Posts

PBL And Our Process of Learning

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Today, we're going to talk about Project-Based Learning. Think you know what it is? You might be surprised!  Here's a challenge for you: before you read the rest of this blog post, I'd like you to make a mental image of what Project-Based Learning should look like. What does the classroom look like? What are the children and teacher doing? What does the process entail?  Do you have that image in your mind?  Today, we're going to focus on the process of PBL here at STEM...and why we feel it's foundational to the development of your child as a person and as a learner.  First off, what we want you to know about project-based learning (or PBL) is that there is a spectrum that many schools are on, with very few of them looking the same. There is no one right way to be doing this process, but there is a philosophy that will drive how  we implement PBL at our school.  For instance, there's the belief that PBL should be student-driven...
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The "T" in STEM

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The "T" in  STEM Everyone knows that the "T" in STEM stands for  Technology , but what doest that really mean? Sometimes, when prospective students shadow our school, they say they've heard our students are allowed on their Chromebooks throughout the whole day. Fortunately, our students are quick to show them that this myth is simply not true. Chromebooks are an excellent tool...and we do use them, but they are really not what we're referring to. After all, pretty much every school has this technology in their classrooms as well. What makes STEM unique with regard to our practices with technology? DI Wire Bender - Click Here for Video To answer that question, I think it's important to understand that using technology is something that  enhances  the learning experiences for our students. Here are a few examples of what this looks like: Teachers in WI and elsewhere are evaluated on their use of technology and how they incorporate it in th...
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What's The Latest @ STEM?

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Hello STEM Families! I'd originally started this blog last year, but did not continue it after article one for a few reasons.  Last week, however, when our PTO (which has over 20 parents!) brought up the blog, the resounding feeling seemed to be that we should keep it up! Work of Art by one of our current seniors for a painting class So, without further ado, let's talk about STEM! Throughout the blog series this year, we'll talk about what's going on here at STEM, what's changing, what are the new things that are happening that we're excited about, and we'll do some features on our teaching staff as well as always post some thought-provoking articles for you to read or videos to watch. Please also remember that the comments section at the bottom is not a good forum for discussion. I welcome you to our PTO, Governance Board, or scheduling a meeting if you're ever feeling a conflict with what is being written. Feel free to post comments, but pl...
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