Information Item
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Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item |
| DATE: | Tuesday, September 29, 2015 |
| TO: | School Board Members |
| FROM: | Jeff Eakins, Superintendent |
| TEACHING AND LEARNING PRESENTATION | |
| Elementary Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Engineering and Design Challenges (EDC) (Curriculum and Instruction Division) | |
| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | |
| Initiative: The Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) STEM Team has worked diligently for over four years to provide an effective STEM education to all students. Nationally recognized, the district’s EDC are implemented in each elementary school. Through the EDC, students take on the role of an engineer through an iterative engineering and design process, creating an innovative, unique solution to a real-world problem. EDC are integrated into the instructional calendar each week, providing students with the opportunity to apply their scientific knowledge and creativity while working with a team of fellow engineers. Throughout the process, students use a common engineering language, create blueprints, and develop prototypes that meet the criteria of a request for proposal from a client. Through the experiences, students learn about vastly different careers in engineering and other STEM fields. The EDC were developed by teachers for teachers in alignment with state and national initiatives to provide further access to STEM for all students. The EDC are in the fourth year of implementation in all elementary schools.
Goals: The goal for the K-12 STEM Team is to provide STEM opportunities for all students. Targeted Population: All K-5 science classrooms throughout the district. Timeline: 2012/2013 - 2015/2016 Professional/Staff Development: Opportunities have been provided for all teachers since 2013. Teachers that participate in Science New Teacher Training learn the philosophy of an EDC through professional practice. Teacher feedback and follow-up information are shared at various monthly elementary meetings and quarterly STEM Community of Practice meetings. Transferability: Lessons are implemented in all K-5 science classrooms. Involvement: HCPS STEM Education Department, University of South Florida Elementary Residency Math and Science Partnership. |
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| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES | |
| • Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods • Motivate students to become responsible learners • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum | |
| SUBMITTED BY: Shana Tirado, Supervisor, Elementary Science | |
| Larry R. Plank, Ed.S. | Denny B. Oest | |
| Director, K-12 STEM (813) 272-4622 |
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction (813) 272-4221 |
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| B 01 | ||
| Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20150929_701 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 01 | ||