Excelling will look like: Students are exposed daily to a unique and explicit STEM curriculum that extends across all content and co-curricular classes in a cohesive manner. There is evidence of implementation of three plus years. 

Characteristics of the STEM curriculum

At Emerson Elementary School, our students are exposed daily to a unique and explicit STEM curriculum that extends beyond science and math content areas. Students experience a STEM curriculum across all content areas which provides them with a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning. 

Our teachers play a crucial role in developing and implementing STEM activities that connect subject-specific standards and provide students with opportunities to apply their learning in diverse and engaging ways. This collaborative effort ensures that our students are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

Teachers are consistently integrating technology and hands-on activities to engage students in the STEM curriculum. For example, our 1:1 laptop program in 3rd-5th grade and grade level laptop carts in K-2nd grade allows students to be creative producers and researchers, using technology as a tool to explore and create. This not only enhances their digital literacy skills but also encourages collaboration and critical thinking in problem-solving.

Furthermore, our school maximizes a hands-on approach to learning which allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, making their learning experience more meaningful and memorable.

Our school partners with local businesses and professionals in STEM fields to provide students with real-world experiences and exposure to STEM careers. This helps students see the practical applications of their learning and provides valuable exposure of future career paths. 

Overall, our STEM program is focused on cultivating a passion for innovation, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving in our students. We strive to foster a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around them, preparing them for success in the 21st-century workforce.

School-wide process-based thinking and claim, evidence, reasoning framework

In the fall of 2019, the STEM committee worked together to design the schoolwide EES Engineering Design Process. The committee researched other EDPs and brought ideas to the meeting. Through discussion and sharing, the committee developed an EDP specific to EES. Posters were created and posted in every classroom. In the years that followed our teachers integrated STEM and the EDP into their classrooms. Over time though we realized our students would benefit from a more kid friendly version of our EDP. In the fall of 2023, the STEM committee discussed making changes to the EDP poster. Suggestions included a graphic for each stage, a color associated with each stage, the use of gears, and leaving the descriptions previously included at each stage. The image above is the newly designed Engineering Design Process for Emerson Elementary School. Our STEM vision statement and mission statement are included on this new version. New posters have been created and posted in all classrooms for students and teachers. 

Grade level examples