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Jefferson Elementary uses a hybrid science curriculum that combines elements of Project Lead the Way and Buck Institute Project-Based Learning. Grade levels have been given professional development days to plan unit and project lesson plans. We believe that all students should have access to high-quality Project-Based Learning and we strive to provide the time and resources to accommodate our goal. A STEM instructional coach helps teachers plan, research, and teach lessons using best practices of STEM and PBL education.
2.1 Curriculum Integration
2.1 Curriculum Integration
Kindergarten STEM bricks and pillars agenda.docxSample PD Agenda
Sample PD Agenda
This is an example of a Kindergarten agenda that was used to plan and map out PBL's for all teachers for the whole school year.
3rd grade master chef.docxSample Lesson
Sample Lesson
This is an example of a culminating activity from a plant/life sciences unit. The teacher used tower gardens n the classroom and then challenged students to create a dish that could be cooked in a crock pot. This lesson was created by a collaboration of teachers and the STEM instructional coach at Jefferson.
PBL Rationale2.pdfPBL Rationale
PBL Rationale
This article demonstrates the importance of Project-Based Learning. It shows that PBL practices are rooted in best practices .
Integration Rationale.pdfIntegration Rationale
Integration Rationale
This research supports the idea that students need to experience curriculum in a holistic way rather than through segmented learning. This provides students the opportunity to collaborate, learn through technology, and explore authentic learning experiences.
Lakes and Streams Curriculum
Lakes and Streams Curriculum
Lakes and Streams are a critical component of our history, economics, and recreation in our town. Warsaw Community Schools has partnered with a number of local experts to bring students Project-Based Learning centered around our Lakes and Streams. This document provides a snapshot of some of the opportunities students have surrounding lakes and streams education.
Lego Rationale2.pdfLEGO Education Rationale
LEGO Education Rationale
LEGO Education has been a leader in providing high-quality STEM products to support the classroom. Their engineering challenges including FIRST LEGO League, LEGO LEague Jr., and Boomtown provide top-notch critical-thinking and problem solving opportunities. LEGO Education also provides excellent rubrics that evaluate students based on collaboration, communication, and academic skills.
PLTW Rationale.pdfProject Lead the Way Rationale
Project Lead the Way Rationale
One of the major components of our district STEM plan includes Project Lead the Way instruction. All teachers are trained in Launch Teacher training by one of our three STEM instructional district coaches. These projects provide cross-curricular integration. Students in third grade for example investigated tigers in Indonesia, learned about simple machines and ratios in math, and developed a prototype to save a tiger during a PLTW module.
2.2 Computer Science
2.2 Computer Science
map for digital media.docxDigital Learning Curriculum Map
Digital Learning Curriculum Map
All student receive digital literacy instruction during their digital learning block. Students are taught digital citizenship, how to navigate websites, internet safety, coding, and many other topics. These courses provide the foundation for and interest and understanding of computer science.
Project Lead the Way Computer Science Alignment K-2
Project Lead the Way Computer Science Alignment K-2
Students in grades K-2 learn coding, data analysis, computer-based problem solving, and computer science skills through several modules from PLTW. Scratch Jr. is the primary vehicle of instruction for grades K-2, however our youngest learners often begin with screen-free coding skills before transitioning to an actual screen.
Project Lead the Way Computer Science Alignment 3-5
Project Lead the Way Computer Science Alignment 3-5
Our intermediate and upper elementary students learn more advanced computer science skills using programming platforms such as Hopscotch and Scratch. Students also use VEX robotics and LEGO EV3 mindstorms to bolster their understanding of coding.
Oct 8, 2019 6:32 AM.webmTech Byte Tuesday
Tech Byte Tuesday
Each week, teachers are offered a "tech byte Tuesday" by the STEM instructional coach. These opportunities provide teachers with a quick, 3-5 minute video explaining how to integrate computer science teaching into their classroom. Some topics have included 3D printing, Sphero EDU, LEGO WeDo 2.0, green screen production, TinkerCad, and LEGO Education. Teachers have responded well to these online trainings, because they are short and can be watched at the teacher's convenience.
1:1 Devices
1:1 Devices
Students explore their passions, dreams, and career interest and showcase those with the use of 1:1 devices and apps like "green screen". This is just one example of how Kindergarteners have put that technology to use. Teachers and students are empowered to use 1:1 devices as tools for creativity and production rather than passive consumption. A 1:1 device bootcamp was offered last year by the technology department to continually empower teachers.
IMG_2334.MOVApp-Based Coding
App-Based Coding
Students use a variety of iPad apps to build coding skills. They use code.org, Hopscotch, Scratch, and Scratch Jr. as the primary forms of app-based coding platforms. Students use these during special projects, Project Lead the Way modules, and digital learning class.
