WES STEM - Standard 13: STEM Content Knowledge/STEM Literacy

NARRATIVE

In order to prepare students to be global thinkers and learners, Winfield City Schools incorporates STEM literacy into all academic areas through inquiry-based learning. Inquiry-based learning allows students to pose questions or problems and then apply concepts from science, technology, engineering, and math in order to solve the problem.

Students at Winfield Elementary School have multiple opportunities to demonstrate and reflect on their STEM/STEAM learning. Clarifying, elaborating, and defending thoughts and conclusions are invaluable tools used to encourage resilience, which is needed in a 21^st-century global citizen. Our goal in providing these opportunities is to prepare students for the next level of learning. As we follow the Alabama state standards for math and science, we seek to incorporate STEM/STEAM practices to build student literacy across all disciplines. Monitoring student growth and tracking data relevant to STEM literacy is an important aspect of proper preparation for life after middle school. Teachers have been equipped with many resources in which to measure learning outcomes in the math and science disciplines. Using these resources, teachers work with students to complete data chats in which students reflect on their growth and performance.

As a 1:1 technology-rich school, students are equally immersed in technological learning experiences, as they are face-to-face instruction. In an effort to track STEM/STEAM literacy outcomes in technology, teachers receive technology-based workshop opportunities designed to aid teachers in implementing various applications such as Google Suite, Kami, IXL, etc., and the devices within the classrooms such as iPads, laptops, and Promethean boards. Engineering outcomes are most commonly demonstrated through the use of the engineering design process. This initiative is implemented in all disciplines, not just science or math. For example, the fifth and sixth-grade PE classes used the Engineering Design Process to plan, create, and revise their own roles and rules within games they were playing. Students were able to demonstrate their knowledge of a STEAM initiative and apply it to fit their current challenge. Additionally, students demonstrate STEM/STEAM content knowledge representative of STEM literacy within the arts with the help of various methods of communication. We have worked hard to build relationships with community partners and students have shared their knowledge of STEM content with these partners on numerous occasions. Some methods of these demonstrations include Art/STEM expos, videos/live feed, posters, skits, songs, and dance.

Strengths: The category of Results is a strength that Winfield City Schools has within this STEM Standard. The math and science standards that are established help our teachers provide systematic summative and formative assessments on a regular basis. Winfield City Schools has a formative assessment, iReady, which continuously analyzes student data based on math and reading ability. In addition, teachers take time to have one on one data chats with students about personal data and learning goals. Furthermore, Winfield City Schools offer high results of Implementation and Engagement within this standard so data collection is obtained through a number of ways/tools.

Opportunities to Improve: Sustainability and Embeddedness are the two largest areas that we can strive to improve. Winfield City Schools' next step is to consistently document data that will clearly indicate continuous growth. We will continue to work on collecting data within the areas of the arts and engineering domains.

Math Standards

Using the State Math Content Standards, teachers create lessons plans that simultaneously incorporate necessary math skills and STE(A)M concepts.

Math Standards

Science Standards

Teachers use the State Science Content Standards to create meaningful lessons. AMSTI curriculum is a resource used by teachers to engage students in hands-on and discovery learning experiences.

Science Standards

Greens Mill

Students at WES enjoy visiting a local business, Greens's Mill and seeing how their products are made from start to finish. Green's Mill is a family owned American manufacturer. They create unique wood signs and print products and ship to over 2000 stores. Green's Mill is a green company using only earthy friendly paints and finishes. Jeff Green, one of the owners explains to students how they use coding to cut each design. He also explains how each product begins as a raw material and goes through a series of steps to become a completed product to be shipped.

The students are excited to see how coding is used in the world outside their school and the connection that is made from their academics to the work force.

Jeff Green, from Green's Mill show students how they use coding to create their products.

Jeff Green shows students the painting step of product.

Jeff Green shows student the wood after the product has been cut using the code.

Engineering Design Process

Teachers facilitate learning experiences in addition to the Math and Science classrooms that allow students the opportunity to implement the Engineering Design Process.