For the 2012-2013 academic year, STEM Connections for Kids will be providing and coordinating curricular resources to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) opportunities to the K-6 students of the Bellwood-Antis School District.
STEM Connections for Kids was developed in response to the numerous reports and findings that conclude in order for us to remain competitive in a global economy, it is imperative that we raise students’ interest and achievement in STEM subjects. The group is comprised of like-minded educators and business people in Blair County, PA dedicated to promoting, developing and implementing programs and services related to STEM.
“These STEM programs will make science, technology, engineering and mathematics ‘real’ for our K-6 students with practical hands on approaches to problem solving” said Dr. Brian Toth, Superintendent of the Bellwood-Antis School District. “Through these experiences, students can construct meaning for the abstract and allow new knowledge to generate from prior experiences,” added Dr. Toth.
This pilot program for other school districts to follow, will be implemented throughout the 2012-2013 school year and each grade level will participate in 3 lessons/units. This will allow 30 classes and a total of 670 students hands-on opportunities to explore the world of STEM and peak their interest in further activities and studies.
“Teachers face enormous challenges to support students to begin a career or a college degree program, particularly in the STEM fields,” said Sherry Buck, retired principal and Board Member for STEM Connections for Kids. “Our program will meet the needs of the teachers and provide the roadmap for school districts to adopt a successful STEM approach for our region’s students,” added Buck.
The intended outcomes of this pilot program will be an enhanced awareness, appreciation, and long-term interest in STEM by students and the community at large. Follow-up activities with surveys and monitoring the students progress and interest will be vital as the long-term goal is to broaden STEM beyond Bellwood-Antis SD and into all of the districts in Blair County.
