More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
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In our district elementary students receive very little hands-on science experience. Most of their instruction comes from the reading curriculum which offers introduction to science concepts. Unfortunately, emphasis is placed on the reading and math standards which leaves little time for science inquiry. Once students reach middle school, science becomes an important piece of the curriculum, but most students lack the inquiry skills to be successful in the program. To remedy this gap in skills and understanding, I have started the STEM Squad, an after school club that gives middle school students the opportunity to learn and practice science inquiry and 21st Century skills that they need to be successful in the science classroom. This club has already significantly helped my students' understanding of the scientific operations including the Scientific Method and Engineering Design process.
What the club lacks is the funding to purchase supplies for STEM kits that would allow the students access to a variety of scientific concepts during club meetings. Currently, supplies are acquired from the materials I have available in the science room and my own personal purchases. By providing our club with other items, the resulting activities will allow the members to continue practicing the skills necessary to be successful in school and prepared for training in future STEM careers.
About my class
In our district elementary students receive very little hands-on science experience. Most of their instruction comes from the reading curriculum which offers introduction to science concepts. Unfortunately, emphasis is placed on the reading and math standards which leaves little time for science inquiry. Once students reach middle school, science becomes an important piece of the curriculum, but most students lack the inquiry skills to be successful in the program. To remedy this gap in skills and understanding, I have started the STEM Squad, an after school club that gives middle school students the opportunity to learn and practice science inquiry and 21st Century skills that they need to be successful in the science classroom. This club has already significantly helped my students' understanding of the scientific operations including the Scientific Method and Engineering Design process.
What the club lacks is the funding to purchase supplies for STEM kits that would allow the students access to a variety of scientific concepts during club meetings. Currently, supplies are acquired from the materials I have available in the science room and my own personal purchases. By providing our club with other items, the resulting activities will allow the members to continue practicing the skills necessary to be successful in school and prepared for training in future STEM careers.