State of Education: STEM refresher course
Students are using STEM - science, technology, engineering, and math - to build their own structures from scratch. In order to do this, more and more schools are bringing STEM experts into the classrooms. Vince Gallagher reports.
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These "student scholars," as they're known, are showing off their own "community."
"Technology was really the whole thing, using all the tools, and making something new, engineering...we made a building," said Heather Ritchie, a student.
"You can incorporate everything with the triangles with the different structures and stuff to make a successful building," said another student, Sage Cowit.
In other words, students used STEM - science, technology, engineering, and math - to build their own structures from scratch. In order to do this, more and more schools, just like Ballston Spa Elementary, are bringing STEM experts into the classrooms.
"Because the comfort level of those elementary teachers in science and math may be very strong and it may not be strong," said Kim Wegner, coordinator.
So the idea is to invite professionals such as scientists and architects in for a "STEM refresher course," because, after all, it's never too early to start.
"We want to develop and nurture that love of science, technology, engineering, and math as soon as possible so we have multiple opportunities for students to participate in real life problem solving,” said Kerri Canzone-Ball, Special Education Director.
And yet another way students can learn about science, technology, engineering, and math is by building their own toy stores.
"If I was five again, what would I want in a toy store and I said I want it to be two stories, and it needs to be colorful and fun and it needs to have a carousel," said Ritchie.
While students can have fun with this, they also had to use the fundamentals of STEM, which, as many educators will tell you, is important....especially at this age.
"STEM is the future of elementary education, it's a critical part that...I don't know if we ignored elementary education, but it becomes significant now that kids in four through six become totally involved in these subject areas," said Joel Jacko, STEM Integration Program.
While "building" their future.