ST1.2 Students work independently and collaboratively in an inquiry-based learning environment that encourages finding creative solutions to authentic and complex problems.
Response:
All learning experiences focus on meaningful real-world connections that are complex and current. Our STEM builds are strategic and require students to work independently and collaboratively in order to formulate solutions.
Exposing students to failure in an inquiry-based learning environment is a foundational principle in our STEM philosophy.
Exposing students to failure in an inquiry-based learning environment is a foundational principle in our STEM philosophy.
Narrative:
The McNair STEM Academy allows students to participate in unique learning experiences via accelerated academics in all content areas (reading, math, science, and social studies). The curriculum includes the integration of core academic subjects at every grade level. All STEM students also participate in advanced robotics/engineering and technology.
Our STEM activities offer a contextual, intrinsically motivating opportunity for our students to engage in reflective problem solving and critical thinking. Following the engineering design process: ask, imagine, plan, create, improve, and presentation of results, allows our students the opportunity to apply and synthesize their subject matter knowledge. STEM challenges allow teachers the opportunity to capture mathematical and scientific moments that are naturally embedded in design problems. Teachers are responsible for creating unit plans that show integration of math and science concepts taught through the integration of technology.
Our STEM activities offer a contextual, intrinsically motivating opportunity for our students to engage in reflective problem solving and critical thinking. Following the engineering design process: ask, imagine, plan, create, improve, and presentation of results, allows our students the opportunity to apply and synthesize their subject matter knowledge. STEM challenges allow teachers the opportunity to capture mathematical and scientific moments that are naturally embedded in design problems. Teachers are responsible for creating unit plans that show integration of math and science concepts taught through the integration of technology.
Strenghts:
We currently have four STEM labs: a Science lab, a Robotics lab, Coding lab, and Aquaponics Lab. The labs give our students expanded opportunities to conduct research, work independently and collaboratively and learn from their failures. Our students are afforded tremendous learning opportunities to design and create new inventions such as: creating natural solutions to kill bacteria, designing artificial kidneys from 3D printers, creating syphons, and designing electrical circuits to name a few.
Weaknesses:
With five different labs to choose from and the similarity with grade level standards, scheduling continues to challenge us.
Evidence: