STEM K12 11: STEM learning experiences integrate all STEM disciplines with an emphasis on processes and practices associated with STEM.

Impact Narrative:

Kelly Mill Elementary has been working to provide STEM learning experiences that integrate all STEM disciplines. School staff members and FCSD (Forsyth County School District) offer professional development opportunities to help teachers further understand how to facilitate STEM learning experiences, emphasizing the engineering and design process. Teachers are encouraged to become endorsed in one of the STEM disciplines to better understand how to intentionally integrate and emphasize science, math, or technology into each learning experience. Teachers are provided with opportunities to improve their professsional of STEM in visiting other schools to observe how to create and implement STEM within classrooms. Annually, Career Day provides opportunities for our students to engage with a variety of professionals in different STEM fields.

As teachers gain knowledge of STEM processes and practices at Kelly Mill, more intentional STEM learning experiences are offered to students using the 4Cs. During the 2018-2019 school year, we created a STEAM RtI group for third and fourth graders to explore the process and practices of STEM through an artistic lens. Our Art and Drama teachers at Kelly Mill facilitated this group of students through creative projects framed around problem-solving, critical thinking, and engineering. We integrate STEM disciplines by creating a working garden on school grounds by incorporating garden bed designs according to sunlight requirements, growing vegetables, giving farm-to-table opportunities through our cafeteria, and sending extra produce to a local food bank. Students use data collection, follow smoothie recipes, create videos, and outdoor learning continues to be a vital part of our STEM learning at KME.

Finally, school-wide STEM days showcase the practices students studied within their STEM projects for each school year. These engaging STEM days include many STEM elements for all grade levels. Assemblies, special community guest speakers, and projects are also celebrated on our KME STEM days.

Kelly Mill staff will continue to reflect on instructional planning and utilize models of continued collaboration K-5 through PLCs and grade levels to keep STEM processes and practices inventive and create learning experiences that engage students in STEM learning.

Initiatives/Actions/Artifacts:

• STEAM Musicals

• Garden Opportunities

• STEM DAY

• Teacher Visits to STEM schools

• Professional Development Session for KME Staff

• Teacher Professional Development

• Career Day 2019

• Career Day 2019 Evidence

• Career Day 2018

• STEAM RtI