Crosswalk Between AASL and K-12 Computer Science Standards
Crosswalk Between AASL and K-12 Computer Science Standards
This document outlines the correlation between the AASL and K-12 computer science standards. Our previous document demonstrated our use of the AASL standards during innovation Lab special. This document showcases the work done by our innovation specialists and district office technology coordinators to link the AASL standards and 2016 computer science standards.
2.3 Employability Skills
2.3 Employability Skills
Lakes and Streams curriculum
Lakes and Streams curriculum
Additional Documentation
All students K-6th start and end the school year learning about our local lakes and streams. The lessons and creek visits are designed to not only build understanding of limnology content but also builds the STEM disciplines necessary for them to be good stewards of our community. These STEM disciplines, or employability skills, will make students more successful adults and citizens in our community. Immersing students in a rigorous curriculum that blends in the employability skills in a necessary and authentic environment is gradually changing the culture of how students approach learning. Employability Skills are integrated into 100% of the Lakes & Streams curriculum "Pillar".
Da-Lite experts collaboration with 2nd grade
Da-Lite experts collaboration with 2nd grade
Additional Documentation
Mark Sproles and Katherine Pugh collaborated with 2nd grade on a weather project. They raised money, purchased kits, and supported students' learning about floods. Students created an immersive flood project alongside experts in the field like Cindi Clawson (meteorologist) and our resident experts from Da-Lite. Employability Skills are integrated into 100% of our partnership with Da-LIte Legrand.
Jefferson Bricks and Pillars
Jefferson Bricks and Pillars
Additional Documentation
Jefferson Elementary's "Bricks" curriculum is a combination of Project Lead the Way, Lego Education, and teacher created Project Based Learning units organized from the Buck Institute for Education framework. The goals of the "Bricks" curriculum is two-fold as mastery of content standards drives the purpose for instruction, but in addition employability skills are critically woven into the fabric of these units.The integrated fashion of STEM education for our building has made employability skills a standard of instruction since our journey of becoming a STEM certified school began. Employability Skills are integrated into 100% of our bricks and pillars.
4th Grade Green Energy Project
4th Grade Green Energy Project
Additional Documentation
This 4th grade project was a partnership between Jefferson 4th grade students, experts from the Solar Energy Group, and Ben Thornburgh (small business owner). Students met with local experts, learned about sustainable energy, and completed a final presentation for a panel of local experts. Employability skills are built into our partnerships and collaborative efforts with stakeholders in the community. Students are partnering and collaborating 1 on 1 with experts in the field.
5th Grade Engineering Partnership with Da-Lite Engineers
5th Grade Engineering Partnership with Da-Lite Engineers
Additional Documentation
Students in 5th grade partnered with engineers from Da-Lite corporation to learn about the engineering process. They explored a real-world problem and created a prototype of a solution. Employability skills are built into our partnerships and collaborative efforts with stakeholders in the community. Students are partnering and collaborating 1 on 1 with experts in the field.
2nd grade partnership with local meteorologist - Cindi Clawson
2nd grade partnership with local meteorologist - Cindi Clawson
Additional Documentation
Students in 2nd grade collaborated with Cindi Clawson, a local meteorologist, on a weather project. Students created a solution to a flooding problem after learning about various weather phenomena. Employability skills are built into our partnerships and collaborative efforts with stakeholders in the community. Students are partnering and collaborating 1 on 1 with experts in the field.
Sample Unit Plan
Sample Unit Plan
In this sample unit plan, students must focus on collaborative group work. Students work together on teams with a given mission objective pertaining to green energy. They have limited time and resources, so they must learn to balance their work among their team members. This teaches students the importance of collaboration and team decision-making.
Cross-Curricular Lesson Plan
Cross-Curricular Lesson Plan
This sample lesson plan showcases some of the habits of mind and employability skills that students at Jefferson learn. For example, this lesson plan highlights that students will make sense of the problem and persevere in solving them by looking at the problem and the constraints on the problem in order to identify possible combinations. Also, students will attend to precision as they are using the area formula to determine the total area needed for the problem. Using a math workshop model, helps students learn self-discipline, perseverance, and time management skills.
6th Grade Classroom Lesson Plans.doc6th Grade Lesson Plan
6th Grade Lesson Plan
In this project, students are tasked with solving a real world problem. Our community is the Orthopedic capital of the world, so it makes sense to connect our students to real-world problems dealing with orthopedics. In this particular lessons, students are asked to work together in teams to engineer a knee brace that would help an injured runner. In reading and writing students have the opportunity to learn about Usain Bolt and share persuasive writing. They use various materials to plan, design, and test their solution.
Business Partners
Business Partners
Students visited the Recycling Depot and met with the lead educational consultant Suzanne Collins. They worked together to create a solution for recycling in our school. Working with community partners to solve real world problems is one of our goals in education at Jefferson.
STEM Communication
STEM Communication
Students at Jefferson read, write, and collaborate through STEM. STEM is not a special at Jefferson. Through student products such as this one, you can see that students share their learning through many modalities.
