STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Why Technology?
As our P.E.A.K.S. focus incorporates the STEM initiative, the middle school continues this by incorporating many various opportunities for STEM projects and learning. In our 21st Century world, it is critical that our students have the knowledge and familiarity with technology in order to be competitive in academics and in the workforce. Throughout the year you will see multiple assignments that require computers, internet, hand-held devices, etc. This is in an effort to build a confidence with technology, and to incorporate new and various ways of demonstrating our knowledge. With the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, it is even more imperative that we acclimate our students to the demands of technology; after-all, students will now be using computers and an on-line test to demonstrate their yearly progress in the state mandated testing.
We structure our classrooms around the concept of activity-based networks. Activity-based approaches to learning incorporate the teacher as a facilitator and the students as engaged and taking responsibility for their learning. Students should be able to determine what they want to explore within a given topic, and then they should be given the tools to explore the topic. In most cases technology plays an integral part in helping students achieve in activity-based learning. Activity-based classrooms that grant student greater access to technology will promote students that, “Have a greater tolerance for figuring out, troubleshooting, or experimenting” (Diaz, 2010, p. 59). The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE, 2008) state that 21st Century teacher prepare their students by doing the following
The PEAKS team acknowledges that it is imperative we center our instruction with ISTE's standards for teachers in mind, and furthermore that we integrate activity-based, student-choice, learning opportunities. It is through this unique blend of instruction, that we can fully implement a curriculum that is rigorous and adheres to the quadrant D learning experiences for our gifted and talented students.
We structure our classrooms around the concept of activity-based networks. Activity-based approaches to learning incorporate the teacher as a facilitator and the students as engaged and taking responsibility for their learning. Students should be able to determine what they want to explore within a given topic, and then they should be given the tools to explore the topic. In most cases technology plays an integral part in helping students achieve in activity-based learning. Activity-based classrooms that grant student greater access to technology will promote students that, “Have a greater tolerance for figuring out, troubleshooting, or experimenting” (Diaz, 2010, p. 59). The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE, 2008) state that 21st Century teacher prepare their students by doing the following
- Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.
- Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the Standards
- Teachers model digital age work and learning by exhibiting knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.
- Teachers promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility by understanding local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices
The PEAKS team acknowledges that it is imperative we center our instruction with ISTE's standards for teachers in mind, and furthermore that we integrate activity-based, student-choice, learning opportunities. It is through this unique blend of instruction, that we can fully implement a curriculum that is rigorous and adheres to the quadrant D learning experiences for our gifted and talented students.
Examples of Technology Activity-Based Projects
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Example of Technology Class Assignment
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