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Domain 3 – Instruction
Classroom instruction is standards-driven. The STEM programs we use (PLTW, Engineering is Elementary, Pearson Science, Code.org) have been carefully analyzed to determine which grade level standards are covered and which are missing. Grade level teams have found resources for missing standards and incorporate them into their lesson plans. Community experts provide background knowledge and information about the topic during study trips and on-site visits.
Project Lead the Way and the Museum of Science and Industry have trained our staff in implementing a STEM instructional approach, in the context of solving a real-world problem. Project Lead the Way provides online training for each of the modules teachers have selected to use in their classrooms (see evidence 2.1 for PLTW at Lake Hills). The Museum of Science and Industry has provided training at the museum for our staff during the four years of our partnership. In January 2020, museum staff visited Lake Hills and conducted professional development for all certified staff (see evidence 3.1 for example of lesson).
Teachers use a STEM instructional approach, in the context of solving a real-world challenge, in their classrooms as a result of these trainings. Grade level teams plan these challenges together so everyone at that grade has the same experiences and expectations.
Our students, who are at an 85% poverty rate, are naturally bodily-kinesthetic learners (Eric Jensen). Lake Hills’ STEM curriculum provides students with multiple opportunities to “learn by doing” which helps them build background knowledge and vocabulary. At home, family STEM projects have encouraged the whole family to become problem solvers as they work on a project together.
Students work with partners in Kindergarten and First Grade to help them develop collaborative skills. Students in grades 2-6 work in groups, across the curriculum, to work on projects and/or lessons. One sample of a group assignment process used at Lake Hills is in 3.3 evidence. Teachers use a variety of forms and rubrics based on their learning outcomes.
Students use a variety of technologies (Interactive Promethean Boards, iPads, Chromebooks, wireless laptops, computers, Science Lab equipment, and Distance Learning equipment) to enhance their learning in investigations and problem solving. Integration of Digital Age Literacyskills (reading critically, solving complex problems in mathematics and science) are woven into our STEM program. During PLTW instruction students use iPads and IPad applications to solve authentic problems, work with others to find real solutions, and use communication skills to present their products.
Big ideas K-6 staff incorporate into their STEM curriculum are: 1) Twenty –First Century Skills (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. 2. Multiple Intelligences, 3) Depth of Knowledge Questioning, and 4) The Engineering Design Process.
STEM integration is evident as you walk into classrooms at Lake Hills. Students are engaged in STEM activities that help prepare them for the world outside of the classroom setting. Teachers and staff work hard to prepare our learners to be productive, responsible, and excited about learning every day.
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
The Museum of Science and Industry provided staff development for all certified staff on January, 2020 using a "Fossil Dig" lesson to train staff in solving a real world problem. As part of our alumni program, we will continue to receive additional training in this area. In addition, MSI staff has provided formal and informal training for our staff (ie: student learning labs, teacher leader work sessions, and conferences) during the past three years.
Grade level teachers have received on-line training in order to implement Project Lead the Way in their classrooms. Our five new staff members are receiving training from the STEM coordinator and their grade level team. PLTW incorporates real-life problem/project based into each module.
The STEM Coordinator is a member of the State of IN Ford NGL PBL training program. She is modeling PBL lessons with selected grade levels and will train the entire staff next year with this specific PBL model.
Fossil Dig - 1.22.20.pptx3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
Lake Hills’ curriculum is rooted in Indiana College and Career Readiness Standards. Curriculum content is hands-on and minds-on with STEM integration being the key to student success. Technology uniquely applies math and science knowledge through providing an engaging hands-on environment. Project Lead the Way is implemented in grades K-5. Students are introduced to new technology and the engineering design process using iPads and iPad applications. Students are involved in solving authentic problems, working with others, finding real solutions, and using communication skills to present their products.
STEM instructional strategies used at Lake Hills:
Science Notebooking- Documents work or used to assess student learning.
Project Based Learning (PBL) - Students work collaboratively to complete a STEM task.
Cooperative Learning -Small teams of students of varying ability levels working together to complete tasks.
Open-Ended Questioning -Questioning strategies using DOK (Depth of Knowledge)
Hands-on Experiential Learning- Investigate multiple solutions to a problem through exploration.
Goal Setting -Through PBL, students reflect on their work and set goals for further learning.
Differentiation of Learning and Formative Assessment - STEM literature and assessments are prepared on student Lexile level to promote science discussions necessary to curriculum.
3.2 Real World Problem.docx3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
All students at Lake Hills work in instructional work groups in all curriculum areas several times during the week. Teachers use a variety of rubrics and checklists based on the instructional goals of the lesson.
Students in grades K-1 have many opportunities to work with a variety of partners during the week. This foundation helps prepare them for collaborative group work in future grade levels.
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups Roller Coaster (2nd and 4th grade buddies).pptxAdditional Documentation
3.3 Instructional Work Groups Museum of Science and Industry Fourth Grade.pptxAdditional Documentation
3.4 Technology in Instruction
3.4 Technology in Instruction
A technology rich environment is evident at Lake Hills. Students and teachers have access to seventy iPads, there are two computer labs, students in grades 3-6 have individual chromebooks, while primary classrooms have chromebook carts to share. Each teacher has a tablet and wireless access for instruction via a large screen television in grades 3-6 and interactive promethean boards in grades K-2.
The LaPorte County Library provides on-site K-6 classroom instruction on standards-based integrated lessons using a variety of technologies. This program, referred to as "Libraries 360", also provides our staff with online training for STEAM curriculum kits they loan to us to use with our students.
Students’ learning is differentiated by using Google, Wordle, Prezi, Interactive books, and other internet resources. Through the Math/Science Project Grant, teachers in grades 4-6 spent two weeks during the summer, learning to integrate and create iMovies to teach science and math. Students are exposed to activity-oriented experiences by using the internet routinely for investigations, to create presentations to communicate their learning. Additionally, Lake Hills’ students are learning computer science and computer programming using Code.org. Technology is used to reinforce instruction. IXL and Flocabulary are programs used routinely by intermediate teachers and students to monitor student progress and to refine skills. Teachers use student data from these programs to analyze student progress and plan instruction.
Technology at Lake Hills is a natural part of the learning environment. It is the bridge between authentic learning, application of skills, and a genuine STEM integrated setting.
3.5 STEM Integration
3.5 STEM Integration
Our school year is divided into trimesters and all grade levels have developed STEM Integrated Curriculum maps for each trimester.
The staff implements lessons from PLTW, Pearson Science, and Code.org. Teachers also construct their own lessons if they feel specific standards are not being addressed.
Our ELL teacher has embraced the idea of STEM Integration helping her students develop concepts and vocabulary being taught in the regular classrooms.
2nd Grade Invention Projects.pptxAdditional Documentation
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