Career Maker Stem Lab

Josh Ames

MJHS

Career Maker Stem Lab

joshua.ames@mcusd709.org

309.284.5116

More information about my class can be found on the Career Maker website. There you'll find pictures, videos, the syllabus, and what the class is all about.

Junior Potters will participate in the Stem Lab for one quarter in both 7th and 8th grade. In this course students will work in a cooperative learning environment to solve real-world problems based on their assigned module. The purpose of these modules is to give students an opportunity to explore the careers or life skills outlined in the modules. They will engage in activities and research throughout the modules that professionals in that career complete on a regular routine.

Over the course of two years the students will have a chance to participate in some of the following modules: computer graphics and game development, dentistry, design and marketing, digital manufacturing, digital music, forensic science, home maintenance systems, home maintenance fundamentals, nursing, robotics, sports medicine, structural engineering, veterinary medicine, video production, welding, and virtual architecture.

I started at Morton Junior High School in 2019. Before stepping into this position, I taught fifth grade at Bolin Elementary in East Peoria for twelve years, and led the Stem Lab at Central Junior High in East Peoria for three years.

I attended college at ICC and ISU. From ICC I earned my Associate's Degree and from ISU I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I continued my education at ISU and earned my Master's of Curriculum and Instruction in 2008, and in May of 2014 I completed my administration certification at Bradley.

I call Morton my hometown and where I live with my wife, three daughters, a cat and a dog.