Students are supported in their STEM learning through adult-world connections and extended day opportunities.
(AdvancED STEM Indicator ST1.11)
(AdvancED STEM Indicator ST1.11)
Fairforest Elementary currently has several before- and after- school opportunities for students to continue their STEM learning. We have a newspaper staff, consisting of third- through fifth-grade students. Just as with our general STEM curriculum, there was no selection of participants based on grades or achievement; all students who expressed an interested have been invited to participate. Due to the overwhelming response from students, this club has been split into two groups. Each group meets one morning a week to collaborate on our school paper, which is published online. It is then shared on our school website and Facebook page for parents and community members to view. Student writers make all decisions about which events and topics they will share with their readers. They have also grown as writers, due to the real-world experiences of necessary editing and proofreading that must take place before an issue can be published. Artifacts: September Issue; October Issue; November Issue; December Issue January-February Issue
Math Club: In 2015, we began an after school Math Club with our top 4th grade math students. Four engineers from Michelin come once a week to lead this one hour club. Students are challenged to think critically as they are exposed to real world math situations.
Fairforest Elementary School is excited about the new and innovative ways that Michelin North America will support our school as we continue to march full STEAM ahead! Artifacts: Informational Letter; Slide Show (above); Video Comic Book Club: Students are exposed to a variety of comic book titles and genres and are given the opportunity to come together once a month and share their take, impressions and opinions of the stories with each other. Artifact: Digital Comic
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Third- through fifth-grade students have also had the opportunity to participate in Minecraft Club this year. Led by our reading coach and technology integration specialist, these students meet after school one day each week to work collaboratively and creatively within MinecraftEDU. Minecraft students are able to explore mathematical and scientific concepts, make connections to literacy, and solve engineering problems, all while playing a game that they love. These students were selected on a first-come, first-serve basis--and interest was so overwhelming that two groups had to be formed (along with a lengthy waiting list). Enthusiasm and attendance for Minecraft Club have been high throughout the school year. Artifacts: Informational Letter; Slide Show (at left)
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Robotics Club: Earlier in the year, Mrs. Wofford decided to offer a new opportunity to Fairforest Elementary’s fourth and fifth graders. With the support of Dr. Krawczyk, she was able to begin a Fairforest’s first ever Lego Robotics Club. Within a few days of the informational letter going out to students, she quickly developed a list of over fifty students eager to have a spot in the new afterschool program. On November 5th, fifteen enthusiastic students met to begin building their robots. Since then, the students have had the opportunity to explore the capabilities of the Lego Mindstorm EV3 software. Her room has been abuzz with excitement as the boys and girls programmed their robots to roam around the room in all directions, turn in figure eight patterns, and change speeds. Mackenzie said, “I really like that I can work with my friends to make the robots do a spin, go fast, or go slow.” Michael, a fifth grader, reports that the club has taught him “patience and to try, try again.” Alyssa, a fourth grader, said that she has enjoyed the program because she has been able to build things and has learned a lot. Now that the students are experts in the basics of the programming software, they’ll soon begin experimenting with the robotic sensors, which will allow them to program the robots to perform movements based on sound and light waves, much like the technology used in traffic-monitoring systems and the automatic doors we see every day in stores like Target and Ingles. Mrs. Wofford is looking forward to watching these young programmers learn more about the technology that is part of our ever changing, bright future. Artifacts: Informational Letter; Video (at right)
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