Our work developing STEM integration projects for each grade level has also involved research, as well as trial and error, as we test various projects with our own students and learn more about the math and science standards for each grade. As we further our education and develop our projects, our next step will be to provide professional development to turnkey these ideas.

There have been many exciting STEM experiences at Fernwood this year! The first sixth-grade STEM Day was a huge accomplishment for our school and our sixth-grade students. The day was packed with fun-filled STEM geared activities. The sixth-grade Science teachers began an Earth Science unit on natural disasters, including earthquakes, prior to the actual STEM day experience. On STEM day, teachers in every subject implemented a STEM integration project in their classroom. The project consisted of constructing Earthquake Towers during our Science periods that were tested on STEM Day. The students worked in groups to construct a two- to four-story building using the materials provided, utilizing the Engineering Design Process we learned at Notre Dame. Our STEM Day agenda included a penny boat challenge, Federal Aviation Administration engineers who discussed careers in STEM, followed by our earthquake tower testing. This was a truly amazing day in which everyone–staff and students–had the opportunity to engage in a quality STEM experience.

 In some of our seventh- and eighth-grade math classes, we tried out paper circuits for the first time. It was a huge success! The students learned about basic circuitry in science class and made an LED light circuit board in math class! The process started by having the students write their own linear word problems. Although it may seem like a difficult task, the students came to solutions beautifully and had the opportunity to engage in something relevant! Once they wrote their problems, they created an equation. Next, students displayed their data in a function table and a graph. They used the LEDs to illuminate the solutions to their word problems. Everyone was so engaged, learned a ton, and had a lot of fun! In the spring, these students will be completing a STEM integration project using custom tracks built with the help of our STEM teacher, utilizing Hot Wheels cars and slope. The goal of the project is to have the students predict a stopping point for their car based on the slope of the track with added weight to the vehicle. We’re excited to be testing this project this year with our students and hope to share it next year with the other eighth-grade teachers.