In class, students are given the opportunity
to be involved in hands on learning that
supports their classroom learning. STEM
teachers work hard to incorporate grade level
skills and concepts into their weekly lessons.
A supportive district, administration, staff,
and community all contribute to the success
of the class. The Plum Borough School District
supports and encourages STEM learning
and is a Carnegie STEM Excellence Pathway
Partner. Emerging as leaders in the education
community, Plum hosts area school districts
that frequently visit our STEM Studio to
observe and gain insight on how to implement
STEM classes in their districts.
From coding and programming to learning
the Engineering Design process, students are
immersed in hands-on activities and projects.
Makey-Makey Circuit and Invention kits,
robots, and Discovery Engineering are utilized
daily across grade levels. Problem solving and
designing solutions to fairy tale characters
problems drive the primary instruction with
a strong literary focus. Students in grades 4-6
design and construct Rube Goldberg inspired
mousetraps, amusement park rides, hologram
projectors, and program a FINCH robot to
complete a series of tasks to name a few of
their projects.
STEM class continues to challenge students
and enrich learning in the elementary students
of Plum Borough School District. We look
forward to seeing more innovation, ingenuity,
and creativity from our students!
STEM Day
at CCAC Boyce Campus
Over 45 students from the four Plum elementary schools
participated in STEM Day as part of the Pittsburgh “Remake
Learning” Days. Students traveled to CCAC Boyce Campus where
they were greeted by the college staff and began the day with a
round table discussion of STEM careers available to students at
the campus.
Students participated in four
different career activities
over the course of the day.
Students began in the
chemistry lab with Professor
Mycka learning about
chemical reactions and how
different chemicals are used
in industry, entertainment,
and medicine. The group
was treated to many
experiments including
fireworks, electroplating,
and luminescence. The
students learned that many
careers involve chemistry
and the need for a solid base
in the sciences for different career fields..
Radiology was another area that students learned about during
their experience. Dr. Kellermann provided students with an
entertaining overview of x-ray technology. After learning about
and reviewing several x-rays, students learned how to run an x-ray
machine and the computer skills necessary to be a technician. After
completing the x-ray, students then used the big screen monitor to
analyze and determine what the x-ray showed.
Students then moved to the sonography lab to learn about
ultrasound technology from Dr. Anitori. Students were given
background information about how the sonogram works. They were
then broken into three groups and each group viewed different
ways the sonogram was being used. .
After a quick lunch, students moved to their session on astronomy.
Students learned about the various types of careers that involve
astronomers. The students then learned about transits and how the
planet Mercury was current in a transit in front of the Sun. Although
the weather did not allow the students to use the telescope to see
this event, Professor Huth was able to show the students using a link
to one of NASA’s telescopes.
Special thank you to Dr. Tomi Waters, Associate Dean of Academic
Affairs, CCAC Boyce Campus for reaching out to our school district
and making this day happen for our students. Also, a special
thank you goes to the Boyce student volunteers who helped with
the breakout sessions. We are looking forward to a continued
partnership with CCAC Boyce Campus.
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PLUM BOROUGH S CHOOL NE WS
In its second year, STEM Studio continues
to STEAM along as the teachers see all K-6
students in the district once a week for STEM
as one of the special area classes. According
to Henry David Thoreau, “The world is but a
canvas to the imagination.” Plum Borough
School District’s STEM Studio provides students
with the canvas that allows their imagination,
ingenuity, and creativity to flourish. Students
are engaged in project-based learning where
groups are presented with the opportunity
to collaborate, problem solve, and develop IT
skills. STEM Studio engages all students and
challenges them to creatively think outside the
box to complete each challenge and project.
“Remake Learning”
Plum Borough
STEM Studio
at Pivik Continues to
STEAM Along