Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) K-12 Update

STEM Curricular Highlight: Operation Montserrat

• Part of the BC 6th grade science program; will be expanded to Welsh Valley in 2015-16

• A live video conference facilitated by the Challenger Learning Center

• Authentic crisis response management simulation on the island of Montserrat during which students apply science, math, and communication skills

• Two-hour e-Mission where student-specialists serve as members of response teams: • Volcano, hurricane, evacuation, or communication

STEM Curricular Highlight: AP Physics 1

• Curricular framework emphasizes collaboration, using evidence to support ideas, and problem solving • HHS teacher, Betsy Gauvin, was

featured on the LMSD professional learning webpage for embedding literacy instruction

• 1st year enrollment: • 146 students, 43 at HHS and 103

LMHS • 47% girls

Using written conversations with my group helps me to “explain my ideas in words, not just numbers, and makes me slow down and really think about my approach”. HHS AP Physics 1 student quote

STEM Curricular Highlight: FOSS Modules

• Engages students in engineering experiences to solve problems, construct and evaluate models, and use systems thinking

• Provides opportunities to address core ideas of engineering, technology, and applications of science as described in A Framework for K–12 Science Education

• Core idea ETS1: • Engineering design- How do engineers solve

problems?

STEM Curricular Highlight: K-5 DreamBox Learning

• Differentiates content, pace, and sequence to help learners understand important concepts and think critically

• Self-adjusts so instruction is appropriately sequenced for each learner based on readiness

• Helps to ensure that concepts are understood before moving on to new lessons

STEM Curricular Highlight: K-1 iPad Apps

• Embedded into K-1 curriculum maps to enhance math, literacy, and science instruction

• Supports and reinforces existing curriculum

• Allows for increased student participation and engagement

• Provides immediate feedback and differentiated instruction during small group time

K-1 iPad Apps

STEM Curricular Highlight: Hour Of Code

• K-12 event on December 22 and 23

• 60-minute basic computer programming activity, facilitated by code.org

• Middle and high school students participated during a math class

• High school student-leaders supported the participation of elementary school students

• Teacher and student feedback was overwhelmingly positive

The Hour Of Code

STEM Curricular Highlight: Family Math Night

• In November, more than 300 families, representing each elementary school, explored a variety of interactive, hands-on math games and activities

• Games and activities were organized and facilitated by math specialists, teachers, and student volunteers from LM’s BuildOn club

STEM Extracurricular Highlight: Science Olympiad

• National, team-based competition to promote excellence in the exploration of science and high levels of achievement

• Challenges presented at the various matches • Significant participation at all 4 secondary schools • All teams regularly qualify to compete in the state

championship • HHS has been the State Champion 16 of the past 17

years • HHS finished as #2 in the country in 2013

STEM Extracurricular Highlight: Technology Student Association (TSA) • Technology and Engineering competition with

individual and team events in categories from Animatronics to Web Design

• Over 200 students participate across 4 buildings LMSD students have been elected to state offices

• Students regularly win top honors in events at the regional, state, and national levels

STEM Extracurricular Highlight: National Society of Black Engineers Pre-Collegiate Initiative (NSBE-PCI)

• NSBE-PCI is a partnership with Villanova University

• Students from both high schools meet weekly to engage in STEM exploration

• Monthly activities hosted by the Villanova NSBE chapter allow students to work on challenges and meet with college mentors

• In the fall, students were able to go to the NSBE Regional Conference in Pittsburgh and participate in the Try-Math-Alon

STEM Extracurricular Highlight: Boys Raising Achievement IN STEM (BRAINSTEM) • BRAINSTEM at PV for 4th and

5th grade African American students meets once a week to explore and engage in hands-on STEM activities • Ex: Build mousetrap vehicles to

learn about simple machines • Mentors encourage students to

continue their studies in STEM through secondary and post-secondary education

STEM Professional Learning Highlight: STEM Certificate Program

• On-site STEM graduate program through Arcadia University

• Unique opportunity for elementary teachers to develop their pedagogical content knowledge in teaching integrated STEM with literacy connections

• 14 teachers in Cohort 1 • Cohort 2 will begin fall,

2015

STEM Professional Learning Highlight: STEM Certificate Program

Teachers in the STEM Certificate Program: • Introduced 4th grade PW students to

the Science and Engineering Process through the use of hands on investigations and computer-simulated design as an introduction to the FOSS Electricity and Magnetism kit

• Approved to present at The Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators Teacher Education Assembly in October

Questions