Our student enrollment at EVE decreased from 625 last year to 575 this year. Student enrollment determines the budget available for funding teachers. With a smaller student population, the resources available were enough to fund 3 rounds of specials. Art, music, and PE are mandated by the district, so they were automatically the 3 that were kept. Additional funding was later made available for another .5 teacher. Careful consideration was then given to providing our students an opportunity to grow as technologically savvy 21st century learners, and this is where the idea of having a .5 STEM lab rotation developed.
What does STEM stand for, and what is this whole STEM concept anyway? What is the justification for implementing a STEM lab at Eagleview?
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM education is centered around the idea that these four disciplines are not only inseparable, but interdependent. The goal of STEM education is to create 21st century learners, prepared for a rapidly changing world around them. We are working to prepare students for jobs that, as of today, do not yet exist. At Eagleview, we want to create top-notch students who will not only survive in a fast-paced, competitive market, but who will rise to the top with ease. But beyond that, we are choosing to recognize and nurture students’ innate curiosity and desire to think, create, invent, and explore.
What will computer education look like at Eagleview?
We all understand that our students are digital natives growing up in a digital world. While it will look different this year, our students will absolutely still be expected to be computer literate. Our teacher librarian and STEM teacher will integrate technology into as many aspects of education as possible. They will pool resources and bring in district support as needed, and will collaborate with teachers to help make sure every student receives proper technology education. The standard at Eagleview is to have 3 student computers and one teacher demonstration station per classroom. Each classroom also has a StarCart (which consists of a netbook, document camera, and projector), access to the permanent computer lab, and access to the mobile lab (laptops which can be moved around the building for student use). Each grade level has a digital camera, and there are more cameras and video cameras available for checkout in the media center.
I’ve been hearing the term “21st Century Learner” a lot lately. What does it mean?
A 21st century learner is someone who is prepared not only for today’s world, but for tomorrow’s as well. It’s someone who can compete in a global economy that demands innovation. A 21st century learner’s skill set includes critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation. She is well versed in academic content, but also knows how to continue learning, making effective and innovative use of what she knows throughout her life. A 21st century learner has information and media literacy skills. Through life skills such as leadership, personal productivity, people skills, and social responsibility, this student will be able to successfully face rigorous higher education coursework, career challenges, and a globally competitive workforce. For more detailed information, click here.
What curriculum will you teach?
The main curriculum taught in STEM lab will be the Engineering is Elementary (EIE) curriculum, created by the Museum of Science in Boston. This is the same curriculum that will be used to teach engineering at the new STEM school in Adams 12. For more information and to visit the EIE website, click here. Specific units were selected in order to enhance the science lessons already happening within the regular classroom. To see which EIE lessons will be taught at each grade level and how they correspond to that grade level’s current science curriculum, click on a particular grade level in the “pages” list in the left sidebar. The EIE lessons will also be enhanced through the regular integration of technology.
Which resources were used to support the purchase of the EIE curriculum?
The EIE curriculum was purchased using monies from a textbook, materials, and supply account. We believe this to be an important investment in our students’ future.
Is this a board approved, district sanctioned curriculum?
Yes, the STEM school did go through the curriculum appraisal process and was board approved.
Do you have data to support the implementation of the EIE curriculum?
Which standards will you be addressing in STEM lab?
We will be directly implementing the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S). These student standards focus on creativity, innovation, communication, collaboration, research, information fluency, critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making, digital citizenship, and technology operations and concepts. National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) will also be implemented.
Are you directly connected to the new STEM school in Adams 12?
The new STEM school is the lab school. Eagleview will be working in conjunction with the STEM school and learning from their expertise as the district moves toward 21st century learning for all students. By working in partnership with the STEM school, Eagleview is positioning our students to be on the cutting edge of education!
What benefits will there be for students in grades K, 1, and 2?
In addition to ensuring best first instruction for these students, our goal is to support teachers as they work toward their own personal comfort levels in teaching technology through the use of collaboration, co-planning, co-teaching, and professional development. Just like our older students, our primary students will still be receiving computer education and will also have the standard access to classroom computers, STAR carts, the permanent lab, the mobile lab, and other digital equipment.
How can I help support the implementation of STEM at Eagleview?
- First and foremost, stay in contact with us. Help us address your questions, concerns, and fears by bringing them directly to us.
- Trust that we are all here to ensure student success.
- Share your resources and expertise. If you or somebody you know is an expert in a particular field (scientist, engineer, etc.), send them our way!
- Keep up with the STEM lab blog. Know what your child is learning about, and discuss it with him on a regular basis. Allow his enthusiasm to guide the conversation.
- Partner with us. We as parents, teachers, and administrators can all encourage our children’s curiosity and natural desire to build, design, explore, question, and invent.
