“STEM” is the acronym commonly used for “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics”. A STEM educational approach provides students with the opportunity to see these four disciplines as one integrated body of knowledge and skills. It also helps to prepare the students to become more marketable when they apply for a job in the years to come. Statistics have shown that a large portion of future jobs will be STEM related, so why not prepare them for this eventuality?
By integrating STEM at a young age, students will become more proficient, allowing these skills to become a part of who they are. STEM has always been integrated into their learning in our programme. However, this year even further emphasis has been placed on linking Science and Math, particularly with regards to their integration with technology. Science and Math are taught to children in a manner whereby they can actually apply their knowledge; they leave not only with knowledge, but with the life skills that will help them succeed. Encouraging students to build, design, and engineer their assignments early on allows for a different type of learner and thinker. The exposure to Chromebooks allows for students to become more technologically coherent, an ability that will be extremely useful to them in the future.
In Grade 6, students were asked to design a space probe. Last year they had been asked to create the same item from recycled materials. This year they were asked to complete it through technological means, and the results were remarkable!
Click on the image below to see a video of a STEM space project being narrated by two of our Grade 6 Students.
It has been sincerely wonderful watching the students’ learning take place during this adaptation to a STEM approach of teaching. With the regular use of technology, in conjunction with their background knowledge, they are producing incredible work, something of which I am truly proud! I now know that this development will help them in the future, and they will have the skills and ability to accomplish great things
Stay tuned for more examples of students’ work from our older Grades which will demonstrates their wonderful accomplishments when applying a STEM approach in their learning.
Written by a RMS science teacher
To see more posts about STEM related activities at Rowntree Montessori Schools, click here.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing with you the private school community of which we are so proud!
To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.
More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here.
