Saint Joseph Catholic Elementary School Encompasses STEM

Courtesy of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School

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Students at Saint Joseph Catholic Elementary School have a lot to celebrate. We have implemented initiatives promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. STEM education is an active component of the curriculum at Saint Joseph Catholic Elementary, with a focus on student-centered learning. Students engage in questioning, problem solving, collaboration and hands-on activities while they address real-life issues.

In STEM education, teachers function as classroom facilitators. They guide students through the problem solving process and plan projects that lead to mastery of content proficiency. STEM proficient students are able to answer complex questions, investigate global issues, and develop solutions for challenges and world problems while applying the rigor of the content areas in a seamless fashion. STEM proficient students are logical thinkers, effective communicators and technologically, scientifically and mathematically literate.

Students from preschool through eighth grade implement STEM knowledge into projects while having hands-on learning and interacting with each other. Our kindergarten students culminated their force and motion unit by building ramps for race cars to see how far their race cars could go. Students used recycled materials to create their ramps and make improvements to increase their cars’ distance.

Our middle school students use the scientific method to conduct experiments in chemistry and physics, make observations, and analyze data through graphing and comparison to draw conclusions about the world in which we live. Students are also developing interactive models using coding with Scratch. They make use of technology in the form of high profile CAD program and 3-D printing. Students are challenged to use the knowledge they gain to engineer unique solutions to real issues. We have observed that our students are excelling in their thinking and reasoning skills in the classroom.

Our STEM program is grounded in inquiry and addressed appropriate content standards in an engaging, exciting and relevant manner. Our students in all grades benefit from participating in lessons and activities that bring STEM to life.

Courtesy of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School