IMSA-STEM
Tiger STEM Newsletter - MAY 2021
Science - Technology - Engineering - Mathematics
The "T" in STEM
T is for TECHNOLOGY! Technology is anything made by humans to satisfy a need or problem. By definition, a product that kids design during a STEM challenge is a technology. Many STEM lessons involve students using equipment such as balances, monitoring equipment, digital math tools, etc. - these can all be considered technologies. Other STEM lessons bring in technology through using computers for research and using educational websites for learning.
Technology can actually drive integrated STEM projects. Computer coding is becoming more prevalent in STEM learning for fun, creating simple programs, constructing games, and changing and controlling the speed of objects. Coding requires computational thinking - or the ability to formulate problems in a way they can be tackled by computers.
Technology impacts how STEM subjects are taught and internalized. Technology is often not a stand alone component of STEM, but integrated with the other STEM components across the curriculum.
Some of the technologies that have come to the forefront in recent years are:
- 3D printing
- Flexible displays such as pliable screens, screens that can be folded or curved
- Virtual assistants
- Wearable technology like Google Glass
- Games/gamification to motivate and train students
Click on links below to learn more!
Ms. Harris will lead IMSA West's STEM Certification Committee
Ms. Sondra Harris, who recently became IMSA West's 6-8 science teacher, will also take the lead of our school STEM Certification Committee. Ms. Harris is an enthusiastic and positive addition to the team with a strong background that will support the committee's collaborative efforts.
The STEM Certification Committee is involved in ensuring all the state requirements for certification are met, work with community partners, and contribute to the overall success of STEM implementation throughout the school. Their next scheduled meeting is May 11.
ROCKETRY CLUB continues to soar!
UPDATES
Due to weather and wind speeds, the teams have been unable to launch rockets of late. They have completed a total of about ten test flights since April 6. Weather permitting the groups hope to be out in the field testing again soon. In the meantime, they continue to collaborate to research and make adjustments to their rockets.
Two rockets are getting close to reaching the goal of reaching an altitude of 800 feet and a flight duration of 40 to 43 seconds, and most importantly - the egg inside the craft must not crack! One rocket has reached 700ft with a flight duration of 41 seconds. Getting close!
Our team members are:
Team 1 Eye of the Tiger
Michael A. 8th Grade
My’Rhan B. 7th Grade
Samuel A. 7th Grade
Leah M. P. 7th Grade
Oluwagbenga, K. 6th Grade
Team 2 Tiger Pride
Josephine A. 8th Grade
Faith A. 8th Grade
Kareemat A. 8th Grade
Opeyemi K. 8th Grade
To watch some our test launches click HERE
To learn more about this competition, click HERE!
Photos below are Rocketry Club students fine-tuning their rocket details.
Photo Credit: Dr. Ayyoub, Regional STEM Coordinator
UPDATES FROM K-8
Busy 3rd Grade!
TEMPERATURE, CLIMATE, & WEATHER
Third graders participated in Project Based Learning (PBL) to design trucks to help reduce weather-related hazards. They calculated area and perimeter during math, then during science time designed their trucks and included what supplies would be needed to help in blizzard, drought, or flooding. The creativity of the students was great and they worked together to think about how they might help others.
Students are learning about day-to-day weather and climate (long-term) through Project Lead the Way (PLTW), IXL online learning, and the Greatminds PhD science curriculum. First, students worked on accurately reading a thermometer by reviewing pictures and then a real thermometer held up during a Zoom session. After whole group practice, students went into Zoom breakout rooms to practice reading accurate temperatures.
Next, they studied temperature and precipitation graphs and tables from the U.S. and around the world. While watching PLTW videos, students took notes and recorded characteristics observed in various climates such as tropical, polar, etc. With this information they looked at year-long data from a particular region and determined the climate zone each location. They supported their ideas with evidence from graphs and average weather data provided. The work was challenging but helped them grown in their knowledge! During the process student worked in teams and persevered in completing tasks, all while on Zoom.
The 3rd grade instructional team who implemented these projects and activities are: Erika Smiley (Science/Social Studies), Carlita Marshall (ELA), and Kathy Stover (Math)
GARDEN CLUB
Gardening provides multi sensory experiences that contribute to the foundation of basic STEM concepts. The Garden Club (including third graders) is busy planting seeds indoors and watching them grow. Some plants are already about 3 inches high. They have planted cucumbers, peppers, cabbage, and other vegetables. To prepare for outdoor planting they are weeding garden beds and making scarecrows for the outdoor space. There were lots of squeals at seeing the noms and bugs, but also LOTS of questions about them and what plants (or weeds) to pull out or leave.
Students are able to use their knowledge from temperature and climate study to make confident decisions about what to grow and how to care for the garden. Great experiences for learning to identify plant and animal life!
Team members supporting Garden Club are: Peggy Simmons (5th grade ELA), Ericka Smiley (3rd Science/Social Studies), Teresa Tschaenn (Asst. Principal of Academics)
The photos below are from PBL, Garden Club, and student collaboration on temperature and climate. Photo Credit: Ericka Smiley, 3rd Grade Teacher
Chess Club....and STEM?!?
- concentration
- critical thinking
- strategic planning
- visualization skills
- problem-solving
- patience
Mr. Molinar (7th grade ELA teacher) is the Chess Club sponsor and reports the first week of Chess Club was a great experience and enjoyed by students. Four students participated including two students from 5th grade and two from 7th grade. Four games were played, with one in progress before club time expired. Pictures of the chess boards were taken so students can replace chess pieces to the correct positions next week and finish the game.
Want to see a real-life connection of chess and success in STEM? Click HERE!
Read how successful people from MANY careers credit chess for helping them be successful! Click HERE!
Want to learn more about how to play chess? Click HERE!
Photos of Chess Club - Photo Credit: Mr. Jones (8th Grade ELA teacher)
Photo: Mr. Molinar, Middle School ELA teacher and Chess Club sponsor
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Email: west@imsaindy.org
Website: https://west.imsaindy.org/
Location: 4575 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: (317) 298-0025
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imsawesttigers