Instruction

"A STEM success story in my yearbook class is anytime a student gets that 'aha' moment. Each semester, I get students who seem to have never had to 'self-teach' before. It is a wonderful transformation from the beginning of the semester where they struggle with not being explicitly told what to do, to the end of the semester where they have become their own answer to their questions. To me, this is STEM: learning to let go and trust oneself through exploration, trial, and error."

Shanna Kelly, English and Yearbook Teacher

STEM instruction is an integral part of the curriculum at North Posey Junior High School. 100% of teachers have been trained in implementing a STEM instructional approach in the context of solving a real-world problem or challenge. Multiple staff members have been trained in Project Lead the Way, multiple staff members have participated in various professional development programs that are STEM related, and all staff members have been trained on how to implement STEM activities into everyday learning.

In order to help North Posey Junior High School achieve our mission for the STEM initiative, 100% of our teachers are implementing a STEM instructional approach in the context of solving a real world problem or challenge in our classrooms. Each teacher has submitted an example of STEM instruction in his or her classroom. Examples of STEM instruction products include publication examples from the school yearbook, the creation of board games, escape rooms, various science labs, and the designing of braces, among many others.

At least two times per week and in at least 50 percent of classes at North Posey Junior High School, students work in groups and collaborate with peers based upon project/intended outcomes. Within these groups, each group member has at least one assigned role that is critical to successful project/goal completion. These assigned roles include, but are not limited to, a recorder of information, material collector, material returner, timer, project leader, speaker, project leader, and reader. Accountability is measured, observed, and recorded for each individual as well as the entire group during and upon completion of the project.

Students use a variety of technologies at North Posey Junior High School to enhance their learning in investigations and problem solving at least 50 percent of the time. Not only do students have personal Chromebooks with them in every classroom, but they also have a variety of tools at their disposal. Students use many tools including, but not limited to, the following: Google Forms to create surveys for data collection/analysis; Jostens Layout Pro and Sketch Up for design; Sling Studio, 3D printers, and the Glowforge for creation; Biodigital and Google Earth for virtual simulations, INSPIRE and various online encyclopedias for research, and Flipgrid and YouTube for communication.

At North Posey Junior High School, all of our teachers are implementing planned, integrated STEM learning opportunities on at least a quarterly basis. Many classes complete escape rooms and work as a whole class or small groups to complete various tasks to open locks, find the next clue, or crack the code, etc. Some classes complete labs as small groups or in partners to solve problems and create hypotheses such as creating a filtration system to clean polluted water or producing orthotics to help stabilize ankle or foot injuries.

3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training

At North Posey Junior High School, we value the education of our staff, especially when it comes to STEM instructional training. 100% of teachers have been trained in implementing a STEM instructional approach in the context of solving a real-world problem or challenge. Some of these professional development activities include Project Lead The Way, Pyxis, Project Based Learning, and other presentations on STEM activities. We have included proof of various professional development trainings that have been presented to our staff on STEM instructional practices.

3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation

At North Posey Junior High School, 100% of teachers use a STEM instructional approach in the context of solving a real-world problem or challenge. We have included several lesson plans from our staff that show various techniques that incorporate STEM in our classrooms as well as pictures and student products.

3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups

At North Posey Junior High School, we provide opportunities for our students to collaborate in groups at least two times per week and in at least 50% of classes. While working together, our students collaborate on projects and intended outcomes. Students are assigned specific roles that are critical to successful project completion. Accountability is measured and recorded for each individual as well as the entire group. We have included examples to the right of some of the types of multi-day STEM lessons that students are engaged in that clearly document the three work group aspects.

3.4 Technology in Instruction

At North Posey Junior High School, students use a variety of technologies to enhance their learning in investigations and problem-solving such as data collection/analysis, design, creation, virtual simulations, research, and communication at least 50% of the time. We have made significant investments - both financially and logistically to ensure that all students have access to the technology that they need to be successful in college and careers. To demonstrate this commitment, we have included a detailed explanation and many picture examples.

3.5 STEM Integration

At North Posey Junior High School, we are integrating lessons to empower students in understanding and comprehension of STEM activities. At least 50% of teachers are implementing the planned integrated STEM learning opportunities on a quarterly basis (planning in 1.3).

To the right, we have included examples of teacher lesson plans linked to meeting minutes for 10 of the 17 teachers. Other integrated STEM learning opportunities are in the planning process through our common plan time meetings. Currently, all 17 teachers (100%) are actively engaged in the integrated STEM learning opportunity process.

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