Ï㽶ӰÊÓ

New Ellenton Middle students receive multiple opportunities to engage and connect in STEAM learning experiences through multiple adult world connections and extra-curricular activities. Such exposure is key and critical for students as it brings relevance to classroom learning and helps in them understanding the importance of key STEM/STEM skills related to critical thinking, perseverance, problem-solving, and communicating. Our students are involved in multiple STEAM Clubs and lessons that are offered through the extended school day. These clubs are, but not limited, to Rube Goldburg Small Machines, Media/Photography, Coding, Robotics, Girls in Engineering, and Video-editing. The Girls in Engineering class, in addition to our Robotics club, is also offered in the after-school program to enable more participation among our female students. Furthermore, all our students participate in the CSRA Science and Engineering Fair, which has resulted in many of our receiving recognition for their projects.

STEM/STEAM focused field trips are provided throughout the school year. Students visit the Silver Bluff Audubon Center to demonstrate an understanding of how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic components of environments. Students visit the Aiken County Career and Technology Center (ACCTC) where they learn about STEM-related education paths, skills, career resources, training opportunities, and available internships required to work in STEM fields. Students are able to interact with teachers and students in each area. Students have visited the South Carolina State Museum in order to further their understanding of Roman engineering and its current relevance, and the MTU Plant for its Youth Manufacturing Summit 2016. The summit was hosted by MTU Aiken, EdVenture Children’s Museum, and South Carolina Department of Commerce. During the summit, all students participated in the following learning experiences:

Breakout Sessions:

· STEM Challenges with EdVenture

· Erasing the stigma: Preparing for a meaningful career in manufacturing with EdVenture; MTU Apprentice Program; USC Aiken (Ruth Patrick Science Education Center), and high school career counselors

· Activity challenge on the manufacturing floor with MTU

Panel discussion:

· Topic: Career path in manufacturing and challenges speakers overcame to achieve their goals; vision for youth’s future in manufacturing careers and its importance (provide student motivation and technical advice). Students were allowed to interact with panelists and ask questions with MTU representatives.

Lunch and Learns:

· Students ate lunch with MTU employees to learn about their path to manufacturing careers.

The aforementioned field trips have presented numerous engaging activities that deepen students’ STEAM learning experiences via adult world connections.

Students also have numerous opportunities to learn about STEM career options through adult-world connections while at school. Throughout the school year, the guidance department organizes and implements a “Career Café” where students are exposed to STEM/STEAM career fields from local professionals. Guest speakers discuss their STEM/STEAM career pathways and personal experiences, as well as sharing pictures and/or artifacts over a dessert or lunch. Students are able to engage in conversations with presenters to personalize and deepen understanding. Local STEAM professionals in the career fields of veterinary science, dental hygiene, chemical engineering, stain-glass artistry, and career specialist have participated in “Career Café”. The guidance department furthers career awareness by conducting virtual job shadowing through sessions. Other extended day opportunities provided to New Ellenton Middle students, in order to enhance their STEM learning through adult-world connections, include students participating our local Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day and national Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.