MCCSC offers on-going STEM related professional development opportunities for teachers throughout the year. Unionville teachers also participate in professional development based on best practices in STEM on their own and through relationships with community partners. This includes inquiry and problem-based learning centered around real-world problems. Unionville Elementary school has one teacher on staff that is certified in computer science and one teachers that is certified in project-based learning. These teachers are a valuable asset to the learning and growth that takes place among teachers within our building.

Unionville's dedicated teachers use a STEM instructional approach to learning through our school's EARTH/STEM framework. They seamlessly integrate science, technology, engineering and math into the curriculum by using hands-on activities, real-world applications, collaborative projects, and countless outdoor learning opportunities on the grounds of our 18 acre school property. This regular integration of EARTH/STEM instructional practices helps students not only enhance academic understanding, but also promotes critical thinking and real-world problem solving.    

Unionville students commonly work collaboratively in groups with specific roles in order to solve real-world problems. Every student is expected to participate in group work and is held accountable for their individual role in the group. Although every classroom is different, finding ways to include student voice and choice in the classroom is very important to our staff. They do this by allowing students to create norms and agreements for learning, determine the criteria for final products, and ask students for input on what they want to study and learn. These practices occur across all grade levels and in all subjects throughout the day.  

Students regularly engage with technology as part of their EARTH/STEM lessons. They use 1:1 iPad devices to research, collect data, design, create and communicate. Teachers use technology like Apple TV, document cameras, and apps to enhance the curriculum. Computers and iPads are used as tools to develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and comprehension. Students have the opportunity to participate in robotics, use machines like the Glowforge to design and cut out materials, and use simple technology like binoculars, measuring tapes, and thermometers on a regular basis.