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Instruction
Instruction
Dillsboro Elementary School teachers use a variety of instructional practices to implement STEM and Project Based Learning (PBL) into their classrooms. These practices include:
PBL: Teachers use PBL to engage students in real-world problems that require them to apply their knowledge and skills. For example, students might design a water filter system to solve a local water pollution problem.
STEM: Teachers integrate STEM concepts into all subject areas. For example, students might use engineering principles to design and build a structure in math class.
Maker Space: Teachers use maker spaces to provide students with hands-on opportunities to explore STEM concepts. For example, students might use 3D printers to create prototypes of their designs.
Google Educator Certification: Teachers have received Google Educator Certification, which provides them with the skills and knowledge to use Google's tools and resources in their classrooms.
APB model: Teachers have received training on the APB model, which provides them with the tools and resources to differentiate instruction for students with special educational needs.
Training to accommodate learners with special educational needs through STEM: Teachers have received training on how to accommodate learners with special educational needs through STEM. This training has helped teachers to develop activities and strategies that are accessible to all students.
These instructional practices have helped Dillsboro Elementary School to create a STEM-integrated environment that is engaging and challenging for all students.
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
Teachers at Dillsboro Elementary have actively engaged in STEM and Project-Based Learning (PBL) trainings, including Maker Space, PBL Certification, STEM Integration, and APB Model trainings, to enhance their instructional practices. These trainings equip them with the necessary skills and strategies to design authentic learning experiences where students are challenged to solve real-world problems, fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and innovation while preparing them for the challenges of the future job market. By incorporating these trainings into their teaching, teachers create dynamic learning opportunities that empower students to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways, preparing them to become problem solvers and active contributors in their communities.
3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
Teachers at Dillsboro Elementary are employing a STEM instructional approach in their classrooms by presenting students with a real-world problem to solve. Through hands-on activities, inquiry-based learning, and collaboration, students engage in the iterative process of designing, prototyping, testing, and refining solutions, cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that extend beyond the classroom, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
Our 5th grade students recently read, "The Last Holiday Concert" and made a musical instrument out of recycled material for a STEM project. Afterwards, they spread holiday cheer around the school by caroling and playing their instruments!
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
At Dillsboro Elementary, 100% of teachers are committed to providing STEM-focused learning opportunities in their classrooms that foster collaboration among students. They facilitate collaborative environments where students engage in projects aligned with STEM objectives, encouraging peer collaboration, questioning, brainstorming, and utilizing the design process to make informed decisions. Each group member assumes a well-defined role critical to the project's success, and accountability is measured and recorded individually and as a whole, ensuring that every student actively contributes to the group's achievements and personal growth.
3.4 Technology in Instruction
3.4 Technology in Instruction
Students at Dillsboro Elementary actively utilize a range of instructional technology equipment, materials, processes, and tools to enhance their STEM learning experiences. They engage in activities such as data collection and analysis, design and creation using digital tools, virtual simulations, research using online resources, and effective communication through multimedia platforms, allowing them to develop critical technological literacy skills and explore STEM concepts in innovative and interactive ways.
Our fifth grade students are out of this world! Students used their knowledge from lessons in math and science to practice using various measurement tools. They used rulers, meter sticks, yardsticks, and tape measures to measure out 3,000 centimeters on the gym floor and identified which tool worked the best. They then place models of the planets along tape measures to observe and compare each planet’s distance from the sun. Activities like these help students gain an understanding of scientists' need for astronomical units and have fun while learning!
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