beaches episocopal teachers explore stem concepts

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Beaches Episcopal School Teachers Explore STEAM Concepts

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Post on 11-May-2015

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Beaches Episcopal School located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida will be incorporating STEM investigations within their existing curriculum beginning the 2013-2014 school year. Beaches Episcopal School teachers and staff were introduced to STEM education philosophy and practices during a teacher training session. Teachers conducted hands-on-minds-on investigations to explore STEM concepts. Additionally, teachers were introduced to the use of reflective journaling in the classroom. Dr. Diana Wehrell-Grabowski will act as the STEM Education Specialist for Beaches Episcopal School for the upcoming school year. Dr. Grabowski will visit Beaches Episcopal School three times within the 2013-2014 school year, providing STEM consulting services to help in the implementation of STEM curriculum. http://www.drdianateachertraining.com

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  • 1.Beaches Episcopal School Teachers Explore STEAM Concepts

2. Teachers go on a STEAM walk to explore patterns and shapes in nature and in man-made designs. STEAM Walk 3. STEAM Walk 4. STEAM Walk 5. Incorporating Reflective Journaling in the Classroom Teachers record observations, and specimens from the STEAM walk into reflective journals. 6. Reflective Journaling Teachers were introduced to the use of reflective journals across the disciplines. Here teachers are conducting peer reviews of the journaling their peers did while on the STEAM walk. 7. Connecting Math and Architecture Teachers built 3-D structures out of Garbonzo Beans and toothpicks. These structures were then dipped into a soap solution. Within 24 hours the structures become sturdy enough to conduct mass load experiments (bridge building, etc.). 8. Building 3-D Structures 9. Designing and Constructing Structures with Blocks and Building Kits Teachers designed and constructed structures with blocks and building kits. This type of investigation helps to strengthen the 4 Cs of STEAM: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration. 10. Building Structures 11. Replicating Structures Teachers worked in groups to replicate a designated structure within a 15 minute time frame. 12. Building Structures 13. Ramp Science Teachers designed, constructed, and tested ramps using readily available materials. Conducting investigations with ramps helps to strengthen the 4Cs of STEAM: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration. 14. Ramp Science 15. Ramp Science 16. Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining a Self-Contained Ecosystem/ Habitat Teachers designed and constructed a self-contained ecosystem that would house common garden invertebrates such as: earthworms, pill bugs, and snails. This investigation integrates many benchmarks, and strengthens the 4Cs of STEAM. 17. Self-Contained Ecosystems 18. Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Self-Contained Ecosystems