STEM ACADEMIESBoard of Education Curriculum Committee MeetingApril 10, 2013

AGENDA Beliefs What is STEM Why STEM STEM Exploratory STEM Academies

BELIEFS We believe it is important to provide our

students with high-quality innovative programs that will result in every student being college, career and citizenship ready. Every opportunity will be accessible.

We believe our students are valuable to our community and should have the skills to be able to return to the community and prosper.

WHAT IS STEM?STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise enabling the development of STEM literacy and with it the ability to compete in the new economy. (Tsupros, 2009)

WHY STEM? Of the 20 fastest growing occupations

projected, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation to successfully compete for a job.

Our nation has a shortage of highly qualified math and science teachers. Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, U.S. 12th graders were almost last among students from 20 nations assessed in advanced math and physics.

U.S. students’ math and science skills are simply deficient compared to international performance.

WHY STEM?What matters for today’s students and workers, is not the knowledge a person possesses but what he/she is able to do with that knowledge such as create, produce, innovate-and be motivated and driven to do those things.

Dr. Tony Wagner, Harvard University

WHY STEM Sixty-six students attend a STEM Magnet

School at an approximate cost of $264,000

CREC & Hartford Magnet Schools Academy of Aerospace & Engineering Allied Health Collaborative Environmental Science Academy Academy of Math and Science Medical Professions and Teacher Preparation

Academy Sport & Medical Science Academy University HS of Science & Engineering Environmental Sciences Magnet School

WHAT WILL STUDENTS KNOW AND BE ABLE TO DO?

STEM proficient students are able to answer complex questions, investigate global issues, and develop solutions for challenges and real world problems while applying the rigor of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content in a seamless fashion. STEM proficient students are logical thinkers, effective communicators and are technologically, scientifically, and mathematically literate.

NATIONAL DATA

CURREN

T STEM EXPLO

RATORY PRO

GRAM

AT JW

MS

STEM EXPLORATORY

CURRENT STEM EXPLORATORY PROGRAM Twenty-two double sessions for every student

Grade 5: New in 2013-2014

Grade 6: Simple Machines, Engineering & Physics – Lego Mindstorms

Grade 7: Renewable Energy - Green City Challenge

Grade 8: Engineering Challenges

STEM EXPLORATORY- GRADE 6 SKILLS CONCEPTS

Build an understanding of simple/complex machines to complete assigned tasks

Develop an understanding of adapting to changing situations and variables

Complete simple machine experiments/ assignments/challenges

Synthesize results of various scenarios and develop a best case simple/complex machine to complete given situational need

Create a logical flow that fulfills the physical requirements of a given task

Make physical and logical connections for task and project success

STEM EXPLORATORY- GRADES 7 & 8SKILLS CONCEPTS

Build an understanding of programming logic (NXT or Tetrix) to complete assigned tasks.

Develop a understanding of adapting to changing situations and variables

Complete programming assignments/challenges .

Synthesize programming instructions to complete given challenge tasks

Create a logical flow that fulfills the physical requirements of a given task.

Make physical and logical connections for task and project success

STEM ACADEMIES

Provides cross-curricular opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Allows for creativity in design &enables students to explore the world of engineering by building complex control systems

LEGO MINDSTORMS Education NXT Base

ACADEMIES

WHY AEROSPACE AND BIOMEDICAL?

WHY AEROSPACE? Knowledge is acquired in the classroom and

is meaningful when applied in relevant real-world situations.

Connecticut’s aerospace industry is driven by major manufacturers Pratt & Whitney Hamilton Sundstrand Sikorsky Aerospace

Newington aerospace companies include: GKN (formerly Volvo Aero) Integrated Systems Mohawk Helicopters

WHY AEROSPACE? Connecticut grown companies are supported

by an extensive chain of aerospace suppliers and service providers in Connecticut.

This cluster of knowledge and workforce provides a great foundation for any aerospace company moving to Connecticut.

Provides opportunity for mentors, partners to support curriculum and professional learning for adults and students, & internships.

WHY BIOMEDICAL? Connecticut’s investment in Bioscience

Bioscience Connecticut is bringing about a new collaboration between the state, UConn, UConn Health Center, Yale University, and the prestigious Jackson Laboratory.

The project will enable Connecticut to assume a position of global leadership in genomics by developing new medical treatments tailored to patient’s unique genetic makeup.

Focus on innovative products that can individualize diagnostics, treatments and cures.

NEW TRENDS IN CAREERS Employers will look not only for people who

are highly skilled and well educated in their areas of proficiency but also for those who can learn and adopt other professional skills and work in a "collaboration-based workplace.“

This idea was shared during our recent tour of GKN. The projections of future employment trends

given by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show increase of jobs in the service-providing industries, healthcare, scientific fields, biomedical engineering and technical services.

TIMELINE

2012-13STEM Exploratory at

JWMS

2013-14 STEM Exploratory at

MKMS

2014-15 Biomedical Academy at

MKMS

Aerospace Academy at JWMS

Hospitality & Tourism Academy at NHS

2016-17STEM Academy at NHS

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2016

Today

STEM Academy NHS9/1/2016

Aerospace Academy JWMS9/1/2014

Biomedical Academy MKMS9/1/2014

Hospitality & Tourism Academy NHS9/1/2014

MKMS STEM Exploratory9/2/2013

JWMS STEM Exploratory 9/3/2012

STEM Academy Planning4/8/2013 11/29/2013

STEM Academy Construction11/29/2013 8/8/2014

TIMELINE

WHY STEM ~ TO ENSURE STUDENTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO

THEIR

DISCUSSION

QUESTIONS

WONDERS

Next Meeting to Continue the STEM Conversation