The above are a few of the more prominent examples of educational improvements that have been or are being implemented for students’ benefit. Norwin School District teachers and administrators have been refining the K-12 STEM Education program for several years now, working on the areas of curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, awareness building, professional development, and student recognition.
Fostering local business-education partnerships and student internships to expand student learning opportunities continues to be a high priority. First National Bank has taken a lead role in this, having donated $ 5,000 in 2013, $ 30,000 in 2014, and $ 10,000 in 2015 to provide STEM education experiences to Norwin students through the state’ s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. First National Bank’ s donations have provided a STEM summer camp and a major equipment purchase called a Computer Numerically Controlled( CNC) Mill.
Last fall, students in the High School’ s Technology Education classes began using the new CNC Mill to machine parts out of metal and created custom-designed parts using a 3-D printer for their 15-pound, competition bot for the BotsIQ tournament at California University of Pennsylvania in April. In addition, PDS Industries, a local precision machining company, has spent $ 32,000 in donating inkind materials and services during the past five years to support the students’ Bots projects.
The elementary math, science, and technology curricula are reviewed and updated annually to ensure that daily teaching and learning is focused on high-level critical and creative thinking and problem solving. An emphasis has been placed on encouraging digital literacy in our young students, with technology available to support instruction. Elementary students experience a robotics curriculum through the Lego WeDo program in grades 3-4 and the Lego EV3 program in grades 5-6. Elementary buildings hold schoolwide events including Science Fairs, Science Olympiads, STEM Days, Ultimate Math Challenges, and STEM Challenges. These events provide opportunities for students to interact with and learn from parent volunteers and other adults who work in the fields of math, science, technology, and industry.
Also at the Elementary level, the STEM Squires program continues to provide opportunities for young learners to explore STEM curriculum and careers. Elementary and secondary students had the opportunity to participate in 16 summer STEM camps created and instructed by District teachers, including, but not limited to, It’ s Never Too Early for STEM, Baseball Math, and Camp Invention for elementary; Advanced Robotics for Middle School; and Scuba Diving
Norwin High School Technology Education students display bots they made using a new Tormach brand Computer Numerically Controlled mill provided by a generous grant from First National Bank. From left to right: Joe Pstir, Justin Long, Jaden Bridges, Christiana Skrabak, Ethan Peters, Luke Cordle, Sam Cabot, Jess Wunderley, Tynan Tinley, and Technology Education teacher Mr. Robert Shuber, Department Head.
ABOUT PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
The integration of STEM Education through Project-Based Learning has a primary goal to involve students further by: 1. Becoming creators, makers, and innovators with increased interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
2. Solving authentic problems, working with others, and building real solutions( artifacts)
3. Problem-solving through a learning process based on real-world, authentic problems
4. Constructing their own knowledge of the world around them
5. Developing 21st century skills through transfer of knowledge to real-world problems
6. Encouraging students to use their imagination and curiosity and increasing their motivation to learn
7. Integrating project-based learning to increase scores in higher-level mathematical problem-solving and scientific process skills( Adapted from Diana Laboy-Rush, STEM Solutions Manager at Learnining. com)
and Alternative Energy for High School students. The Middle School offers several STEM – related extracurricular activities, including STEM Club and an Alternative Energy Camp that was held this summer.
During the last two years, funding from the Smiy Family Foundation has totaled $ 75,000 for STEM-related initiatives and activities and $ 10,000 for student scholarships. Funds have been received by the Norwin School District Community Foundation, a 501( c)( 3) nonprofit organization, and subsequently provided to the School District.
Other major grants that have benefitted Norwin School District in recent years have included:
• $ 22,000 from the Alcoa Foundation for Middle School robotics
• $ 16,000 from the Grable Foundation for third-grade robotics
• $ 59,000 from the Grable Foundation for Hillcrest Robotics
• $ 500,000 from Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2014-2015 for Math and Science Grant
• $ 500,000 Math and Science Grant from Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2016-2017
• $ 45,000 grant from Chevron for Project Lead the Way development at Norwin High School The School District will become involved in Remake Learning, a professional network of educators and more than 250 organizations working together to shape the future of teaching and learning in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. Remake Learning Grants are small-scale funding awards( less than $ 10,000) to spur innovative learning projects that inspire educators and students to explore new ways of teaching and learning.
In conclusion, Norwin School District believes that continuing the combined approach of making targeted educational investments, pursuing multiple grant opportunities, and growing business-education partnerships will yield many new learning opportunities for students to build a strong foundation for the future. And, the collective efforts of all key stakeholders will enhance visionary and strategic opportunities to build a worldclass education system for the greater Norwin community.
Norwin school district News
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