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Learn more about our current project, Discovery Garden/Outdoor Classroom Project!
What is S.T.E.M.?
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is a nation-wide effort to integrate the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics by providing young students with opportunities to expand their understanding by offering hands-on, inquiry-based activities that challenge their thinking and problem-solving skills. Across Iowa, S.T.E.M. programs have been establish by Iowa State University, community colleges and local schools.
Why S.T.E.M.?
Recent studies indicate a significant drop in achievement scores and performance by U.S. students in the fields of math and science. Our once dominate position as the world’s leading scientists and inventors have rapidly been overtaken by other countries, especially India and China. America needs strong leaders in these fields and the time to excite and educate is in the lower grades.
Who’s Involved?
The entire community!
Children: STEM offers academies targeted at students in grades 3-5, where research strongly shows interest in science is high (and can be more easily fostered for life long interest).
Parents: parents have attended STEM academies with their children and even participated in some of the competitions!
Teachers: Four Sibley-Ocheyedan school district science/math teachers are involved in STEM. All STEM positions are volunteer!
Businesses and Civic Organizations: Sibley STEM is grateful for the donations from a variety of local businesses (ExoPack, Remedies, Lewis Family Drug, Keith M. Merrick’s, Inc., Sibley Airport, The Porch on Main, Pizza Ranch) and community organizations (Sibley Kiwanis Club, S-O Educational Foundation)
Universities: Sibley STEM secured a “Minds of Tomorrow” grant through Iowa State University and is part of the Governor’s state-wide STEM initiative.
Getting the Word Out!
Sibley STEM has been featured in the Osceola County Gazette-Tribune as well as the Northwest Iowa Review.
Goals of S.T.E.M.
Provide students a way to enrich their interest and knowledge in the fields of math, science, technology and engineering.
Prepare students to be more competitive in the fields of math and science when they enter high school, college and the work force.
Foster an environment where students are able to think creatively and solve problems.
Our personal goal is to not only sustain our local STEM academies, but also expand them by enabling more students, especially lower-income students, to attend and give them an opportunity to enrich their education. We would also like to see children from surrounding communities attend Sibley STEM. During the summer 2010 “Flight School” academy, two children from Sheldon attended!
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