IWCS STEM UPDATE FALL 2015

INVESTIGATION AND RESEARCH Preliminary plan from coordinators – includes professional development and training for STEM teachers and general education teachers Investigating our Robotics Program – expanding our after school clubs with funding Visit to Newport News – PBA competition in problem solving Visit to Prince William County – Project Lead the Way in middle and high school Visit to Washington DC – Project Lead the Way and Engineering is Elementary (EIE) in elementary Researched Betaversity – portable maker space Researched PCG Education – Summer STEM camp Aligning science standards to a free online textbook to make available for students as a resource

USING OUR LOCAL RESOURCES Visit to Surry Power Station – field experiences and identifying specific grades/courses, developing internship and externship possibilities Creating meetings/roundtables with local business owners to research skills needed for 21 st century jobs that are available now and how the schools can help educate our students Meeting with local STEM education developers Education Foundation Grants – Take the Fear out of Programming, Coding Ignition, Elementary Maker Space, Light it Up Science Coordinator – investigating what our science labs need now to create and teach through experimental learning Secondary Principals – focus groups with students to explore interests in CTE classes that relate

STRATEGIC PLAN Create a plan to incorporate STEM lessons in our elementary, middle and high school curriculum by the spring of 2015 with professional development provided this summer for our teachers and implementation of a three year roll out beginning 2016 – 2017 school year Provide funding for STEM curriculum, professional development, supplies, and any capitol projects within our operating budget and continue to compete for grants to expand the program The goal of the instructional department is to work with our teachers, students, administrators, school board, parents, and community/business leaders to create a fair and equal opportunity for IOWCS students to receive exposure to creative, engaging, and innovative best practices that will prepare them for 21 st century careers