Standard 3

The STEM school/program engages diverse STEM community in order to support and sustain STEM programs and initiatives.

Standard 3 Narrative

B.B. Comer encourages voice and choice. In class and as a school, students are able to guide their direction in projects. Since our school is a 1:1 technology school, students have learned how to use different technology apps to complete projects. Passion Projects are becoming a focus. Students are allowed to pick their topic, what technology app they want to work with, and how they present their project to the class. Our gifted class began passion projects three years ago, but now this concept has made its way into classrooms and is a new category at the counties technology showcase this year.

Teachers are aware of the need to facilitate students to become problem solvers through various projects and maker space sessions. Students are encouraged to use the Engineering Design Process to help them in their problem solving experiences as they complete the task at hand. BBCES consistently offers all students the opportunity to interact and engage with STEAM lessons and activities.

BBCES G.A.T.E. Program

Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E.)

Gifted and talented children are those who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high achievement capabilities in the areas of intellect, creativity, art, or leadership. B.B. Comer Elementary School students in third through fifth grades participate in weekly pull-out instruction with the gifted specialist. Instruction for Gifted and Talented students includes problem-solving, collaboration, communication, creativity, hands-on exploration, inquiry-based tasks, technology integration, STEAM, ongoing PBL, passion projects, real-world application and field trips.

Passion Projects

After being inspired by the Genius Hour movement, where students spend one hour a week researching their passions and sharing their insight, fifth grade teachers challenged their students to devote one hour per week on projects that peaked their interests. Throughout the 2018-2019 school year, these students created assorted technology projects, wrote songs, and built unique projects from scratch that were completely self-directed by them.

Outreach Programs

Girls in STEAM Day

During the 2018-2019 school year, BBCES partnered with Fayetteville High School and Winterboro High School to host a Girls in STEAM Day for sixth and seventh-grade girls. The purpose of this day was to inspire and empower our girls to pursue an interest in STEM beyond the classroom. The girls collaborated to research and use the Engineering Design Process to create interactive folders powered by Makey Makey kits that would educate others about various STEM careers. Over 120 girls participated in this event!

Kicking Off a STEMtastic Day

Explaining STEM Career Research to Guests

Constructing STEM Career Interactive Folders with Makey Makey Kits

Researching Top STEM Careers

W.A.L.I.

WALI was designed to include fidget boards and similar devices. Devices like these are known to quell anxieties, help students focus and prepare their minds for learning.

Sensory Room (Bus)

In an effort to involve ALL learners in the STEAM community, WALI was created. WALI (Whole Child Approach Learning Initiative) was inspired by the students at B.B. Comer Elementary school. The unique sensory room was converted from a retired school bus. The bus is equipped with technology and devices that help improve language, behavior, fine and gross motor skills as well as academics. WALI travels throughout the district allowing all students in Talladega County schools, the opportunity to experience this innovative resource.

Maker Space

Students in Pre-K-6th grade enjoy coming to the media center for Maker Space. Maker Space is a time when students are given a theme or activity that is related to literature or a content standard. Activities allow students to be creative while building, designing, exploring and learning. Students are able to collaborate with each other to make a plan, problem solve and arrive at a finished project to share.

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