Students work independently and collaboratively in an inquiry-based learning environment that encourages finding creative solutions to authentic and complex problems. (AdvancED STEM Indicator ST1.2)
Since high-quality, STEM-focused learning takes place in each classroom at Fairforest Elementary School, the ideas, approaches, and assessments of creative and collaborative problem-solving can vary greatly from one teacher to the next. Examples of student inquiry and collaboration across all grade levels are as follows:
Inquiry-Based Learning at Fairforest Elementary School:
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Integrated instruction has long been a strength at Fairforest Elementary School; for the past 5 years and beyond, our educators have worked diligently and collaboratively to create a standards-based curriculum that would enable our students to make meaningful connections across the various subject areas. This approach has allowed us to make a fairly smooth transition to a STEM-based education, as we have been working to integrate science and math with other content for quite a few years. While the additional focus on technology and engineering have proven challenging at times, they have also allowed for much more of the collaborative, inquiry-based learning that should be a constant in a STEM curriculum.
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In order to guide teachers and students through the process of questioning, brainstorming, designing, and creating in collaborative groups, our reading coach and technology integration specialist have designed several school-wide STEM challenges this year. In December, all students participated in the Goldilocks Challenge, in which students had to design a toothpick-and-gumdrop chair that was strong enough to support the weight of "Goldilocks," a stuffed animal. Students in grades K-5 worked in teams to plan and build these structures, and many groups were successful enough to challenge their chairs to hold additional weight. In the second semester, all students participated in an Hour of Code event. Younger students worked independently to solve problems using Kodable, an early-learning coding website. Students in grades 3-5, however, worked in collaborative groups to program and design their own video games using Kodu Game Lab. This program was extremely challenging (even intimidating for many of the adults who observed!), yet our students excelled when given the opportunity to identify and solve difficult problems on their own. Not only that, but they truly enjoyed the freedom of designing their own games. Our students have demonstrated that they are more than ready to take responsibility for--and pride in--more of their own learning.
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