STEM Discipline Integration
STEM K12 11: STEM learning experiences integrate all STEM disciplines, emphasizing processes and practices associated with STEM.
Impact Narrative:
Teachers collaboratively develop differentiated learning activities to enhance scholars’ math and literacy skills. Scholars receive daily integrated instruction, including math and science. They use technology to engage in research and develop coding skills while learning to use technology responsibly through Digital Citizenship teaching activities.
Our Signature program theme is “Building Engineers for the Future.” Scholars take on the role of various engineers during each PBL to build or develop a plan for a device that will be a solution to a problem indicated in their respective PBL. Also, they have additional opportunities through monthly Makerspace activities and STEM Challenges.
Our PBLs are designed to integrate ELA, Math, and Science standards. Teachers have the option of including other subject areas as necessary. During instruction, scholars must utilize the Engineering Design Process (EDP) and Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER).
These processes emphasize open-ended problem solving and encourage the use of scientific reasoning. All Kindergarten through fifth-grade scholars at Stanton engages in at least two PBLs a year. Currently, scholars are assessed using a Project-Based Learning Rubric at the end of each PBL.
Areas of Strength:
All Kindergarten through fifth-grade scholars at Stanton engages in at least two PBLs a year. Currently, scholars are assessed using a Project-Based Learning Rubric at the end of each PBL.
Areas of Opportunity:
Areas of improvement include tailoring rubrics to specific learning tasks within the PBL to assess if students are mastering the learning targets.
Initiatives/Actions:
Weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) for all subjects
PBL Planning Sessions (k-5) 3-week timeframe
Teachers and instructional leaders participate in on-campus professional development, district professional development, and school visits to other STEM schools.