St. Mary School has been named a Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research winner for the second year in a row...
Top STEM Distinction Earned
St. Mary School has been named a Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research winner for the second year in a row. The school worked hard to qualify for this distinction given to only a small percentage of schools throughout the state.
“We are constantly evolving our curriculum to reflect STEM in all areas and across grade levels. We are preparing our students for the jobs of the future and forming partnerships with local organizations to make sure our students have the information and support they need to succeed,” said Amber Yeager, junior high science teacher.
This year, the school has been able to successfully implement the use of two-in-one devices for each student in the junior high and has had the teachers participate in STEMCOM and other STEM workshops to enhance their curriculum and teaching.
Accomplishments from last school year made St. Mary School eligible for application for this award, including one student receiving a superior rating at the Ohio State Science fair and receiving an awarded a scholarship by the EPA. Another student received a superior rating at the Ohio State Science fair and was awarded a scholarship to the B. Wiser Institute at The University of Akron.
In addition, two students were invited and attended the national meeting of the Invention Convention to Washington, D.C., and five students were invited to the University of Akron science fair. For a school the size that St. Mary is, this is an exceptional showing.
St. Mary School students participate in STEM learning continuously throughout their school year and this year, they have added Meg Pawar as a designated STEM enrichment teacher for the school. The lower grades begin to collaborate with local organizations such as the Holden Arboretum and in the upper grades, science fair projects and Science Olympiad competitions provide excitement and buzz all year.
STEM education is teaching that is focused on preparing students in science technology, engineering and math disciplines for post-high school education as well as innovative careers. It incorporates numerous disciplines and relies on hands-on approaches to help students learn complex ideas.
It is clear that STEM is present and alive across St. Mary School. Students say it’s hard work, but so much fun. Each new accomplishment gets them excited to keep moving forward.
PHOTOS
- (Preschool Science): Pre-K teacher Linda Flynn demonstrates state changes through cooking and simple science experiments with her students.
- (Holden Arboretum): St. Mary student Zach Nieto works on a nature journal during a partnership visit to the Holden Arboretum
- (IMG 4215) Junior high students Loreali Gandolf Glover and Grayce Young work in their science lab.
