STEM
STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Northwest Community Schools realizes the importance of STEM programming for students. With your help, we can expand our current program to offer more STEM related classes for Elementary aged children.
According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing at 17%, while other occupations are growing at 9.8%. STEM degree holders have a higher income even in non-STEM careers. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics workers play a key role in the sustained growth and stability of the U.S. economy, and are a critical component to helping the U.S. win the future. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators.
What is STEM?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is important because it pervades every part of our lives. Science is everywhere in the world around us. Technology is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives. Engineering is the basic designs of roads and bridges, but also tackles the challenges of changing global weather and environmentally-friendly changes to our home. Mathematics is in every occupation, every activity we do in our lives. By exposing students to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts, they will develop a passion for it and hopefully pursue a job in a STEM field. A curriculum that is STEM based has real-life situations to help the student learn.
Why STEM Education?
“In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.” (National Science Foundation)
Who benefits from STEM?
STEM education helps to bridge the ethnic and gender gaps sometimes found in math and science fields. Initiatives have been established to increase the roles of women and minorities in STEM-related fields. STEM education breaks the traditional gender roles. In order to compete in a global economy, STEM education and careers must be a national priority. Each and every decision made uses an aspect of STEM to understand the implications.
In conclusion, STEM education is critical to help the United States remain a world leader. If STEM education is not improved, the United States will continue to fall in world ranking with math and science scores and will not be able to maintain its global position. STEM education in school is important to spark an interest in pursuing a STEM career in students.
Advanced Manufacturing
Northwest Manufacturing
The NW STEM: Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Curriculum offers:
- projects developed in collaboration with local industry and higher education institutions
- projects designed to address current societal issues and problems
- important academic and career skills
- opportunities for students to think critically in order to comprehend, apply, and be innovative with the knowledge they acquire
- connections between academic learning and real-world situations
- multi-disciplinary units linking science, manufacturing, math, and English into lessons that are based on a common theme of a real-world situation
Starting in 7th Grade, all students take a required Manufacturing course for one trimester. In the 8th Grade, students can take an Elective Advanced Manufacturing course. By the 9th Grade, Students that are very interested in this pathway, enroll in Advanced Manufacturing and begin the program called Skills 180 and other introductory curriculum to build upon Middle School STEM curriculum foundations.
The identified Baker College course, EGR 1010 is currently an Articulated course for students at the Jackson Area Career Center
Beginning the 10th grade year, a cohort of students take a block schedule of English, Science and Manufacturing for 3 hours every day for the full year. Students engage in the content of the Baker Course Mechanical Engineering 2410 to earn college credit.
These students then move to the 11th Grade Baker College’s ISE 2110 will be offered in a Dual Enrollment/Concurrent instructional format.
The 12th Grade year is individually designed with students having opportunities to take more Baker College coursework along with certification completion and work experience opportunities.
This program has been supported by local businesses such as, American One Credit Union, Baker College and Technique, INC. The success of this program and our students depends on community investment! THANK YOU!
Computer Science
Northwest Middle School
6th Grade6th grade--Typing/keyboarding skills using www.typingclub.com; Google suite programs (docs, slides, forms, sheets); beginning coding skills using code.org, codehs.com; Digital citizenship
7-8th Grade
7-8th grade–Computer Science Discoveries Mapped to CSTA standards, the course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem-solving, programming, user-centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, and games
“Needs/Wants”–physical computing materials for after school coding clubs (codable robots, circuits/boards to code)
Northwest High School
9th Grade
Computer Science Discoveries Mapped to CSTA standards, the course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem-solving, programming, physical computing, user-centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and games.
9th - 12th Grade
AP CS Principles
10th - 12th Grade
AP CSA (Java) starting fall 2020 (AP CS Principles-prerequisite)