What is STEM?

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Students in lab

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 durable 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, and 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

  • Aviation Program

Provide resources to our teachers and students so their creativity and productivity are 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: Launchpad for Innovators

  • Professional Resources

  • Appropriate Technology

STEAM Goals