Message from Principal
Message from Principal
Shelly Camp
Altar Valley Middle School
Embedded Files
Igniting Passion for STEM: Innovative Learning at Altar Valley Middle School
by Julie Venglarcik, 6-8 Grade Science Teacher
Students at Altar Valley Middle School are fortunate to have a dedicated and innovative science teacher who embodies the spirit of lifelong learning. She continuously seeks opportunities to enhance student engagement with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, making these subjects come alive in the classroom. Her enthusiasm extends beyond the school day, as she provides hands-on experiences through our 21st Century afterschool program and PBIS Eagles Day. As principal, Mrs. Camp, I am thrilled to highlight the impact of her work and the exciting learning taking place in our science program. This month, we are proud to feature science as the focus of our newsletter!
The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project (ASAP), supported by the Arizona Department of Education and the APS Foundation, is a grassroots initiative aimed at enhancing STEM education across Arizona. The project provides funding and guidance to schools and professional development organizations to foster engagement, update curricula, and acquire necessary materials to improve STEM education for students.
It has been my privilege to participate as an AZ ASAP STEM fellow over the past two years, bringing both learning experiences and the materials to make them possible for AVMS students.
Arizona Science Learning Standards are 3-Dimensional: based upon Crosscutting Science Concepts, Core Ideas for Knowing and Using Science, and the Science and Engineering Practices. Planning for instruction and learning always includes all three components.
A practice of both science and engineering is to use and construct models as helpful tools for representing ideas and explanations: 7th graders build cell models from modeling clay.
Core Idea 1 for Life Science: Organisms are organized on a cellular basis and have a finite life span.
Cross-cutting Concept of Structure and function: The way in which an object or living thing is shaped determines many of its properties and functions.
Mathematics and computation are fundamental tools for representing physical variables and their relationships in both science and engineering: 6-8th graders practice coding Edison robots in an enrichment course.
Core Idea 2 for Using Science: The knowledge produced by science is used in engineering and technologies to solve problems and/or create products.
Cross-cutting concepts of Cause and Effect and Systems and Systems Models are supported in a coding challenge.
Scientists and engineers plan and carry out investigations in the field or laboratory, working collaboratively as well as individually: An Eagles Day activity gives students the opportunity to experiment with ingredients to make their favorite custom polymer: Slime!
Cross-cutting Concept of Scale, proportion, and quantity: Learners need lots of practice to internalize their understanding.
Middle school science learning standards expect students to obtain and evaluate information regarding how scientists identify substances based on unique physical and chemical properties
Science is all around us. Well-planned (as well as unexpected) opportunities to engage in STEM learning provide our students a variety of experiences to build on as they negotiate their way to the future. Please don’t pass up an opportunity to encourage STEM exploration. Or, as Miss Frizzle always said: “Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!”
My favorite place for STEM professional development is Biosphere 2 in Oracle, AZ. I have spent over 100 hours on-site relishing high quality continuing education that I strive daily to apply with my students in the Altar Valley School District. Runner-up/close tie: Summer Field Experience with Sonoran Mud Turtle research in the BIORETS program on the Santa Cruz River. There’s so much more to learn about!
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