The "T" in STEM

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 their classrooms. Many see this as using a multimedia projector, smartboard, etc. simply to display information. I view it very differently...my hope is that I see our teachers using various forms of technology in a way that truly enhances the learning process for our students. This might include:

• Using a graphing calculator to understand slope of a line or to see how an algorithm changes based on the variables you're putting in. 
• Using programs like GarageBand to do a podcast with students
• Using a document camera to ensure all students are able to see the book you're reading to/with them. 
• Streaming in an expert that students are able to talk with on a subject they're studying
• Showing a brief clip from one of a variety of sources to give another voice to a concept they're working on with the class/individual students. 
• Guiding a student with CAD software so they can create a design based around a project. 
• Use the audio/visual equipment when working with groups of students who are trying to create a product around their project. 
• A class that focuses on software applications or web design
• The list goes on! 

As a STEM school, I want our students to be exposed to and trained on various pieces of technology that will undoubtedly shape their academic and personal lives! Whether this is learning how to use our circular saw, bench-top CNC mill, X-Carve, or a Scarlett 8i8 Audio Interface...I want the kids to really learn and understand technology. Googling a topic on a Chromebook just isn't deep learning. In fact, I'd argue it can become the opposite of "deep learning." At STEM, we are much more concerned with whether or not the resource a child is using gives them quality information, and whether they have the skills to pull out the valid pieces of info. and data to move forward in their learning. Maybe that's a youtube clip, but it might also be a book from the library, or a text book that has a lot of solid information all on one page. 

Lazer Cutter

We want our students to go deep into their learning. What teacher doesn't? But at STEM, we're geared to do this differently with project-based learning and an overall attitude that supports this! I want our students to finish a project and then continue to want to learn more about it. To go deeper because they are truly interested in what they are studying, and have developed new skills along the way. 

I want all of our students to become comfortable using the tools that we will have in our new Fabrication Lab (FabLab) because if we never get the exposure to the technology, most of us would rarely ever seek it out. Even if our students never choose a career path that requires them to use CAD software and 3D printers, I still want them to be exposed to it, understanding how it can be used and that they are most definitely capable of using it because they actually have. 

Makerbot

Below this is a list of just a few pieces of the technology that we've purchased for STEM. Feel free to click on the links to learn more about those tools. A good deal of what we're creating as a FabLab comes from the UW-Madison MakerSpace, which is run by engineering students. 

I think it's fair to say that we can all look back on our youth and recognize that there are certain skills, habits, and tools we wish we'd spent time learning about. There are certainly times in our lives that we realize that the thing we never thought we'd need to know...we need to know, whether it's for your job, a hobby you've wanted to take up, or simply cutting the right angle on that piece of trim for your bathroom. I want your children exposed to technology that is going to enhance their lives! Offer them skills that they will use in a future career, or simply help them become well-rounded individuals that love learning! This is our goal with the T in STEM. Technology can and is a part of every subject. The staff at STEM is committed toward changing how we use technology and understanding the why behind these changes. We're not anti-phone or anti-chromebook. We are, however, anti the use of anything that is taking away from the learning experience.  

I think that's something we can all get on board together. 

• DI Wire Plus
• Universal Systems Laser Cutter
• X-Carve
• Park Tools Bike Equipment
• Circular Track Saw
• PanelPro Vertical Saw
• 3D Printers
• Consew Sewing Machine and Stand

This list is very far from being comprehensive. We have a great deal of A/V technology we're setting up, a whole new science lab complete with technology that will help with our Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, etc. classes! We have a new culinary lab that's in progress as well, taking our standard kitchen in our former science lab and making it into a true culinary arts space. 

All of this "stuff" is really cool, but in the end, none of it matters if we're not really working with our students to ensure they know how to use and manipulate the programs and equipment to do what they want it to do. And some of our students are really motivated to learn and to teach others! We'll touch more on that element of our school in a later blog post. This school has always been unique and special and we're going to continue looking at what it takes to ensure your child has a fun, engaging, and rigorous academic experience here at STEM. 

And now for a teacher showcase! 

I'd like to give you a little introduction to our very own Mr. Todd Hayes, who is new to STEM as a teacher, but has been a long-time parent of STEM students. 

Mr. Hayes is a lifelong Fond du Lac-area resident - grew up on a farm in the Lomira school district, and lived in Lomira and FDL after college. He has a wife and 3 boys, with one currently attending STEM. All of his family takes martial arts classes (and he teaches) at Martial Arts America in Fond du Lac, and they spend a lot of time and the FDL YMCA.

Mr. Hayes earned his finance degree from UW-Whitewater, and worked for National Exchange Bank & Trust for 8 years as a credit analyst. He attended Concordia University's teacher credentialing program to earn his Business & Information Technology license. He taught at North Fond du Lac, teaching middle and high school business classes for 4 years, and then spent a couple of years as an at-home dad for his boys. Since then, He's spent 4 years at Moraine Park Technical College as a recruitment and advising specialist and as K12 Partnership Coordinator.

Interview with Mr. Hayes:

Mr. Hayes, what led you to want to be a teacher at STEM?

Other than my son? ;)

I've always loved the idea of project-based and student-based learning. I thought coming here would allow me to be part of making this the best school we can make.

What are you enjoying most about the year?

The different environment from teaching at different schools. The level of student voice, the community, etc.

What are you looking forward to over the next several years here at STEM?

Having the FabLab be a big addition to what our students are able to accomplish and do here. The rigor we're adding to the high school and seeing our students be as successful as they can be.

If you could go anywhere in the world for a week, where would you go?

I really like being at home, but Cinque Terry, Italy is where I'd most like to go.

What is your favorite food?

Pizza.

What books are you reading right now?

I am reading a book series called "The Curse of Greg" with my family. It's about a middle school/high school aged boy..Kind of like a cross between "Big Nate" and "Percy Jackson."