Embedded Files
Teachers have been given several professional development opportunities focused on STEM. Professional development has given the staff the knowledge to incorporate the PLTW curriculum and integrate PBL strategies in to each of their classes to increase critical thinking skills in students. During STEM instruction at LES, students are taught how to collaborate and use trial and error while using critical thinking skills to solve problems. Students understand roles and responsibilities within their collaborative groups. Technology is integrated into instruction and is used by students as they approach solving classroom problems.
Instructional Strategies used at LES:
Collaborative Learning - Students in all classes regularly work in teams to research problems and formulate solutions
Teacher as facilitator - Students given project to solve and teacher facilitates and guides through scaffolded assistance.
Integrated Technology - Students use technology to research, solve, and present solutions to problems.
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
All K-4 teachers at LES are PLTW and PBL certified. We have 5 teachers that have completed the STEM Fellow Certification.
STEM Fellows:
Jill Toy, 4th Grade Teacher
Brittney Gibson, 3rd Grade Teacher
Seasonal Lawson, 2nd Grade Teacher
Shannon Wagler, 1st Grade Teacher
Hannah Kidwell, Kindergarten Teacher
LES now a certified STEM Fellow at each grade level. Each STEM Fellow works with her colleagues during weekly PLC meetings to create new lessons for each grade.
STEM Fellows Training agendas and Example Certificate
STEM Fellows Implementation Folder
STEM Fellow Presentation Image
Tweet about STEM Fellows Training
Email from ROI Verifying STEM Fellow Participation
3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
Four PLTW Launch Modules are used each year by every teacher in the elementary to expose children to STEM content.
Project Based Learning Implementation
2017-2018
Fourth graders partnered with the local Humane Society and hardware store to address the need of pet beds for the shelter dogs and cats.
2018-2019
Third graders partnered with the local recycling center and our high school wood shop class. We learned the importance of recycling and how we can implement that in our school. We built a box to start recycling in our school.
A second grade class partnered with Crane Credit Union to learn about savings accounts and how to save money for their futures. Edwards Jones also came in and discussed how their money grows.
A first grade class partnered with Jolene's Decorating to design and construct flower pots for her new storefront. These flower pots also worked as butterfly gardens for the caterpillars they raised and released.
2020-21
All teachers will implement PBL lessons throughout the school year. A domain was added in the summer of 2020 to the corporation LEA teacher evaluation to ensure that 100% of teachers are implenting this type of needed curriculum.
PLTW Modules Used by Each Grade Level
PBL Lessons Created by LCSC Teachers
More PBL Lessons Created by LCSC Teachers
PBL Training (PW: teachinspired)
PBL Summer Training List / Groupings
LCSC Teacher Evaluation Rubric that Mandates PBL Be Used by Each Teacher
Pathways Curriculum List & Directions
"Apple STEM" Experiment Tweet when Learning about Jonny Appleseed
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
All grade levels K-4 collaborate in groups while working on STEM exploration, PLTW modules, MakerSpaces solving real-world problems and do research and PBL projects in non-STEM courses. Students work collaboratively on their PLTW modules as seen through a typical PLTW module (Rosie's Path Unit Plan) below during their Science / PLTW class time. Student and whole group accountability is measured using rubrics, project presentations, and conclusion discussions. Students have roles such as researcher, leader, time keeper, and materials manager in PLTW settings. Each student is given a specific role that contributes to the success of the project.
Daily, students work in groups in their reading and math time. PLTW/Science class times are primarily taught in group settings. Below are a typical week's worth of lesson plans for each grade level. All teachers follow the same general plans and complete the same activities.
Groups are chosen based on similar Dibbles scores for reading groups, mClass scores, high/low groupings, student choice, neighbor groupings, random groupings, etc. determined by the type of work that will be performed in that activity.
Individual Collaboration Rubric
Students Collaborating on Coding Project Example
Student Group Research Project
Collaborative Recycling Project
Collaborative Science Research Project
Grade Level Weekly Lesson Plans (group work is highlighted in each plan)
Student Collaboration Role Cards
3.4 Technology in Instruction
3.4 Technology in Instruction
Each grade at LES has a PLTW module that integrates technology and computer science into the curriculum.
Kindergarten: PLTW Animals and Algorithms
1st Grade: PLTW Module Animated Storytelling
2nd Grade: PLTW Module Grids and Games
3rd Grade: PLTW Module Programming Patterns
4th Grade: PLTW Module Input/Output Computer Systems
Three years ago, LCSC received the Digital Learning Grant after completing a technology audit. This grant was used to provide technology integration across K-12. Teachers received hands-on professional development and attended technology summer conferences. Through the GEER Grant and our partnership with the Unveristy of Evansville, several of our teachers are also becoming Google Certified throughout this school year.
Students at LES have been 1:1 for 3 years and have access to these devices:
each student has their own chromebook
2:1 ipads in classrooms
ViewSonic interactive boards to enhance instruction and student presentations in every classroom
All teachers have Dell Latitude 2-in-1 touch screen laptops
LES participates in the Hour of Code each December. This activity engages students in coding activities during a designated day that month for one hour. Teachers use this time to expose students to careers in coding.
PLTW Launch Modules with Computer Science Confirmation Email
Google Certification with University of Evansville Link
Practical Exam Example of Parts of a Pumpkin
Student Technology Example of a Solar Eclipse
Student Presentation about Energy Types
Student Vehicle Restraint Presentation
Student Presentation PBL Example
Google Docs Submission of Reading Assignment
Student Example of Designing How to Put Plants around Store of Community Partner (See image to right)
3.5 STEM Integration
3.5 STEM Integration
All teachers at LES are teaching 4 modules of the PLTW curriculum each year and follow the plan for each module. These STEM modules are incorporated on a quarterly basis with one module being used every nine weeks of school. Last year, we hosted a PLTW Showcase where educators and administrators from various corporations throughout Indiana visited our school to watch teachers in all grade levels facilitate PLTW lessons. We received recognition for being a PLTW Showcase District AND a PLTW Distinguished Corporation.
STEM / PBL APPROACH IN EVERY CLASS. CRITICAL THINKING SKLLS ARE USED ON A DAILY BASIS. PBL ACTIVITIES ARE USED IN ENGLISH AND SOCIAL STUDIES CLASSES.
Modules Used at Each Grade Level
Example Lesson STEM / PLTW Unit Plan
Example Unit Plan for PLTW Light and Sound
Example Unit Plan for Stability and Motion
PTLW Showcase District Confirmation Email
Presentation of PLTW Showcase District at LCSC Board Meeting by Theresa Hall on February 20, 2020
Congratulatory Email for Becoming Selected as a PLTW Distinguished School
LCSC Teacher Evaluation Rubric that Mandates PBL Be Used by Each Teacher
Report abuse