Curriculum
We consider our curriculum as the skeleton of our STEM program. Just as bones provide a form for the body to stand, our curriculum provides the rich rigorous strength for our STEM program. Curriculum, for teaching STEM lessons, consists of CREATE2THINK, Project Lead the Way, and teacher-made project-based, as well as community-based learning experiences.
CREATE2THINK curriculum is used with 100% of our students and delivered by our dedicated science teachers. This curriculum is grounded in the 5E Model of Instruction. “The 5E Model of Instruction includes five phases: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. It provides a carefully planned sequence of instruction that places students at the center of learning. It encourages all students to explore, construct understanding of scientific concepts, and relate those understandings to phenomena or engineering problems.” –Rodger Bybee
With the CREATE2THINK curriculum, students are given a scenario and then, after exploration and extensive research, create a hands-on project to complete the unit. There are a minimum of 4 units for each grade level 6-8. This curriculum also offers employability skills so that students are exposed to future-ready careers and qualities needed to be successful in those careers.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is delivered by our PLTW teacher and offered on a quarterly basis. PLTW is a rich and robust curriculum vetted by the Indiana Department of Education as a platform for STEM instruction. PLTW lessons are evidence-based with rigorous research and multiple practices.
Having been a part of the PBL Works training, many of our classroom teachers are now creating project-based and community-based STEM lessons to engage their students. PBL lessons deepen learning and help students achieve success in college, career, and life. These lessons are shared with other teachers across our district. Collaborative planning time is used to refine lessons and plan engaging instruction. “PBL can be transformative for students, especially those furthest from educational opportunity. Now more than ever, we need young people who are ready, willing, and able to tackle the challenges of their lives and the world they will inherit - and nothing prepares them better than Project Based Learning.”*
In the early part of 2022, all of our teachers had the opportunity to be trained in project-based learning through Equitable Education Solutions. With 100% of our teachers trained, we will continue to build rich STEM units that engage students in critical thinking, creative thinking and transformational challenges.
"Evidence-Based Practices Overview." https://ngss.sdcoe.net/Evidence-Based-Practices/Evidence-Based-Practices-Overview. Accessed 24 Oct. 2021.
*"Why Do We Focus on Project Based Learning? | PBLWorks." https://www.pblworks.org/why-project-based-learning. Accessed 24 Oct. 2021.
2.1 Curriculum Integration
In addition to CREATE2THINK curriculum, Mount Vernon schools have adopted the IDOE Vetted Curriculum from Project Lead The Way which is used in the general education classrooms. Educators have also been trained and use PBL Works to develop lessons.
2.3 Computer Science
Standards-based computer science content is incorporated into the school curriculum for 100% of the student population. Students get STEM lessons from grade-level units that are anchored in the Indiana Academic Science and Engineering Standards and align with grade-level Math and ELA Priority standards and the Indiana Employability Skills. Many additional lesson plans, Design Thinking Challenges, Project-Based learning activities, Vex robotics, and Inquiry-Based activities address the Indiana Computer Science standards and are offered to our students.
2.5 Access and Opportunity for All Learners
General education teachers are connected with appropriate special education and support service teachers for necessary material development, collaboration, and refinement. Diverse learners are supported by understanding their academic needs.