STEM
WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT IS TAUGHT
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
STEM-based instruction exposes our students to multiple content areas within a single lesson (Interdisciplinary Units of Study). Implementation of Project-Based Learning and the Engineering Design Process challenges our students to use critical thinking to identify problems in their community and develop solutions.
The integration of FOSS (Full Options Science System) curriculum provides students with exposure to a range of relatable science topics within their community from observing the life cycle of living animals and plants to investigating gravity and friction.
The ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards are embedded into Project-Based Learning units to engage students in exploration, research and connecting with community members in a digital setting.
While problem solving, students follow the Engineering Design Process in stages: ASK questions to identify the problem they are trying to solve, IMAGINE ways they can solve the problem, PLAN a list of steps through writing or illustrations, CREATE a prototype to serve as the solution, IMPROVE the prototype through tests and following peer review and feedback, PRESENT the prototype to a public audience as a solution to the problem.
Students receive multiple opportunities to apply their content skills obtained from the Illustrative Mathematics and EnVisions curricula during interdisciplinary center and group work.