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North Elementary has invested our professional development in several ways to bolster our STEM programming. Kristina Griffin completed Lead Teacher Training in PLTW. She has since trained the staff to use Project Lead The Way resources for STEM projects at all grade levels. She was able to complete two days of training in the summer for several staff members (rosters are included). Our professional development schedule includes Picture-Perfect training, Project Based Learning, and STEM grade level planning during early release days.
Lesson plans are turned in each semester showing how teachers are using real-world problems to facilitate STEM learning. All grades have access to the Innovate Lab and use resources such as Chromebooks, Newline smartboards, 3-D printer, Lego wall, makerspace materials, as well as resources for PLTW projects. Teachers also document monthly STEM planning at each grade level using Google documents. Common plan time is worked into the schedule so grade level planning occurs throughout the school.
Collaboration roles are used within small groups. Teachers use a variety of ways to assess a group members effectiveness within their role. Peer assessments, rubrics, and self assessments tell us how well students fill their role within the group. Collaborative roles include: Leader - gives direction to the group, makes sure everyone is working, makes decisions with input from the team. Recorder - take notes, listens carefully, use neat handwriting. Reporter - report to class from the group, speak clearly. Cheerleader - set a schedule, help everyone stay on task.
North Elementary has been one to one for three years using Chromebooks K-6. We use Canvas as our platform for elearning. Our student data system is Harmony. Clever is used to access several applications used throughout the district. Our Innovate Lab and Sling Studio offer access to Newline smartboards and audio-visual equipment as well as 3-D printing.
Common plan time allow teachers to plan successful STEM activities throughout the curriculum. Lesson plans are submitted each semester to show how teachers are integrating STEM lessons into their coursework. Culminating activities are planned to show student work using STEM. A Science Extravaganza has been used to highlight student projects. Students have also participated in the Tri-State Science and Engineering Fair at the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Evansville Civil Engineering balsa wood bridge building contest.
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
Professional development is provided for all teachers to support the implementation of our STEM program. Evidence provided to the right includes the schedule of Picture-Perfect training and Project Based Learning professional development for teachers. A flyer for the Picture- Perfect training is included as well as our overall professional development schedule for the 20/21 school year. Teachers have also been offered PLTW Launch classroom teacher training (see attendance sheet).
3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
Administration's expectation for all teachers is that at least one engineering lesson is implemented each semester in each classroom. Provided to the right are examples of STEM lessons (with real-world problem solving skills) implemented throughout the school year.
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
The evidence shows examples of lesson plans with student collaboration and peer assessment. Students are assigned roles in order to streamline the project process and to add both individual and group accountability. These roles were discussed with staff during the February monthly meeting and implemented in our classrooms throughout the 20/21 school year.
Examples of Students Collaborating
Examples of Students Collaborating
Examples of Students Collaborating
Examples of Students Collaborating
3.4 Technology in Instruction
3.4 Technology in Instruction
The evidence we have given shows examples of students work in a variety of ways with technology. Furthermore, our teachers regularly provide instruction to their students with the use of technology. The examples provided in this section show how our teachers integrate technology into their STEM instruction. The use of technology in our classrooms help us provide better instruction to our students for the 21st Century.
Example of Student Work Completed with Seesaw
Example of Student Work Completed with Seesaw
Example of Student Work Completed with Google Classroom
3.5 STEM Integration
3.5 STEM Integration
At our school, teachers are implementing STEM instruction on a quarterly basis, at a minimum. Examples of lesson plans are provided to show evidence of how STEM is integrated into the curriculum at various grade levels.
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