What is STEM? Why is it Critical?

STEM is a current buzz term in education. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM is important because we need our students to think like scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. The complex thinking skills needed to interpret and solve real world problems are critical for the success of our learners and the progress of our nation. Many industries are investing in STEM education and providing grants to schools to implement programs developing these necessary skills in our students. As the district's technology integrationist, I work to help teachers find, learn, and use resources and tools that empower student learning. Technology just for technology's sake is not enough. We strive to create learning opportunities that stretch students' conceptual understanding, foster deep thinking and reasoning, and provide opportunities for creatively constructing knowledge. STEM education helps us achieve these goals.

Here are just a few STEM initiatives being implemented at Dike-New Hartford.

• Mrs. Slaba and Mrs. Parker attended a summer institute learning how to use the ASSIST Method (an inquiry based learning framework) to teach the Next Generation Science Standards. Students spend time observing scientific phenomenon and develop scientific claims as to what is occurring. After conducting experiments and research, students refine the claims to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the concepts. Mrs. Parker also received a Governor's STEM grant for implementing the Engineering is Elemental program, a research-based, standards-driven, and classroom-tested curriculum that integrates engineering and technology concepts and skills with elementary science topics.
• Computer science and coding is becoming a greater part of the curriculum at many levels. Mrs. Shakespeare embeds Code.org curriculum into the 5th grade mathematics classes. Mrs. Hoffman (formerly Miss Cronbaugh) is teaching a coding course at the 7th grade level. Mrs. Harms and Mrs. Seymour teach an Exploring Computer Science Course at the high school level.
• The high school robotics and technology teams held a mini-STEM camp for students in grades 2-5. Students could choose from 6 different strands including kitchen chemistry, squishy circuits, rocketry, robotics, problem solving, and Skyping with a science author. Each camper attended three sessions that the high school students taught. Students had a great afternoon of tinkering and learning.
• Hawkeye Community College lent DNH High School their mobile exploratorium for a week in October. Students in grades 3 and 4 and the high school science classes all visited the STEMi to learn about science through 3D virtual reality simulations through Cyber Science and  ZSpace .
• The high school robotics team (FRC #6164 - The Moonshot Slaybots) has received several grants to further their knowledge of robotics. Their season will kick off in early January. Even though the team is not certain what the challenge will be, they are planning ahead for the upcoming season. (See the season teaser here.) The team hopes to have a permanent working space very soon. Many thanks to Tyler Strickler for offering to be a mentor. If there are any other people interested in mentoring our students in engineering, construction, marketing, or programming. Please contact Mrs. Seymour or Mrs. Slaba.

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More Reasons to EMbrace STEM

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