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| STEM curriculum emphasizes scientific research |
Staff Photo by Stacey Hairston:
Gereau Center teacher Alissa Goodwin introduces a “getting to know you” activity within her travel group. The participants in the group are working to untie themselves from their “human knot.” |
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
By STACEY HAIRSTON - Staff Writer
The Gereau Center has introduced a new STEM (Science, Technology, English, Math) focused curriculum, which focuses on problem solving through scientific research.
"Wellness Wednesday," as the program is sometimes referred to, takes place every Wednesday morning for approximately an hour and 45 minutes and will "hopefully result in students being able to integrate math, science, research, problem-solving, technology and media, along with team work, into a project or problem-based learning experience," said Keith Pennington, director of curriculum and instruction for Franklin County schools.
Students were given a multitude of topics from wellness, lifestyle, environmental and travel to relationships, technology and finance. Each student chose their topic of interest and divided into teams to begin working on their respective projects. Teachers serve as mentors and guide the students through the research and problem-solving process.
The STEM is a product of 18 months of curriculum development, as well as community input and information from teachers and students. It introduces students to a long-term, research-based activity within a group.
"The teachers, students and community are excited about the STEM, or as we refer to it -- STREAM, curriculum implementation," Pennington added.
At the Gereau Center, students and teachers also refer to STEM as the STREAM, with the "R" and the "A" representing reading and art. |
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