STEM
Washington Community Schools is proud to offer a strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education for students from kindergarten through graduation.
What is STEM?
STEM education focuses on students' engagement in the teaching of subject areas such as mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into the regular curriculum. STEM education attempts to transform the typical teacher-centered classroom by encouraging a curriculum that is driven by problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and requires students to actively engage in a situation in order to find its solution.
Why Focus on STEM?
STEM lessons help students deepen their understanding of important science and mathematics concepts.
As they apply their knowledge during STEM lessons, students can gain a real, hands-on understanding of major concepts.
Students become critical thinkers and decision makers.
Students are free to make informed decisions about how to solve problems that could be solved in any number of ways. Through trial and error, students learn from their mistakes, which are a valuable part of the learning process. STEM lessons revolve around the engineering design process, an organized, open-ended approach to investigation that promotes creativity, invention, and design.
Students develop collaboration skills.
The ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others in a reach a goal or develop a project is in high demand in the workforce. STEM students work together to brainstorm, research, design, create, and problem solve. STEM gives students ongoing opportunities and guidance to develop collaborative skills.
Students understand how STEM opens the door to future careers.
STEM students understand that the skills they are acquiring can help them be successful as 21st century workers. Through STEM coursework they may become the leaders who improve our economic growth, national security, and our future.
Hatchets in Action
STEM Implementation
1:1 Computing
One-to-one computing is an educational initiative with a simple goal: to prepare every student for a successful life. Chromebooks and tablets help enrich the education process, encourage collaboration, cultivate creativity, build research skills, and expand critical thinking.
STEM Labs & Kits
STEM programs and STEM kits can help elementary school students succeed in a technologically-driven world and utilize the skill sets in all areas of their lives, while encouraging problem-solving, collaborative thinking, and experimentation.
Robotics & Coding
Learning robotics and coding is essential. In addition to executing and completing tasks effectively, robotics and coding help people think creatively and analytically, approach issues from different angles, and create quick and sustainable solutions.
Design & Innovation Studio
Students and educators in grades 5-12 have access to robots, 3D printers, coding, and engineering and science modules. The studio provides a variety of opportunities for students and educators to discover new ways to explore design thinking, problem-solving, technology, and creative skill sets. Developing and offering STEM activities and curriculum for users to cultivate the next generation of high-tech thinkers.
Project Lead the Way
Based on a belief that “curiosity rules”, PLTW considers every classroom an innovation zone. Classrooms are transformed into spaces filled with the latest design software, advanced materials, and cutting-edge equipment. They buzz with project-based assignments, like programming robots and analyzing DNA samples.