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STEM Education at the Village High School. STEM is an initiative to focus resources on teaching skills, implementing programs to build knowledge and skills in specific areas, and creating partnerships with other institutions in an effort to enhance student learning in all disciplines. .
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STEM is an initiative to focus resources on teaching skills, implementing programs to build knowledge and skills in specific areas, and creating partnerships with other institutions in an effort to enhance student learning in all disciplines.
Typical fields within STEM Chemistry, Life Sciences, Physics, Computer and Information Technology Science, Engineering, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Social Sciences, and STEM Education and Learning Research (according to the National Science Foundation)
Many STEM Organizations For example, the STEM Coalition, based in Washington, D.C., states the following to be its goals: • STEM education must be elevated as a national priority. • STEM education is closely linked with our nation’s economic prosperity. • Our nation must expand the capacity and diversity of the STEM workforce pipeline. • Policymakers must be informed about policy issues related to STEM education. • Policies to promote STEM education should be bipartisan and evidence-based.
STEM Philosophy at VHS Recognizing the composition of our constituency, the school’s location in the Energy Corridor and Houston’s diversification in the medical field, The Village School is interested in utilizing local resources to strengthen STEM education for those interested students. While STEM objectives strengthen the curriculum for all students in required courses, those students who are not interested in STEM education will continue to have opportunities to study the well-rounded curriculum that has always been offered.
The Village High SchoolSTEM Education Initiative Four ComponentsImproving teachingOpportunities for students Community relationships Student Summit
Science and Math Teachers Improving Teaching Utilize technology in classes • Translate data into mathematical expressions and equations using real-time data collecting devices • Probes • Sensors • Calculator-Based Learning (CBL) • Logger Pro • Cross-curricular content between science and math departments
Science and Math Teachers Improving Teaching • Use the 6E Model in science teaching • Engage – Use real-life experiences as “anchors” to a new topic • Explain – Access prior knowledge by asking How and Why about the Engage activity to identify variables • Explore – Have students design their own lab activity to explore the variables; use technology to collect data • Elaborate – Analyze; describe relationships; derive equations, practice problems • Evaluate – Assess students’ understanding • Extend – Applications of topic in STEM fields
Science and Math Teachers Improving Teaching • Research Experience for Teachers (RET) – University of Houston • Graduate STEM Fellows in K-12 Education Program (GK-12) • National Science Teachers Association and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conferences
Students • Elective courses • Electronics and Technology (including robotics) • Computer application • Science research and engineering • Academic clubs • Apprenticeships • Summer programs
Local Colleges/Universities/Industries • RET • GK-12 • Apprenticeships • Summer programs
STEM Summit An opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge in a public place with the community invited (similar to a Science Fair)
Initiatives implemented for STEM education at Village High School
Initiatives Implemented • Utilize technology in classes • Science department is already using real-time devices • Next semester the math department will work collaboratively with the science department to collect and analyze data using technology • 6E Model is already being used by all science teachers
Initiatives Implemented • RET • Ms. Taylor has been bringing methodology into her classroom for several years • Dr. Pardue attended this six-week program last summer and has already introduced his classes to the idea of using carbon to clean up pollution • GK-12 is already active in Ms. Taylor’s classes. Starting last year, she has had Environmental Engineering doctorate students from University of Houston visit her classroom on a weekly basis to share current technology and methodology with her students. Next year, an additional Fellow will join Dr. Pardue’s classes.
Initiatives Implemented • NSTA national conference is being held in Houston the first weekend in November. The science department will be attending with a particular focus on how to work collaboratively with the math department on collecting and analyzing data. • Elective classes • Introduced this year • Electronics and Technology • Electronic Media • Being considered for next year • Computer applications: coding, Java, etc. • Anatomy and Physiology
Initiatives Implemented • MIT-Lemelson Invent Team Program Academic club started last year and our team advanced to the final round. • While some partnerships have already begun, we will look to develop more relationships in the educational and industrial professions
Initiatives Implemented • How STEM education can be accessed by all Village HS students • 9th and 10th grade students, as well as non-IB juniors and seniors, will benefit from STEM education in required math and science courses as well as electives • Potential ways 11th and 12th grade students can benefit from STEM within the IB Diploma Program • There are three IB courses Village does not currently offer which may strengthen STEM education • Extended Essays could be researched along with mentors in the local community • TOK already studies ‘knowledge’ in science and math as well as the other four academic groups • CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) could allow students to become involved in Creative initiatives during summer programs, internships, or mentoring. Service projects could possibly be tied to local establishments.
STEM Philosophy at VHS Recognizing the composition of our constituency, the school’s location in the Energy Corridor and Houston’s diversification in the medical field, The Village School is interested in utilizing local resources to strengthen STEM education for those interested students. While STEM objectives strengthen the curriculum for all students in required courses, those students who are not interested in STEM education will continue to have opportunities to study the well-rounded curriculum that has always been offered.