STEM education needs to be a priority long before a child reaches high school. Although some students who are introduced to STEM in high school stick with it in college and beyond, for many others high school is simply too late to develop long-term interest in STEM subjects. We have to start even earlier and make sure that the science curriculum in our schools foster interest in STEM. (Fixing the US STEM problem, Bill Nye).
It is with this student success in mind that Gage Elementary turns our focus to STEM education for our students. Students get to experience Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with engaging, real world challenges. Teaching is student centered with a focus on teamwork to solve scientific and engineering challenges. Students are taught to effectively use technology to support science, mathematics, and engineering. The Scientific Method and Engineering Design Process are utilized to bring structure and critical thinking skills to age appropriate tasks that students are asked to complete. Creating STEM proficient students is a goal that we should all share as their skills will benefit our entire society in the future.