Authentic Audiences
Authentic Audiences
Students published their writing pieces through student treasures publishing. They shared their books with Kindergarten students. These experiences empower our learners and elevate their work.
2.4 Equity
2.4 Equity
Animals and Algorithms - ESL (1).pdfEnglish as a Second Language
English as a Second Language
Additional Documentation
All students have access to Project Lead the Way resources in Spanish and English. This allows teachers to provide resources to students in their native language as they work to develop the more rigorous content knowledge and vocabulary. 100% of students in our ESL program receive support in the classroom in STEM education.
English as a Second Language
English as a Second Language
Additional Documentation
Students in 5th grade are working on a unit about Earth and Space science. They partnered with the ESL teachers to implement a rocket launch unit while scaffolding the learning of key vocabulary. 100% of students in our ESL program receive support in the classroom in STEM education.
rti.docrTi Pyramid
rTi Pyramid
Additional Documentation
At Jefferson Elementary School, rTi supports are integrated across the curriculum in many ways. We ask the questions, "what will do if they already know the information? What will we do if they don't know the information? How will we progress monitor? These questions help us accelerate student learning at all points on their continuum of learning. 100% of students receive support in the classroom in STEM education.
Elementary EL PLC for 9_12_19.pdfEL Professional Learning Community
EL Professional Learning Community
This is a sample agenda from an EL PLC meeting agenda.
Copy of Warsaw Community Schools Success Time Guidelines final.docxDistrict Success Time Guidance
District Success Time Guidance
Each school day, students are offered a "success time" where they focus on critical skills. This is often a time where key interventions and additional supports are provided to students needing remediation and acceleration. This is also what provides the some of the structure that prevents students from being pulled out during other instruction.
Copy of 2912_001.pdfEnglish Language Learner Referral
English Language Learner Referral
Teachers receive consistent support from an English Language Learner support teacher. Teachers go through a rigorous checklist and document evidence showing need to ensure that students who need assistance are receiving push-in and pull-out EL servies.
Group Competition
Group Competition
If students are pulled out of the classroom, they continue to work on high-quality STEM instruction that mirrors the work that is happening in the classroom. With the support of an EL teacher, students participated in a bobsled competition using Ozobots. They researched bobsleds, studied history, and created a bobsled.
2.5 Assessments
2.5 Assessments
Jefferson Collaboration Rubrics
Jefferson Collaboration Rubrics
Additional Documentation
Jefferson Elementary is in the process of converting to Google Forms and Illuminate for tracking assessment of collaboration and project-based learning. This document outlines the rubrics that are being used for each grade level and provides a link for teachers to access the materials. All students K-6 are assessed quarterly on collaboration skills, presentation skills, and academic focus areas using Illuminate and Google Forms.
5th Grade Collaboration Rubrics
5th Grade Collaboration Rubrics
Additional Documentation
This Google Form is an example of how we are using Google tools to assess students' collaboration skills. We ask students to complete a self-assessment using Google forms based on a 9 point collaboration rubric from Buck institute. These results are shared with the classroom teachers and students to inform student accountability.
PBLWorks-3-5-Creativity-Innovation-Rubric-CCSS.pdf5th Grade Feedback from Da-Lite Engineers
5th Grade Feedback from Da-Lite Engineers
Additional Documentation
5th grade students presented their final projects to a panel of Da-Lite engineers. The engineers used this rubric to provide clear feedback to students about their projects. They specifically evaluated students' on their ability to be innovative within their project design.
first-lego-league-rubrics.pdfFirst LEGO League Rubric
First LEGO League Rubric
Students are assessed on many different skills ranging from academic skills to communication and group-work skills. In this sample rubric, student expectations are clearly presented and students know exactly how they must perform to be successful.
Self-Assessment Rubric
Self-Assessment Rubric
Another form of assessment that has helped drive engagement and ownership of student learning is self-assessment. This is especially important at parent-teacher conference time when students are asked to lead parent-teacher conferences and share their strengths and improvements.
Value added standard rubric2011.docValue Added Project Rubric
Value Added Project Rubric
This rubric provides a way for teachers to self-assess their own projects and units. It provides a guide for teachers to be reflective in their own practice.
Writing Checklist (1).pdfWriting Rubric
Writing Rubric
In Warsaw Community Schools district, we have adopted a corporation-wide writing rubric for each quarter. Teachers have worked hard to incorporate the writing genres to match their Project-Based Learning units. This rubric helps ensure teachers provide fair and equitable feedback to all students.
Copy of 2.CA.2AdditionAndSubtractionPrePostTestA-F.pdfCommon Formative Assessments
Common Formative Assessments
Our teachers have worked hard to create common formative assessments that are tied to the standards. Teachers use these assessments to provide feedback to students and modify their instruction as students' needs change. The example above is a sample mathematics formative assessment for 2nd grade story problems.
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