Amanda Thomas, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of mathematics education in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She received her doctoral degree in 2013 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her research focuses on teachers' use of mobile technology in elementary mathematics classrooms. She's also interested in STEM education and supporting teachers in innovative STEM integration. She is the author of Transform Your K-5 Math Class and Transform Your 6-12 Math Class (ISTE, 2020).

"This practical guide outlines a vision for online and distance STEM learning at the elementary level, with creative activities based on eight STEM themes. Online and distance learning may sound fairly straightforward. Instead of learning in a classroom setting, students learn at home with the assistance of online resources. But classroom learning does not always translate easily to online settings, particularly at the elementary level where children should be actively engaging in activities, exploration and discussion. For STEM subjects, integration across subjects, settings and play-based versus traditional learning present opportunities for young learners to engage in age-appropriate online and distance learning. This book features eight creative, integrated STEM lessons, including ideas for designing a zoo, learning to garden, exploring the night sky and more. Each lesson offers online, traditional and hands-on components, with connections to the ISTE Standards and STEM standards across elementary grades. Concluding with a model for designing online and distance STEM learning for elementary-aged children, this book will support teachers and parents in designing the types of resources and learning experiences they need for elementary students' distance learning"--