IMSA-STEM
Tiger STEM Newsletter - September 2021
We're Back!
Science - Technology - Engineering - Mathematics
The "M" in STEM
Last school year we shared information on the first three letters of STEM - we are now ready for the "M" in STEM - Mathematics!
Most of us think of addition, multiplication, subtraction, geometry, algebra, etc. when we think of math. But, there is much more to math than numbers; critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and perseverance are all skills that are crucial for success in math - and in life! Math learning in the classroom and effective logical thinking and problem solving in real life are very much connected! To better understand our world, run a business, and more - we need math!
Just as English is the language needed to read and write books, math is also a language and is needed to create new technologies and make new discoveries. Math literacy is just as important as English literacy. A strong math foundation needs to start as early as preschool and is crucial in the early elementary grades. Research studies have shown that early/basic math skills are the number one predictor of later academic success (Duncan, et al., 2007).
Granted, some students (and adults!) have some degree of "math anxiety", but with the help of parents and teachers together, we can support our students to actually learn to like, and even love math!
To better understand our world, run a business, and more - we need math! Let's help ALL our IMSA students have a growth mindset about math!
For more information on how to help students at home, click HERE.
For fun STEM math activities, click HERE!
Build your math brain at Math Playgound!
Bulletin Board photo credit: Georgia Ross, Instructional Coach
IMSA West STEM Certification Update
The Indiana STEM vision is that all Indiana teachers are prepared to provide every student in K-12 with evidence-based and effective STEM education by 2025. In achieving STEM certification, IMSA West will be recognized as a school that promotes real-world investigations and questions that equip students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Click on the title for an informative TedX Talk on The Superpowers of STEM!
Back to (Middle) School! Grades 6-8
6-8 Science Review
Middle school science teacher, Ms. Sondra Harris, reports that with being back to in-person learning, all students have already had a chance to "do" science! Grades 6-8 participated in a lab to learn/review the scientific method. They observed a natural phenomenon - how water reacts on windows when it rains. They then conducted research to learn about adhesion and cohesion. Next, they developed a research question (Would soap affect the properties of water?) and worked in groups of four to test their hypothesis, collect data, and summarize their conclusions. Each group stays organized by having roles such as equipment manager, recorder, data collector, etc.
7th Grade Project Based Learning
Ms. Harris reports that 7th graders have started their Body Systems PBL as an introduction to the body. Group work is the norm with roles of manager, equipment manager, recorder, and human resource person. Students have been charged with reassembling their pharaoh (social studies connection) and are researching the body systems (skeletal, muscular, respiratory, etc)and explaining the function of each. To connect with social studies, they will research a pharaoh and write about the life and rule during their time and what happened to the pharaoh mummy.
Photo credit: Ms. Harris
Weather in Kindergarten
Photo Credit: Ms. Mills
3rd Grade News
For a video- click Marble Run Challenge
3rd Grade Teachers: Ms. Smiley, Ms. Marshall, Ms. Stover
Photo credit: Ms. Smiley
Welcome Ms. King!
Ms. King notes, "...science is what made me fall in love with learning and I am so excited to be teaching at a school that provides so many opportunities for students to get involved in STEM fields and get excited about STEM!" Ms. King loves science because it is such an interactive field of investigation and states, "The best way to learn science is to do it!".
When asked what she would like parents to know: "I am so excited to be working with you and your children during the 2021-22 school year. I believe students benefit most when their instructors and parents have a working relationship that ensures they are being supported in the best ways possible. I will do my best to make myself available to you as well as your children."
Ms. King has varied interests outside education, including baking! During COVID she has tested her baking skills, with cinnamon rolls being a favorite she is trying to perfect. She notes that baking is a form of self-care, particularly during the COVID lockdowns, making her time feel more productive. Her self-care tip - find something small and easy to do that you find gratifying so you can always feel like you are accomplishing a task, no matter how small.
Ms. King would like to share the recipe she believes is the best cinnamon roll recipe so far - enjoy! Homemade Cinnamon Rolls {Cinnabon Copycat} | Tastes of Lizzy T
IMSA West is very excited to have Ms. King at our school!
NEXT STEM NEWSLETTER WILL BE OCTOBER 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