Vision
Groton STEAM Learning Center.mp4Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, the Groton Central School District will be offering the region’s students exciting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) opportunities in its newly renovated STEAM learning center space at Groton Jr-Sr High School. The District, in partnership with TST-BOCES, has created a satellite STEAM Academy where students from the nine component school districts may attend a half day academic program in both their junior and senior years of high school.
Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, the Groton Central School District will be offering the region’s students exciting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) opportunities in its newly renovated STEAM learning center space at Groton Jr-Sr High School. The District, in partnership with TST-BOCES, has created a satellite STEAM Academy where students from the nine component school districts may attend a half day academic program in both their junior and senior years of high school.
Research has shown that emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math, while promoting the arts through creativity, innovation and design, is critical to getting students ready for careers in the 21st Century. Students who participate in this program will be exposed to career pathways in a variety of STEAM fields. Courses will encourage student inquiry through engaging curriculum and relevant project-based experiences and self-directed learning activities. To make the learning as authentic as possible, the program has built partnerships with various community businesses and organizations, and will include field trips, guest speakers, and job shadows. In addition, students will benefit from in-the-field instructors, who will present students with real life industry problems for them to solve within the instructional capacity of the field of study they are participating in. Students will be able to make clear connections between what they are learning in the classroom and observing outside the classroom.
Research has shown that emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math, while promoting the arts through creativity, innovation and design, is critical to getting students ready for careers in the 21st Century. Students who participate in this program will be exposed to career pathways in a variety of STEAM fields. Courses will encourage student inquiry through engaging curriculum and relevant project-based experiences and self-directed learning activities. To make the learning as authentic as possible, the program has built partnerships with various community businesses and organizations, and will include field trips, guest speakers, and job shadows. In addition, students will benefit from in-the-field instructors, who will present students with real life industry problems for them to solve within the instructional capacity of the field of study they are participating in. Students will be able to make clear connections between what they are learning in the classroom and observing outside the classroom.
Since part of the STEAM Learning Center’s focus is on preparing students for jobs of the future, the program also includes a college and career prep component. Students will be exposed to resume writing, college and job application processes, interviewing skills and communication skills, to name a few, so that upon completion of the program they can choose from three different career pathways: entry into the workforce, attendance at a technical school of study, or entry into a two or four-year college degree program.
Since part of the STEAM Learning Center’s focus is on preparing students for jobs of the future, the program also includes a college and career prep component. Students will be exposed to resume writing, college and job application processes, interviewing skills and communication skills, to name a few, so that upon completion of the program they can choose from three different career pathways: entry into the workforce, attendance at a technical school of study, or entry into a two or four-year college degree program.
Vision
Vision
Engaging curriculum that is industry-aligned with experts in the field assisting the master teachers via guest speakers, hosting class tours or individual students for job shadows.
Engaging curriculum that is industry-aligned with experts in the field assisting the master teachers via guest speakers, hosting class tours or individual students for job shadows.
It is based on the design-thinking model enhancing critical thinking skills through problem-based and project-based learning opportunities - it will be extremely hands-on
It is based on the design-thinking model enhancing critical thinking skills through problem-based and project-based learning opportunities - it will be extremely hands-on
The space and the curriculum are flexible - everything is mobile and student choice is embedded throughout the curriculum strengthening their creative thinking, and bringing more relevance and connection to the content. Students will own their learning.
The space and the curriculum are flexible - everything is mobile and student choice is embedded throughout the curriculum strengthening their creative thinking, and bringing more relevance and connection to the content. Students will own their learning.
Soft Skills
Soft Skills
Alongside the technical skills they will also be practicing some of the softer skills - communication, team work, leadership, work ethic, listening & negotiate, professionalism, time management & prioritizing, networking, how to receive constructive criticism and utilize feedback effectively.
Alongside the technical skills they will also be practicing some of the softer skills - communication, team work, leadership, work ethic, listening & negotiate, professionalism, time management & prioritizing, networking, how to receive constructive criticism and utilize feedback effectively.
Students will be expected to articulate their thought process as they present their projects to classmates, instructors and business partners. The structure of the learning center will lend itself nicely to building these skills, which while they may be deemed ‘soft’ are certainly of the utmost important for success in anything really.
Students will be expected to articulate their thought process as they present their projects to classmates, instructors and business partners. The structure of the learning center will lend itself nicely to building these skills, which while they may be deemed ‘soft’ are certainly of the utmost important for success in anything really.
Groton STEAM Learning Center Presentation materials
Groton STEAM Learning Center Presentation materials
Groton STEAM Learning Center PPT.pdfAdditional resources
Additional resources
Project Based Learning
Project Based Learning
The Physical Space
The Physical Space