STEM Project Status Report Presentation to the Board of Education June 8, 2015

STEM Committee Members: Alyce Barlowski Cheri Burke Peter Bogan Robert Gauvain Jack Gedney Brennan Glasgow David Grigociewicz Pam Lazarowski Megan Mezzai Silvia Oulette Phillip Penn Martha Rouleau Ken Smith John Vecchitto Deb Watson

What is STEM? STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to

learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real world lessons. Students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise enabling the development of STEM literacy and with it the ability to compete in the new economy. (Tsupros, 2009) In RSD10 this means…. ENGAGING, FUN, HANDS on SCIENCE that is COHESIVE and involves the Engineering Design Process to lead children to further investigate STEM concepts beyond high school.

Why is STEM important?

“In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important... To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.” (National Science Foundation) •  During the next decade, the United States demand for scientists and engineers is

expected to increase at four times the rate for all other occupations. •  The United States ranks 20th among all nations in the proportion of 24-year-olds who

earn degrees in natural science or engineering. •  The United States ranked 28th in math literacy and 24th in science literacy, according

to a 2008 report by the Congressional Research Service. •  In 2011, only 45 percent of U.S. high school graduates were ready for college work in

math; 30 percent were ready in science.

STEM VISION STATEMENT

Regional School District 10 is committed to offering

educational opportunities for all students to engage in

inquiry-based learning grounded in application, research,

critical thinking, entrepreneurship and collaboration with

higher education and industry. STEM literacy will prepare

students to add value, productivity, and innovation to our

future global economic development.

Current Status

Lewis Mills & Har Bur LGS & HCS •  Advanced Placement Classes in Calculus &

Statistics, Computer Science •  Annual STEM Career Day •  LSM Clubs: Robotics Team, Math Team, and

Computer Club •  HBMS Clubs: Math Olympiad, Math Counts

and Lego Robotics •  Technology Education concepts and major

activities: use of AutoCad, Inventor, Revit software to aid the design process, use of engineering design cycle

•  Use of video, audio, photo and animation software to create multi-media projects

•  American Mathematics Competition •  Advanced Science Program for 7th and 8th

grade students focusing on research, problem solving and extended science investigations.

 

•  Weather Bug Schools •  Collaboration with Roaring Brook Nature

Center & Beardsley Zoo •  Presentations from High Touch, High Tech

and Wingmasters •  Inquiry Based Learning Approach •  Clubs: Lego Club and Lego Problem Based

Activities Play-Well TEKnology, Odyssey of the Mind, Learning Fair, & Junior First Lego League

•  Smart Boards & Document Cameras in all classrooms

•  Optical Drives available •  Computer labs & portable laptop carts

How do we compare to Surrounding Districts?

DISTRICT STEM OFFERINGS Farmington Avon Simsbury Canton Region 6 Magnet Schools

2014-2015 School Year Accomplishments •  Created a STEM Committee •  Developed a vision statement and action plan •  Researched STEM practices and recommendations •  Conducted Site Visits to surrounding districts •  Registered with the CT Science Center to participate in INQUIRY

workshop in Summer of 2015 •  Purchased professional development materials and books for teacher and

committee learning •  Researched available grants and funding for STEM programing •  Committee members attended National Conferences with STEM themes •  Communicated to teachers and staff that STEM teaching is a priority in

our district

15-16 School Year

16-17 School Year

17-18 School

year

Timeline- 3 Year Phase in Plan

Teacher Training and Professional Development with Inquiry Approach and Engineering Design Process Establish relationship with CT Science Center Develop Coding Program k-4 and 5-8 Establish STEM advisory board Create a Maker-space for Middle and High School Students Revise Curriculum to include NGSS and Engineering Design Process

15-16 School Year

16-17 School Year

17-18 School

year

Timeline- 3 Year Phase in Plan

Continue to offer Professional Development and Growth in STEM Unique Experience for every RSD10 Student K-12 that is related to STEM Offer After School STEAM club and activities to extend the learning Update Technology to include 3D printers and Smart TVs in all schools Revise High School course offerings to include more engineering and advanced computer programing classes. Grow Maker-spaces to both Elementary Schools

15-16 School Year

16-17 School Year

17-18 School

year

Timeline- 3 Year Phase in Plan

Comprehensive STEM program including engineering design and computer science and coding/programing at all levels 1:1 devices and ability to repurpose computer labs & allow for mobile work stations and flipped classroom methods Hold annual STEM innovation fair and Career expo for students Establish relationships with area businesses and colleges for STEM career experiences. Coherent Curriculum design that articulates STEM connections across the curriculum k-12

Looking Ahead: What do we need to get there?

•  BOE Support

•  Financial Support

•  Staffing

•  Materials and Curriculum Improvements

•  Teacher Training and Professional

Development

Dependencies and Resources

STEM

Curriculum Redesign

Mind Set Shift

Engineering Design Process

Mathematical Practices &

Problem Solving

Technology for learning

Cost Estimates:

1:1 for all students 3D printers Smart TV Staff to coach/support STEM teaching Engineering is Elementary Curriculum Lego Robotics Curriculum Unique experience for each grade Professional Development and Teacher Training