This article illustrates a "STEM Circle" approach to problem solving with students who are emergent multilinguals (a.k.a. English Language Learners or ELLs). Middle school educators know learning is constructed through active discovery and most effective when scaffolded within constructive sociocultural contexts. Yet applying those theories to middle school classrooms can be daunting--particularly when some students are still developing English proficiency while teachers are focusing on teaching science and mathematics. We propose a STEM Circle approach as one active-learning method that can teach content to all students, develop language skills among emergent multilingual students, and provide a realistic application of science and mathematics. Participating in STEM Circles also helps students from all language backgrounds persevere in solving problems and constructing viable arguments. To illustrate our STEM Circle approach we pose the question, "Will we ever have a 12-foot-tall basketball player?" Before tackling this problem, we will explain the rationale for the STEM Circle approach and its relevance for science and mathematics middle school classrooms with emergent multilingual students.