STEM Learners 1.3

Indicator ST1.3: Students are empowered to personalize and self direct their STEM learning experiences supported by STEM educators who facilitate their learning.

At Munford High School educators encourage students to be leaders of their own learning. Students have multiple opportunities to personalize and self-direct their own STEM learning experiences. Teachers at MHS frequently serve as facilitators who provide guidance and support for students as self-directed learners. Curriculum choice, opportunities to work with college professors conducting authentic research, and exploration of career choices are some examples of how MHS students take ownership of their learning.

Curriculum Choice

Through curriculum and club choice, there are numerous opportunities for students to enhance their STEM experiences at MHS. During our advisory periods, students are given the opportunity to choose from multiple STEM- oriented course options. For example, the Munford High School robotics team, ACT Prep, STEM, career prep, TV production and other organizations are available to students who are interested and meet the requirements. Facilitated by a STEM educator, students are also given personalized opportunities to choose courses during STEM parent outreach night. Through these personalized opportunities, students are empowered to choose their own STEM pathway.

Research Project

Munford High School's AP Language and Composition students are expected to independently complete a current issues research project. Students create their own research question based on a controversial issue or problem of their choice. They then take that research question and develop their own AP Synthesis prompt. Students research, gather, evaluate, annotate, and document sources to be used as support to develop a possible solution to their controversial topic of choice. Students integrate a variety of sources into a coherent, well-written researched synthesis essay. They consider the opposing positions on this controversy and determine the side with the most reasonable claim. Students then prepare a persuasive speech to deliver to the class. During the speech, teachers and peers use a rubric to offer constructive feedback. Students are then able to use the feedback to revise their essays and speeches. This project provides valuable STEM and 21st Century skills, and allows students to take ownership of their own learning.

Current Issues Synthesis Project

Jacksonville State University Partnership

Munford High School's Zoology class conducts research through its partnership with Jacksonville State University's Biology department. MHS students are given the opportunity to work side by side with college professors and graduate students within the biological field of their choosing. Students meet with many professors who share their input on real-world research they are currently conducting or plan to complete in the future. MHS students can either decide to assist in the research or personalize their learning by researching a topic that they want to learn more about. Recently, due to a sparked interest in the species after a class discussion, our students chose to conduct a few experiments on Zebrafish. Because Zebrafish are a model organism in today's medical research, students were intrigued by how something so small could be used for something so crucial to our growing society. Many scientists use Zebrafish in their experiments because their genomes are very similar to humans in the sense of protein coding genes. In fact, seventy percent of the protein-coding genes in humans are related to the genes found in Zebrafish. Students design and conduct various experiments using Zebrafish embryos that they produce after breeding the fish in class. They record the data of their tests and create a webpage in order to relay their research to others wanting to learn more about these small fish with big futures!

VISIT THE WEBSITE at https://sites.google.com/tcboe.org/mhs-zoology/home

Honors Economics Career/ Budget Project

Munford High Honors Economics class researches career paths and creates portfolios that include salaries, education level, and a monthly budget based on the salary of the chosen career. The purpose of this project is to create a real-life financial scenario that students will face upon completing high school.

Career Tech Preview Day

To help guide students in their curriculum choice, Career Tech offered a preview of all the STEM and career oriented classes offered at Munford. This year, students were able to visit representatives from:

Health Science
Building/ Construction Science
Engineering
Agriscience
Family and Consumer Science
Business Tech
Talladega College Computer Science
Gadsden State Information Technology
Gadsden State Machining
Gadsden State Welding

Report abuse