STANDARD 1
STANDARD 1: Learners engage in STEM learning experiences that integrate all STEM disciplines with an emphasis on processes and practices associated with STEM.
Students at Munford Elementary School are immersed in a culture where STEAM learning is a priority. Students have equal access to STEAM programs, such as weekly STEAM lessons, STEAM Career Day, and Collaboration with Munford Middle and Munford High School. Students also enjoy learning in a building that demonstrates our partnerships with the Alabama Forestry Service.
Pictured to the left are some photographs from our STEAM Career Day from October 2022. As you can see, all students participated in STEAM Career day. On STEAM Career Day, students were visited by at least 4 or 5 different professionals that have jobs in current STEAM fields. Students were able to experience the different equipment needed and learned about the diverse educational experiences needed to perform these jobs effectively.
STEAM Career Day 2023 is coming October 12 and 13, 2023. Students will be experiencing community helpers, STEAM career fields, and a special presentation from the McWane Science Center.
Working with Munford Middle and Munford High School
Students at Munford Elementary School are also provided learning opportunities in STEAM disciplines within their classrooms daily. These include diverse learning opportunities in English Language Arts, Math, and Science through Project Based Learning (PBL).
Kindergarten students explored how our food is grown and sourced locally through a collaborative project with Munford High School. The students were taken through the process of planting, growing, harvesting, and even tasting our locally grown "popcorn"! Please click the link to see more images of our Kindergarten Popcorn PBL! Please watch the video of The Choccolocco Creek Watershed.
Environmental Education
Second grade students explored bird habitats and why bird create nests. Then students created a model habitat for the birds using materials gather around the Munford Elementary School Campus. This lesson went along with an ELA (English Language Arts) unit on Fables.
In addition, to environmental themed lessons, the M.E.S. campus proudly displays environmentally friendly and interactive murals inside the school building. There is also a low ropes course, two courtyards, and an outdoor classroom on campus. These items are regularly used by teachers and students at M.E.S.
Click to see all of our Bird's Nest Photographs!
Scanned_20221104-1236.pdf5th Grade "Town of Munford" PBL
The fifth grade teachers started with wanting students to use volume in a real-world setting and wanted to make it more personal to them to help engage them in the project. This is the process they followed:
1.) Students were put into groups and each group was assigned a public building in Munford.
2.) The classes discussed what public buildings need to be functional for a town (eg. economic impact) and they had to decide if their building was actually needed to help our town thrive. They filled out their preplanning sheet with all of the necessary information.
4.) Students used Google Earth to see the basic shape of their building.
5.) They had to come up with an estimate of the volume of their building in inches and had to get their math approved by the teacher (project manager).
6.) After approval they used the Tinker CAD website to construct their building and sent it to the teacher.
7.) Teachers collaborated with the STEAM teacher and used the 3D printers to print the rectangular prisms.
Click Here to see all of the project details!
Working together at MES! Teacher collaboration is essential for our success!
Collaborative efforts among teachers leads to improved learning outcomes for students. By sharing expertise and resources, educators can create more comprehensive and effective learning experiences. Collaborating with peers provides opportunities for professional growth. Teachers can learn from each other, attend workshops, and gain new insights into best practices. This is done through Professional Learning Communities, Embedded P.D., classroom visits, and after school trainings. In the realm of STEM, Digital Literacy, and Computer Science education, collaboration allows for the sharing of digital resources, lesson plans, and technology tools.
PBL Continued
Project-based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach that has gained significant attention and popularity in educational agencies, especially within the context of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and digital literacy. PBL focuses on active and inquiry-based learning, where students engage in real-world, hands-on projects to gain knowledge and skills.
Through PBL, students are encouraged to think critically and solve real-world problems. They learn to apply their knowledge and develop analytical and decision-making skills, which are vital for success in STEM and computer science fields. PBL allows students to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. This hands-on experience deepens their understanding of STEM and digital literacy, as they see the direct application of their learning. PBL projects are often designed to address real-world issues and challenges. This relevance helps students see the significance of their studies and how they can make a tangible impact on the world.
Project Based Learning
Project Based Learning (PBL) is not a new concept for Munford Elementary School. PBL encourages students to learn by integrating hands-on experiences and applying knowledge from different subject areas. PBL presents learning opportunities with-in a deeper context that leads to more college and career readiness. Our students learn through guest speakers, hands-on experiences, and cross curricular studies! Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational methodology that emphasizes student engagement, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. In PBL, students work on projects that are designed to address complex, open-ended questions or challenges. These projects typically require students to investigate, research, and apply their knowledge and skills to create meaningful solutions or products.
Fifth grade students used thier knowlege of force, motion, and balance to test their buidling skills while engineering a football goal post!
4H Chasteen Leaders
Congratulations to Mrs Chasteen’s 4-h officers for the 2023-2024 school year!!
President: Paisley Thrower
Vice-President: Chelsea Hipolito-Martinez
Secretary: Jackson Ledbetter
Inspirational Leader: Hudson Stewart
4H Ingram Leaders
Congratulations to Mrs Ingram’s 4-h officers for the 2023-2024 school year!!
President: Colton Freeman
Vice-President: Makenzie Green
Secretary: Destany Turley
Inspirational Leader: Isla McRae
4H Elston Leaders
Congratulations to Mrs Elston’s 4-h officers for the 2023-2024 school year!!
President: Yarethzy Reyes
Vice-President: Isaac Story
Secretary: Anna Cofield
Inspirational Leader: Nathan Smith
Congratulations to Mrs Newberry’s 4-h officers for the 2023-2024 school year!!
President: Harli Houzah
Vice-President: Emberlee Moore
Secretary: Georgia Marquardt
Inspirational Leader: Ben Thompson
4H at Munford Elementary
4-H is a valuable educational program for fourth graders at Munford Elementary School in Talladega County, Alabama. This program aligns with educational agencies and focuses on STEM, digital literacy, and computer science. 4-H is an organization that encourages youth development through hands-on learning experiences. In the context of fourth-grade students at Munford Elementary School, 4-H likely offers a wide range of activities and projects that enhance their knowledge and skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. These activities could include science experiments, technology projects, and engineering challenges, all aimed at fostering their interest and competence in these areas. In summary, 4-H at Munford Elementary School plays a significant role in promoting STEM education.
Classroom in the Forest
Every year fourth grade students get to experience our outdoor classroom facilities at the Munford School Campuses. During this day, students explore learning outdoors through hands on experiences featured in a rotation schedule. The forestry service and student volunteers from Munford Middle School and Munford High School make this outdoor learning day a success! Click here to see even more photographs and videos from this amazing learning day!