We are currently a
STEM Pilot Classroom
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What is STEM? STEM stands for "Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics". In a STEM classroom instruction will have an emphasis on integrating these four areas into the entire curriculum as well as ultizing inquiry learning. Its a nationwide initiative and one that East Penn has embraced. This is the first year of STEM instruction within the district and we are very excited to be a pilot classroom! |
Why do we need STEM?
"Students need an education with a solid foundation in STEM areas so that they are
prepared to both work and live in the 21st Century. Since the 1960s, the demand
for skills has changed significantly – the demand for routine manual task skills have
decreased, while the demand for non-routine interactive task skills have increased
significantly.1 Workforce projections for 2014 by the U.S. Department of Labor show
that 15 of the 20 fastest growing occupations require significant science or mathematics
training to successfully compete for a job.2 According to the U.S.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional information technology (IT) jobs will increase 24% between 2006 and 2016.3 However, as jobs requiring a solid background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are growing – more students are choosing not to major in these areas."
Taken from: http://www.setda.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=270&name=DLFE-257.pdf
With references to:
* Education Forum: What it Takes to Compete, Seeing US education through the prism of
international comparisons, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),
2007.
* Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Fastest growing occupations, 2004-14,
http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab21.htm.
*Fewer students seek tech-related degrees, (2008, June 24), E-School News.
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=54247;_hbguid=900b8324-daf2-46d3-b631-
ca35461b9736.
How will my child's instruction be different from other classrooms?
In a STEM classroom the four areas are integrated throughout the curriculum on a daily basis. The subjects are not taught in isolation, which is the traditional way to teach these subjects. Inquiry learning (based around a student's questions and interest) and project based learning will also be included.
Clip Art Borrowed from:
http://www.edigroupkc.com/TheStemCrisis.htm




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