Education for the Future: The STEM Academy at Robert J. O’Brien School

What is STEM? Science Science Technology Technology Engineering Engineering Mathematics Mathematics

Why a STEM focus? Children are naturally curious about the world. STEM education takes advantage of their curiosity to engage children in learning.

During the next decade, U. S. demand for scientists and engineers is expected to increase at four times the rate for all other occupations. (STEM Education Coalition; U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook ) (STEM Education Coalition; U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook )

Student Day Program Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 School Day: 8:10-2:45 School Day: 8:10-2:45 Increased time for Science and Math Increased time for Science and Math Engineering – applied math and science Engineering – applied math and science Technology embedded in all subjects Technology embedded in all subjects Introduction to STEM careers Introduction to STEM careers Inquiry based learning Inquiry based learning

What is Inquiry? An approach to learning that involves exploring and asking questions about the world. An approach to learning that involves exploring and asking questions about the world. Engages children in high level thinking and problem solving as they gather and reflect on information and develop understanding. Engages children in high level thinking and problem solving as they gather and reflect on information and develop understanding.

Why Elementary Engineering? Children need to become comfortable using technology in order to be prepared to live and work in the 21 st century Children need to become comfortable using technology in order to be prepared to live and work in the 21 st century Makes math and science relevant, integrates other disciplines Makes math and science relevant, integrates other disciplines Builds and reinforces skills Builds and reinforces skills Increases students’ awareness of access to engineering and science careers Increases students’ awareness of access to engineering and science careers Promotes the development of problem- solvers and innovators Promotes the development of problem- solvers and innovators

The Engineering Design Process

Engineering Design in Action

Engaging Students Through Technology

Online Learning Grolier Online Grolier Online Discovery Science Discovery Science Gizmos Gizmos Educational Websites, such as Educational Websites, such as html html

Learning Opportunities Beyond the Classroom Planned additions to fields and courtyard to enhance opportunities for environmental studies on site Planned additions to fields and courtyard to enhance opportunities for environmental studies on site Field trips and in class outreach programs Field trips and in class outreach programs Afterschool programs Afterschool programs Summer program – grant funded Summer program – grant funded

Afterschool Programs To be determined by student interest, but could include: Environmental Club Environmental Club Digital Photo/Video labs Digital Photo/Video labs Fitness Club Fitness Club Lutz Museum or Mad Science programs Lutz Museum or Mad Science programs LEGO Robotics LEGO Robotics

LEGO Robotics

Community Partnerships

Grades 7-12 and Beyond Math Math Science Science Career and Technical Education Career and Technical Education

Questions? Lesley Morgan-Thompson, Principal, Robert J. O’Brien School Melissa Gavarrino, Department Head, 7-12 Science Michelle Hacker, Department Head, 7-12 Career and Technical Education Ben Upson, Technology Coach