We are Magnet!

Bear Exploration Center (Bear) is a certified magnet and STEM school. We are committed to STEAM learning through all content and specialist areas. We implement a rigorous curriculum embedded in STEAM learning. Our STEAM focus supports our commitment to high expectations and academic excellence. This Google Site provides evidence of our commitment to STEAM learning to increase students' engagement and motivation for lifelong learning.

Magnet Schools of America

Bear is dedicated to fully embracing the five core pillars established by Magnet Schools of America, which are essential for fostering a comprehensive and enriching educational environment. The five pillars are: diversity, innovative curriculum and professional development, academic excellence, high quality instructional systems and family and community partnerships. At Bear, we are unwavering in our commitment to improving teaching and learning by aligning with these pillars, ensuring a holistic and dynamic educational experience for all students.

History of AI

AI has a rich and evolving history that dates back to the mid-20th century, when pioneers like Alan Turing, John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, and Claude Shannon laid the groundwork for foundational concepts such as artificial neural networks, machine learning, and symbolic reasoning. Over the decades, AI research has experienced periods of rapid progress as well as setbacks, notably the AI winter of the 1970s and 1980s. However, the revival of machine learning algorithms in the 1990s reignited advancements, and more recently, deep learning algorithms have enabled significant breakthroughs in fields like natural language processing and computer vision.

The EU has also emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in AI, with new regulations set to take effect by 2024, requiring companies to comply with ethical standards in AI development. A key milestone in recent AI development was the 2022 release of ChatGPT by OpenAI, a large language model that has demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in reshaping communication and human-machine interaction. Looking ahead, models like ChatGPT are expected to become increasingly integrated into a variety of systems, from word processing software to search engines, fundamentally changing how we interact with technology in everyday life.

Illinois Central College. (2024, October October). History of Artifical Intelligence. Library Guides. https://library.icc.edu/c.php?g=1372140

AI in Action

Members of the Bear Faculty will integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their teaching and learning practices to enhance educational outcomes. This initiative aligns with Bear's Alabama Continuous Improvement Plan (ACIP) and will focus on two key objectives: (1) optimizing staff performance through advanced professional development and targeted support, and (2) promoting student-centered learning and achievement by leveraging technology to prepare students for college and career success. The AI action plan will be instrumental in developing engaging lessons, crafting assessments to measure student progress, and fostering collaborative spaces where students can apply and extend their skills. By incorporating AI, the plan aims to create an innovative learning environment that supports both student growth and teacher development.