Maclauren Pena is a Kindergarten Science and Social Studies teacher for a very proud T.H. Rogers School Community. Her kids are always willing to try new experiences and share new ideas. But to provide her kinder students with STEAM lessons and motivate them to be curious about science, Maclauren modified her instructional materials to include 64 individual packs of science tools for each student. She created STEAM and Math bins for students to explore and learn by playing. Her classroom STEAM bins encourage students to create, invent and solve problems using real-world challenges. She incorporated technology for students to experience field trips and to investigate student led questions.

Her classroom consists of Gifted and Talent students, English language learners and first-time school attendees. She starts her class by creating a positive learning environment. They have daily discussions on being respectful, sharing experiences and asking questions. She offers visual materials, hands-on science lessons, relevant books and small groups to support learning.