Engineering the Future
May 13, 2021
Valley High's Serri Grube Wins a STEMMY
Congratulations to the educator of the year for grades 9-12! Mrs. Grube’s classroom is a wonderland of inquiry and learning. There are examples of amazing hands on projects designed and built by students on display. Anything from wooden Eiffel towers, zip lines, 3D printing, to arcade games can be found in her room! It is the most interesting classroom on the Valley campus, and likely the most appealing classroom in Albuquerque.
Upon entering her room one finds students are engaged and active in their learning. Collaboration and teamwork is obvious as students help each other, consult with one another, or share their work. Students are given ownership of their workspace, and have access to high caliber technology and tools. Projects in various stages are on display, and students are working on a variety of products. Students are often found in Mrs. Grube’s classroom during lunch, and off periods to continue working on projects.
Mrs. Grube promotes STEM and encourages students to be involved through MESA, the Math Engineering, and Science Association, which prepares students for college majors and careers in mathematics, engineering, science and related fields. As a MESA Advisor Mrs. Grube works with programs throughout the state, to help students participate in activities such as field trips, speaker presentations, workshops, academic competitions, community service and leadership development.
What is apparent, is that this teacher goes above and beyond to create an incredible learning environment for her students. Mrs. Grube plans lessons and activities based on inquiry, problem finding, problem solving, the design process, the Engineering Habits of Mind, and fosters independence in her students. The engineering classes are not some routinized step by step cookie cutter program. The curriculum has developed by Mrs. Grube, through years of trial and error. It is never taught the same way twice. The evolution of the engineering program is always shifting and changing as Mrs. Grube finds new ways to infuse the latest technology or integrate the passion areas of the students into the lessons. The high expectations and standards for student work, pushes students to find a new confidence in themselves and a love of STEM!
STEM Challenges at Mission
In March the Mission students helped AFRL with the Moon Guardian Mission! Students used the design process to create parachutes, and learned about the phases of the moon!
Here is the link for the March video!
In April, the students were challenged to work with the power of the sun and the design process to create solar contraptions for growing plants or cooking food. Watch the video to see their creative designs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPj7_f-JRMg
Students are ready to blast off in May for their last challenge. Can you guess what it will be?
PBL World Conference and Workshops
ISTE
Bringing Energy Education into Classrooms
Professional Development for Teachers
Explora is offering workshops virtually Most include a kit of materials! Pre-registration is required.
- Once Upon a Time: STEM in Fairy Tales: How tall is the Giant from Jack in the Beanstalk? How much weight can Rapunzel’s hair hold? Discover the answers as you explore the STEM in your favorite fairy tales. Using hands-on activities ranging from measurement and ratios to structure and function, this workshop will uncover science and engineering principles that are almost too good to be true. May 27 from 4-6 pm
- Tales of Animal Tails and Adaptations: Come explore amazing animal adaptations! What is life like without an opposable thumb? Can you engineer ears for different purposes? Discover connections between literature and hands-on STEAM activities during this two-hour workshop. June 24 from 1-3 pm
TECH CAMP! Save the Date! July 13-14, 2021
Topics will include Google Tools, Pear Deck, Canvas, Minecraft, and more! Sessions will be free for all APS teachers!
View the Tech Camp website for more information and learn how to register.
Upcoming dates for ETF Summer PD!
VHS with Dr Tim Kubik May 26, 27
PBL Works : June 21- 24 includes participation in PBL World Conference virtually
ISTE Live 21: June 26-30
AJ Juliani Curriculum Camp : July 14-15
National Energy Conference for Educators: July 18-22
Summer Opportunities for Students
Explora is hosting summer camps galore. They have in-person, virtual, and off site options. Check out the offerings by clicking on the link. Please share with families!
https://www.explora.us/programs/camps/
Ed Tech at APS has compiled a list of summer learning opportunities
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RZxeZ7wh7OrOroS4QM5DWYwtz60sLGWZH0V2xmg2bNg/edit
Office of Innovation
Email: innovation@aps.edu
Website: https://www.aps.edu/innovation/engineering-the-future
Location: 6400 Uptown Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Phone: 505-855-9053
Twitter: @APSInnovates