Embedded Files
STEM Curriculum at Jefferson Elementary:
STEM Curriculum at Jefferson Elementary:
Alignment with IDOE STEM Priorities and Gold Standard PBL
Alignment with IDOE STEM Priorities and Gold Standard PBL
Jefferson Elementary's STEM curriculum is built around a hands-on, inquiry-based approach that integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into all subject areas. Our curriculum emphasizes real-world problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, ensuring that students develop the essential skills necessary for future success in STEM fields. Each grade level engages in interdisciplinary STEM activities, from coding and robotics to engineering challenges and scientific exploration.
Our STEM curriculum aligns closely with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) STEM priorities, which focus on providing equitable access to STEM education for all students, preparing them for future careers and fostering innovation. At Jefferson, we ensure that all students, regardless of background or ability, are actively engaged in meaningful STEM learning experiences that reflect the IDOE's goals of equity, STEM literacy, and real-world application.
Furthermore, Jefferson’s approach is grounded in the Gold Standard for Project-Based Learning (PBL). Our curriculum integrates PBL practices by emphasizing sustained inquiry, authenticity, student voice, and reflection. Students take on complex, real-world challenges—such as designing eco-friendly solutions or building functional models—where they apply STEM concepts in authentic contexts. This approach not only deepens their understanding of STEM but also develops essential skills like collaboration, communication, and perseverance, all key components of the Gold Standard PBL.
By aligning with IDOE priorities and incorporating Gold Standard PBL, Jefferson’s STEM curriculum ensures that our students are well-prepared for the demands of the future while fostering a love for innovation and inquiry.
2.1 Curriculum Integration
2.1 Curriculum Integration
At Jefferson Elementary, STEM is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum at every grade level, providing students with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. From kindergarten through sixth grade, students explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on projects and real-world applications that enhance their understanding of core subjects.
In the early grades, students might learn basic engineering concepts by designing structures, while older students engage in more complex problem-solving activities, such as coding robots or conducting scientific experiments. This integration ensures that STEM is not taught in isolation but is woven into all aspects of the curriculum, from math and science to literacy and social studies.
By embedding STEM throughout all grade levels, Jefferson prepares students to think critically, work collaboratively, and apply their learning in meaningful ways, fostering a school-wide culture of inquiry, innovation, and creativity.
2.2 Curriculum Implementation
2.2 Curriculum Implementation
Since 2018, at Jefferson Elementary, STEM is fully integrated into the curriculum across all grade levels, ensuring that every student engages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from kindergarten through sixth grade. Our approach emphasizes hands-on, inquiry-based learning that encourages students to explore, innovate, and solve real-world problems.
In the early grades, students begin by building foundational skills through activities like simple coding, basic engineering challenges, and scientific exploration. As students progress through the upper grades, these concepts are expanded with more complex projects, including robotics, advanced problem-solving tasks, and interdisciplinary STEM projects.
By incorporating STEM into subjects such as math, science, language arts, and social studies, we ensure that STEM learning is continuous and interconnected. Our curriculum is designed to align with Indiana's STEM standards, providing all students with equitable access to high-quality STEM experiences that build essential skills for their future. This school-wide implementation cultivates critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, preparing students to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.
employability-skills-standards-poster.pdf
2.3 Computer Science
2.3 Computer Science
At Jefferson Elementary, we are committed to integrating computer science into all grade levels as a key component of our STEM curriculum. From kindergarten through sixth grade, students engage in hands-on coding, robotics, and digital problem-solving activities that foster computational thinking and technological fluency. By introducing foundational concepts such as algorithms, coding logic, and data analysis early on, we ensure that students build critical skills that prepare them for a tech-driven world.
Our computer science curriculum is woven into interdisciplinary STEM lessons, allowing students to apply coding and digital tools to solve real-world challenges in science, engineering, and mathematics. For example, younger students may use coding to control robots in collaborative tasks, while older students engage in more complex projects, such as developing simple apps or simulating scientific experiments.
Jefferson’s approach aligns with IDOE's priorities for STEM education by ensuring equitable access to computer science for all students, fostering innovation, and preparing them for future careers in an increasingly digital economy. Through this comprehensive implementation, we provide students with the tech tools they need to become creators and problem-solvers in a technology-driven future.
Incorporating Digital Learning Specialists
Compter Science Collaboration and Integration
Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) is dedicated to providing all students with access to computer science education, facilitated by our team of Digital Learning Specialists.
Through focused integration of computer science instruction across all grade levels, WCS aims to equip students with essential skills in coding, problem-solving, and digital literacy. By embedding computer science principles into the curriculum, our Digital Learning Specialists ensure that students are not only prepared for a tech-driven future but are also inspired to pursue further studies and careers in STEM fields.
This district-wide initiative reflects WCS's commitment to fostering innovation and lifelong learning in every classroom.
2.4 Employability Skills
2.4 Employability Skills
At Jefferson Elementary, we are committed to embedding employability skills into our STEM education at every grade level. From kindergarten through sixth grade, students develop critical skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are essential for success in the modern workforce. These skills are integrated into hands-on STEM activities, where students work in teams to solve real-world challenges, code robots, and design engineering projects.
By aligning our STEM curriculum with Indiana's Employability Skills Standards, we ensure that students not only master academic content but also develop the soft skills needed for future careers. Whether through project-based learning, group collaborations, or leadership opportunities, Jefferson Elementary empowers students with the foundational employability skills that will serve them in any field, preparing them to become confident, capable innovators in the workforce of tomorrow.
JA+BizTown+Learning+Experience+Brief.pdf"While JA BizTown is designed for grades 4-6, it is just one of many STEM opportunities available to Jefferson students. Through experiences like this, students actively engage in hands-on learning that fosters STEM understanding while also demonstrating and developing key employability skills."
-Jennifer Long
2.5 Access and Opportunity for All Learners
2.5 Access and Opportunity for All Learners
At Jefferson Elementary, we are committed to providing equitable access and opportunity for all students to engage in STEM learning. Our inclusive approach ensures that every student, regardless of background, ability, or learning style, can participate in hands-on, inquiry-based STEM activities. We provide differentiated instruction and use adaptive technologies to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring everyone has the tools and support needed to succeed.
Through partnerships with local organizations and industries, we also expand students’ exposure to real-world STEM applications and career opportunities. By fostering a learning environment where STEM is accessible to all, Jefferson Elementary empowers students to explore, innovate, and develop the skills essential for success in the 21st century.
2.6 Assessments
2.6 Assessments
At Jefferson Elementary, we believe that comprehensive assessment is key to supporting student growth and ensuring the effectiveness of our STEM curriculum. Our plan incorporates a variety of STEM assessments, designed to evaluate both content knowledge and critical skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity.
We use formative assessments during lessons to monitor student understanding and provide immediate feedback, allowing teachers to adjust instruction as needed. These include observations, student reflections, and hands-on project evaluations. Summative assessments, such as end-of-unit projects and performance tasks, help gauge students' mastery of STEM concepts and skills in real-world applications.
Additionally, we utilize rubrics aligned with Indiana STEM standards and employability skills to assess students’ abilities to work collaboratively, think critically, and innovate. By using this variety of assessments, Jefferson ensures that all students are accurately evaluated, and future instruction is tailored to their needs, fostering continuous STEM learning and success.
At Jefferson Elementary, at least 75% of our teachers utilize a range of assessment methods to monitor and evaluate both STEM learning and instructional effectiveness. Through a balanced approach that includes formal and informal, as well as formative and summative assessments, our educators gain valuable insights into student progress and engagement.
This variety allows teachers to adapt instruction to meet individual needs, fostering an environment where every student can thrive in STEM. By consistently measuring learning outcomes and instructional impact, we ensure that our STEM program remains dynamic, responsive, and impactful across grade levels.
Report abuse