IMSA-STEM
Tiger STEM Newsletter - NOVEMBER 2021
Science - Technology - Engineering - Mathematics
Becoming a STEM Certified School
This month we are sharing information on the next component of IDOE STEM certification - Curriculum. The term curriculum refers to the lessons and academic content taught in a school or specific course. It includes the learning experiences, resources, and assessments that are used to evaluate the learning outcomes of a particular subject or class.
- Domain 1 - Culture
- Domain 2 - Curriculum
- Domain 3 - Instruction
- Domain 4 - Partnerships
Curriculum is the means through which students engage in science, technology, engineering and math. Strong STEM curriculum resources includes opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, connections to real-world experiences, and engages and inspires students.
For this component of STEM certification, IMSA West will ensure that our current and future resources contain the rigor necessary for critical thinking and problem-solving, include employability skills, are accessible for ALL our students, and include assessments that accurately measure learning outcomes.
Some of the highly-rated resources already in place at IMSA West are Zearn Math (K-5), Wit & Wisdom ELA (K-8), and FOSS/Purdue Science and PLTW Science. All these resources work well as teachers collaborate to create inquiry-based and project-based learning opportunities.
Learn more about Zearn Math!
Learn more about FOSSweb Science!
Parents - some fun FALL science experiments/activities to do with your child(ren) in November!
FOR DECEMBER - Be watching for an update on our submission of STEM certification documents to the Indiana Department of Education - we'll keep you posted of where we are in the process and next steps!
Who has a 3D Printer?? WE do!
IMSA West purchased a 3D printer which will be used by our Rocketry Club! Mr. Mark Tschaenn, Rocketry Club sponsor, reports they are still learning about the printer and programs, and hopes to use the printer this year to help fine tune the fins on rockets. In reflecting on last year's rocketry competition, it was determined the fins may have been too weak, possibly costing a shot at national competition. IMSA and Rocketry Club looks forward to support from our community sponsors and volunteers in helping students become experts in its use!
So what is a 3D printer, anyway? 3D printers create three dimensional (3D) solid objects by building up the object layer by layer. These printers usually use plastic (easier and less expensive!) but some can print with other materials like metals and ceramics. 3D printers make new objects quickly and they are very detailed. 3D printers are used in aerospace industry, automotive industry, manufacturing, robotics, and education!
Global Plastics, a large manufacturing company here in Indianapolis and one of our community partners, high tech 3D printers and robotics technology to manufacture every day items (toothpaste caps, plastic salt/peppers ) automotive components, and even more items that are shipped and used all over the world! In fact, an engineer from Global Plastics will be visiting IMSA to do a demo on our 3D printer and discuss engineering with our students.
Knowing about 3D printers can open many career opportunities!
Want to see a BIG 3D printer project?? Click HERE!
For the history of 3D printers and how they are used - Click HERE!
What does Indianapolis-based Global Plastics produce? Click HERE!
2nd Grade Working Together!
Photo credits: Mr. Kirby, K-2 Instructional Coach
3rd Grade Pumpkin Patch Planting!
During the project students read books about pumpkins, weighed pumpkins on a digital scale and recorded the data, and wrote informational paragraphs about growing pumpkins. The students also had the opportunity to visit a pumpkin patch!
In this PBL unit, students researched how to plant and care for planted pumpkin seeds, and generated questions about growing plants. They worked collaboratively to divide and focus their research and work. The unit connects to real-world learning on gardening skills and a better understanding of how food is grown (either on a farm or in a city).
This was a perfect project for students going into the fall season!
To listen to the same story students read during this project click here: Too Many Pumpkins
Want to learn more about pumpkins? Click HERE!
Teacher collaboration: Smiley, Stover, Island, Marshall
Photo credit: Ms. Smiley, Stock photo
4th/5th Updates
5th grade: The fifth grade students have finished their physical science unit and have most recently been investigating physical changes in matter. They will be starting a unit on living systems next and we look forward to an update and photos to share in our December newsletter!
Nice work, 4th and 5th grades!
Parents - with your supervision, see this link for force & motion activities your child can do at home!
Photo credit: Ms. King, 4/5 Science
6-8 News!
Sixth grade: The sixth graders have been working on their Indiana invasive species multimedia project. They are working in pairs to research an invasive species that is a threat here in Indiana and create a multimedia presentation to create awareness about the invasive species! Presentations will be October 22 and will be posted on the school’s social media outlets. So keep an eye out for them!
Want to learn more about Indiana invasive plants? Click HERE!
Seventh grade: These scholars are learning about cells. Next week they will begin the Cell Organelle Campaign. They will be creating political campaigns to support the election of their organelle as a replacement nucleus, as the very overworked nucleus has decided to retire to Florida. This project will include students using research and developing a persuasive case as to why their organelle deserves to be the replacement cell. Various means of presenting their information will be used and the project will end with a class vote based on their campaigns. We are excited to see who the winner will be!
Eight grade: The eighth graders are still exploring matter. This week they explored density. They first learned what density was and how to calculate density. Next, they used their knowledge to calculate the density of common objects. They made a prediction based on their calculations and tested it by making a liquid layer column and applied their knowledge to calculate the amount of sugar in various common beverages. From their data they were shocked to find that even Kool-aid contains almost 20% sugar. This allowed them to conclude that they drink more sugar than they thought.
Photo Credit: Ms. Harris, 6-8 Science
~ New to IMSA West ~
Sidney Hastings - 4th Grade Math
Ms. Hastings notes that the most important thing she wants parents to know is "I care about their children".
Outside of teaching, Ms. Hastings likes taking care of her plants, hanging out with friends and family, and play with her dog, Milo.
THANK YOU to our Community Partners!
Our community partners contribute their time, expertise, and knowledge to help us develop STEM-literate students and help them learn more about STEM careers. With these partnerships our students have an increased interest in STEM. THANK YOU for all you do to support our school!
NEXT STEM NEWSLETTER WILL BE DECEMBER 2021!
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