Washington STEM Academy demonstrates its STEM instruction through its use of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and innovative integration of technology. Teachers at Washington have been trained by the Buck Institute for Education in designing PBLs using the seven essential project design elements. This training has been practiced not only for PBLs but also to create STEM lessons and engineering projects that emphasize real-world application. Engineering projects are structured to engage students in the engineering design process, encouraging collaboration in workgroups to develop solutions to unique problems. This hands-on, problem-solving approach allows for critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork among students and promotes purposeful STEM lesson planning for teachers. Another key strength of Washington's STEM program is its supply of technology, purposefully chosen to meet the needs of every grade level. Students engage with unique technological resources that allow them to practice coding and complete meaningful tasks. These tools enhance STEM lessons, providing students with interactive and practical experiences that mirror modern-day innovations. By integrating current technology, Washington ensures that its students are not only prepared for future challenges but are also equipped to confidently explore and innovate in an ever-evolving world.
STEM Integration Video
This video was created by Washington's STEM coach. It was designed to be a tool when training staff on how to create an engineering project centered around the five components of STEM Integration. Students had to engineer a tool to grab a key off the wall that was placed about eight feet from the floor in the STEM Lab. The lesson included Application, Modeling, Information/ Digital Literacy, Communication, Collaboration, Data Analysis, Measurement, Inquiry-Based Approaches, and Problem Solving.
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
In 2021, 100% of Washington’s staff participated in a 3 day training on the Gold Standard PBL workshop through the Buck Institute for Education. Teachers learned about the components of a quality PBL, how to create a PBL, and went away with one project they could implement in their class. For the following years, teachers met with the STEM coach and their grade level team for a day to create additional PBLs based on the Gold Standard model. Teachers also attended PLTW trainings. All teachers have been trained in Project WET and Hoosier Riverwatch offering students experience in water quality testing and environmental awareness activities. Washington’s STEM coach offered summer trainings on how to use the various technology(Lego Spike kits, Sphero Bolts, coding apps) at Washington and ways to use it in the classrooms to enhance learning. These trainings helped teachers create high-quality learning experiences where students are challenged to solve real world problems.
3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
At Washington, all teachers implement PBLs in their classrooms as well as conducting hands-on activities and engineering projects to engage students in inquiry-based learning and problem solving challenges. Utilizing a STEM instructional approach encourages Washington students to use their knowledge and skills to find innovative solutions to authentic challenges and causes them to feel an ownership of the projects as they spend multiple days involved in their work.
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
Student workgroups are an essential part of the STEM projects at Washington. 100% of teachers have students working in groups to complete various projects throughout the year. Workgroups foster collaborative skills such as compromising, group decision-making, sharing ideas, and being responsible for a specific part of the project. Students at Washington are also assigned roles within the group and are accountable for the duties of their particular job. Teachers provide Accountability sheets and Feedback forms as checkpoints for student discussion on their collaboration. The student workgroups are a vital part of Washington’s engineering projects and provide experience in employability and job-related skills.
3.4 Technology in Instruction
At Washington STEM Academy, technology is used not just to enhance students’ STEM experiences but to also prepare them for 21st century skills as well as the rapid growth of modern technology and innovation. A major part of our STEM education is to start students on foundational coding in Kindergarten and to progress through icon and word blocks by the end of their elementary career. A future goal we have for our school is to be able to start introducing students to either Python or Java Script by 6th grade, and we feel like we are laying the building blocks for that level of coding. Teachers are constantly using technology as a part of their quarterly PBLs and as a digital tool to complete a final project. We have also noticed the integration of technology allows students to practice employability skills such as decision-making, problem solving, and working with others.