What is STEM?
STEM in Macon County
Mission
STEM is creating a community of problem solvers to lead Macon County into the future.
Why STEM?
To empower students to think critically about issues facing our community and problem solve real solutions so that our home (local to global) will thrive and adapt to a continually changing world.
Vision
A community of innovators working together to solve problems and initiate projects which will have a positive impact on our home and future.
What is STEM?
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
(STEAM, ESTEAM, STEAMS, ETC.)
Strategies That Engage Minds
Not a checklist
Not taught in isolation – collaborative and integrated
Represents a paradigm shift in educational practice
Teacher is the “guide on the side not the sage on the stage”.
Provides opportunities to FAIL (First Attempt in Learning)
4 C’s – Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking and Communication
Why STEM?
According to the Pew Research Center, employment in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations has grown 79% since 1990, from 9.7 million to 17.3 million, outpacing overall U.S. job growth. Mastering STEM skills (4 C’s) will also create attributes and soft-skills that students need to develop for any future career.Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Perseverance
Goal Setting
Independent and life-long learners
GRIT!
Goals
Provide educators with the necessary training and information so they may empower students with problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Discovery Education
The Science House
WRESA
NCCAT
STEM-E
NASA – Smoky Mountain STEM Collaborative
Code.org
Teacher Externships
Provide new opportunities for our students so they may understand and practice 21st century skills.
Project/Problem Based (PBL) in the classroom!
Science Olympiad after school (5th/6th grade)
FIRST Lego League Robotics through STEM educators (5th – 8th grade)
Macon Bots High School Robotics – after school (9-12th grade)
STEM Family Nights (K-6)
STEM-E clubs (Elementary – High School)
Internships (High School)
Computer Science Class at FHS
Media Center Makerspaces
Drone class at Macon Middle
Muddy Sneakers at Mountain View
STEM Coffeehouse
Encourage and support relationships in our community of learners (parents, teachers, administration, business, industry, students) which will encourage collaboration and inspire innovative solutions (real-world problems).
STEM Career Fair Mountain View Intermediate School
SCC Career Fairs
Internships with local businesses
Teacher Externships
STEM-E Club Projects
Franklin Gem and Mineral Society Grants
SMART Tank
STEM Coffeehouse
The Bascom Artist in Residence partnership (Macon Middle)
Robotics Program
Provide resources to our teachers and students so their creativity and productivity is not restricted.
3D Printers
Field Trip experiences
Community experts/mentors
Scientific Equipment
Consumables
Funding support(grants/fundraisers/donations)
Curriculum Support/Coaching
STEM Family Night materials
STEM Space: Lauchpad for Innovators
Professional Resources
Appropriate Technology