Executive Summary

Maple Crest STEM Middle School is different from traditional schools for various reasons. Our teachers have been through extensive professional development in the area of STEM education. Through collaboration and professional development, teachers have created STEM units for each grade level, which are implemented one STEM unit per 9-week grading period. We have two grading periods per semester for a total of four grading periods. The units are cross-curricular and are normally 2-3 weeks long in length. Our teachers have worked to change their instruction and assessment practices to meet the needs of our students. Maple Crest STEM Middle School provides students with experiences in integrated STEM curriculum. Our school has developed many relationships with numerous community members. Maple Crest STEM Middle School offers the 8th grade Career School for interested students, and our elective courses have been changed to meet the needs of the students and to integrate STEM based classes. Most students have the option of taking STEM class which is a problem and project-based learning environment. Lastly, our school has implemented many service learning opportunities for students.

At Maple Crest STEM Middle School, we have four Science labs. These labs are used primarily for Science classes but, also STEM classes. We have undergone renovations in our building. After renovations were completed, classrooms were supplied with new collaborative furniture. For example, we have chairs, ottomans, white board tables, touch screen projectors, etc. These types of classroom settings are collaborative in nature. Through renovations, we have also created a lounge area which is available for students to use. Additionally, we have a seating area in our media center. Furthermore, teachers have the ability to work "project days" into their STEM units. Project days are used when more than one period is needed to complete an activity related to the STEM unit.

Maple Crest STEM Middle School has a curriculum that consists of a fusion between individual teacher-developed curriculum and grade-level STEM units. All curriculum is based on IDOE standards and through the utilization of problem-based and project-based activities, students have the opportunity to experience the standards in real-life situations. Each quarter presents itself a new grade-level STEM unit that ties each subject area into one cohesive project. Through the utilization of STEM thinking and processing, students are able to produce empirical results that further serve to bolster their understanding of core standards.