Making S.T.E.M. Count!Integrating S.T.E.M Based
Curriculum in an After-School Setting
Presenters:Nicole DavisRebecca ScottLiteracy West NY Inc.
“Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.” -Christine Gregoire
Please use the sticky notes
provided to list things you know and would like to
know about Career Pathways and STEM around the room!
Presentation Overview Introductions Brief History of Literacy West NY Inc. What we do in Fun Starts ESD
Program descriptions Unit outlines Example lessons/activities
Field Trips/Assemblies/Family Fun Nights Closing/ Comments/ Questions
Introductions
Nicole Davis Project Site Coordinator of Fun Starts ESD
Rebecca Scott Deputy Executive Director
Literacy West NY Inc. We are a literacy based organization
providing reading, writing, math and career pathway instruction for adults and youth in Allegany and Wyoming Counties.
What is Career Pathways?At Literacy West NY, Career Pathways is a program that provides individuals education, training, and support services that leads to post secondary or employment.
The programBuilds Skills – Reading, Writing, MathPrepare for Work/PostsecondaryExplore Careers Career CoachCase Management Services
Statistics2010- 62% of jobs require skilled
workers 97 million positions open 40 million skilled workers available
2020- 74% of jobs require skilled workers
2020- ONLY 44 million jobs will be available for unskilled workers There are 142 million unskilled people for
those positions!
By skilled they mean: Communication skills Problem solving Organization Math computation Reading/writing abilities Experience Responsibility Professionalism Leadership Creativity Logic Character
What are employers offering to those that are willing? Internships In-house training Good pay Benefits Schedule flexibility Opportunities for advancement
Why is STEM Important? A retrospective study of FIRST alumni was
conducted by researchers at Brandeis University who surveyed participants who graduated from the program between 1999‐2003 in New York City and Detroit. The study found that: 80 %of respondents reported an increased
understanding of the role of science and technology in everyday life.
86 % reported an increased interest in science and technology generally and
69% had an increased interest in STEM careers.
89% reported increased self‐confidence and 70% had an increased motivation to do well in
school.10Afterschool Alliance. "STEM Learning in Afterschool: An Analysis of Impact and Outcomes." Afterschool Alliance Sept. 2011: 1-20. PDF file
Studies have shown…The evaluation results collected here offer a sample of the positive impacts of these programs on youth to:•Inspire youth•Provide them with the confidence to pursue STEM fields both academically and professionally. •Develop the skills, knowledge and communication skills•work in groups, which is an essential skill in any career.
Afterschool is playing a key role in supporting STEM learning. To maximize potential impact, future STEM education policy should support afterschool and summer opportunities for STEM engagement.Afterschool Alliance. "STEM Learning in Afterschool: An Analysis of Impact and Outcomes." Afterschool Alliance Sept. 2011: 1-20. PDF file
Children are naturally:
Curious Industrious Asking
questions Reasoning to
solve problems Experimenting
with ideas Questioning
morality
All children are different……but, they are the same...
I am sure we have all heard…We learn… •10%of what we read•20% of what we hear•30%of what we see•70% of what we discuss with others•80% of what we experience•95% of what we teach to someone
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” - Confucius
We should always encourage them to do what they love! Encourage BOCES
education Opportunities for
vocational training or a vocational school
Provide students with internships
Shadowing Go on college tours Speak to
professionals
We developed a curriculum to span four units: Teambuilding/Junior Achievement S.T.E.M World Culture Nature and Renewable Energy
“The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers, he's one who asks the right questions.”-Claude Levi-Strauss
Our middle school students: Are trained to be peer mentors/tutors Learn about the global economy Interview local business partners Explore different career pathways Participate in Elementary Curriculum Host a job fair
Teambuilding Develop classroom rules Teambuilding activities Guest speaker:
Maxine Warner Allegany County Department of Health
Jane Foster Character Education
Junior Achievement Our Families- about needs and wants, jobs, tools
and skills, and interdependence. Our Region- explains the economic/business
resources found in state and regional economies Our Nation- program that provides practical
information about businesses’ need for individuals who can meet the demands of the job market, including high-growth, high-demand jobs. Students will learn that businesses need workers with skills that are in demand, such as STEM skills
More than Money- encompasses economics and business
S.T.E.M. Topics: Scientific Method Geology/Tectonic
Plates Volcanos Newton's Laws Simple Machines Light Density Solar System Robotics
Electricity Engineering Chemistry
Key Points for a Lesson Measurable
objectives Informal and
formal assessment NYS Standards Key Points to
Cover Opening/
Introduction to the new material
Guided Practice Independent
practice Closing/Review Differentiated
instruction
World Culture
Make passports One continent per
week Different country
per day
African Friendship Quilt
Nature and Renewable Energy Plants/Photosynthesis Animals
Food webs Animal track Life cycles
Weather/Water Cycle Body Systems Pollution Alternative Energy
Field Trips! Take advantage
of local resources Develop
partnerships within the community Local colleges Family owned
businesses
Houghton College- Fun with Liquid Nitrogen
Survey Comments:
Parents: “I think the program is
Fantastic! It is definitely a positive program for kids. My son is concentrating on more productive activities rather than TV and video games since he started.”
“It gives him (my son) positive things in his life. He is much happier and his self-esteem is very high.”
“I am really happy there is such a program for my kids! They enjoy it and so do I.”
“My son is so excited to attend; he looks forward to it every day! He hasn’t stopped talking about the museum yet (Planetarium)!”
Survey Comments:
“I like to play iPads and like spending time with the workers, they are nice and sweet.”
“This is fun!”
“Fun, Cool and SOOPER!”
“The best time ever!”
“I like building lots of stuff at fun starts program!”
“I love the after-school program! FUN! AWESOME!”
“Dear Mr. Pilgrim. This was the most awesomest thing I ever done!!! When I ate the ice cream I thought I was going to freeze because it was -550 degrees Fahrenheit. It was Awesome!
Students:
Teachers “I highly encourage my students to participate- I
think you do great things!”
“Last year I had the privilege of working with many of the Literacy West professionals. It was a huge help to have Mr. Lewis push into my classroom throughout the day. The after school program that was provided allowed many of the students to get one-on-one, or small group instruction in order to help each child meet their individual needs.” Mrs. Sandy Miller 1st Grade Teacher.
The Numbers: 83 Children
Served 60% of the
Elementary Population
384 Hours of Program
99 hours of one-on-one tutoring provided
197 parents and students attend field trips
So, what can you do?
Starts them young! Emphasize the basics Explore challenging topics Build
Partnerships Provide opportunities for self exploration
and growth Hands-on Care!
Contact Information
Nicole DavisProject Site Coordinator
Literacy West NY Inc.(585) 268-5213 x [email protected] Rt. 19 N Belmont, NY 14813
www.Core4me.com