The pictures above show students working collaboratively and independently with our robotics programming software to build structures.
Response Learning experiences at Ashford Park focus on real-world, relevant and open ended problems that require students to investigate and analyze to engineer a solution. STEM requires students' use of creative problem solving skills and the collaboration with peers to come to a solution to the problem. Through the engineering design process, students have the ability to analyze information with inquiry based learning. This is a key skill in STEM job fields. For example, our 4th grade students had to design a prototype of a winter coat. Moreover, the students had to ensure that the coat was insulated and be appealing to the customer for purchase. The inquiry based-based lesson uses real-world problems tied to science, math, social studies, and English language arts to frame the engineering challenge. The students use critical thinking skills, background knowledge, technology, and research skills. The teacher is the facilitator, while the students are the explorers and active learners.
Strengths Learning Experiences that focus on real-world and relevant experiences frequently occur in the classrooms at Ashford Park Elementary. Students have multiple opportunities to work independently and collaboratively to solve real world problems. The students also attend the STEM lab on a weekly basis. This guarantees that all students from PK-5 have the added enrichment of STEM in their specials class. Students have opportunities for hands on learning to explore new technology, as it continues to evolve, in the STEM lab and the classroom.
Sustainability We willcontinue to sustain inquiry based learning in all classrooms at Ashford Park through our collaborative planning process. We will work together to create relevant and rigorous opportunities for inquiry, independent learning, and collaboration. Further, we will continue to work with the DeKalb County School District Professional Learning Department, Community Partners, and colleagues from other school districts to strengthen and increase student opportunities for inquiry based learning. We have found and the research shows that when students work independently and collaboratively to create solutions to real work problems, they are better prepared to compete in a global society.
Areas of Opportunity As we continue on our STEM journey, there are still some areas where our school can improve. One area is the opportunity to give teachers more resources and professional learning. All teachers will continue to receive STEM-based professional learning and have opportunities to attend conferences and collaborate with other STEM schools. As a school, we will continue to plan inquiry-based learning experiences and lessons. We want to continue to build confidence in our STEM learners and to guide them with encouragement. The goal is to give them the foundation to be self-asserting with the inquiry-based challenges. We want them to realize that it is okay to take chances and not not experience success the first time they are approached with a challenge. With building professional learning and confidence in students, teachers will continue to work to find creative real world STEM challenges for the students.
Steps to Initiate Improvement We have already taken the following steps to initiate improvement: 1. The Summer Planning retreat for Building Leadership has been set for May 31, 2017. This will be an all day retreat where time will be dedicated for STEM Unit planning. 2. A group of teachers will attend a STEM conference this summer in the Cobb County School District. The purpose of attending the training is to gain ideas and knowledge that will expand our bandwidth for the creation of inquiry based opportunities for our students. 3. The Brookhaven Bolt, a 5K race, is set for May 20, 2017. The Brookhaven Bolt generates funds for Professional Development for our staff. This will allow our teachers to attend STEM conferences throughout the 2017-2018 school year and beyond. It is important to note that the Brookhaven Bolt is an annual race that has the potential to fund professional learning opportunities for years to come.
Evidence
Ms. Sturge's 4th grade students had to design a winter coat prototype that would use insulation and be appealing to a consumer. They tested insulation and materials with animal blubber (crisco) feathers and fur to see what types of materials would be better for an insulated coat. After researching materials and designs, they created a rough draft and the prototype coat.
2016-2017 STEM Curriculum Targets at Ashford Park.pdf