Perfecta 3600

The Neuroscience of Color

By: Melissa Hughes, Ph.D.
July 6th, 2017

Color is believed to be the most important visual experience to human beings. More specifically, significant research has been conducted in recent years exploring the function of color as a powerful channel to cognition and memory. Marketers have known for years how effective color can be with brand recognition and attitudes consumers form about products and companies. For example, a 2004 marketing study found that color increases brand recognition and influences purchasing decisions by up to 80%.

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Professional Development | Academic Subject: STEM | Featured Topics: Professional Development | 3D Printing | Kinesthetic Learning | Project-based Learning | STEM:IT

Professional Development Webinar Series: Whole Brain Instruction With a Kinesthetic Approach

By: VariQuest Visual & Kinesthetic Learning Tools
June 15th, 2017

Until recently, we believed that intelligence and creativity were fixed traits. We now know differently. The capacity to learn, solve problems and be creative is hardwired into our brains – we either tap into it and nurture it, or we don’t. Join us for an informative professional development webinar series hosted by Dr. Melissa Hughes, author of "Happy Hour With Einstein", and STEM Fuse, creators of STEM:IT, where we will explore these concepts and how to infuse this knowledge into your classroom curriculum to nurture more active, engaged students.

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Lessons/Activities/Templates

Reflection: Lesson Plans for the End of the School Year

By: Julia Cremin
May 30th, 2017

Summer is right around the corner, and in a perfect world, your classroom is humming along like a well-oiled machine with students trained in classroom routines and expectations. Truth is: the end of the year can be challenging for staff and students alike. With end-of-year testing, constantly changing schedules, and trying to keep a lid on students who are anxious to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather, it can be difficult to fill in the gaps with engaging activities during the last couple of weeks at school. Use your VariQuest tools to support some interesting and meaningful end of year activities in your classroom.

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Lessons/Activities/Templates | Featured Topics: Student Engagement | Featured Topics: Lessons and Activities

Tips to Engage Students While Closing Down Your Classroom and Prepping for the Fall

By: Melissa Hughes, Ph.D.
May 23rd, 2017

As another school year comes to a close, let me be among the first to say, “There’s no tired quite like end-of-the-year-teacher tired!” I get it. The end of the school year is exhausting and maybe even a bit emotional as you say goodbye to your students for the summer. Between finalizing student records, completing report cards, and closing up your classroom, the last few weeks are hectic. But there are a few simple strategies that may help you make the most of the time you spend ending the year so that it is easier to begin the year when you return in the fall.

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Lessons/Activities/Templates

Make Time Fly! Lesson Plans for the End of the School Year

By: Julia Cremin
May 16th, 2017

The sun has risen before you begin your commute to work and is miraculously still shining when you arrive back home. The weekends in your planner for the summer are quickly filling with vacations, weddings and other fun celebrations. Your new sandals have arrived in the box on your doorstep. It can only mean one thing… summer is right around the corner.

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Featured Topics: Student Engagement | teacher appreciation

Thank You Teachers, for All You Do

By: Melissa Hughes, Ph.D.
May 8th, 2017

Dear Teachers, Tuesday May 9, 2017 has been designated as National Teacher Appreciation Day. Many schools and communities will be recognizing teachers throughout the week with muffins and luncheons, and maybe cards and gifts from students and their parents. It’s about you, and I hope that you feel the appropriate appreciation within your own community. I wanted to take a moment to go beyond the generic Hallmark sentiment and express deeper gratitude for all that you do for our kids and our communities. At a time when education is often criticized, scrutinized, and disparaged over test scores and graduation rates, a day of recognition that falls between Star Wars Day and National Tourists Day may feel less than satisfying. You’ve been tasked with one of the most vital jobs in our society, and your sphere of influence exceeds the essential skills our children must be able to demonstrate for evaluative purposes. You spend valuable time, energy, and money on things that go far beyond lesson plans, report cards, and bulletin boards.

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