ST1.4
Students use technology resources to conduct research, demonstrate creative and critical thinking, and communicate and work collaboratively.
When it comes to technology, LSHS is unrivaled. Technology is an essential element of the Academy and is present and in use in all STEM classrooms.
Throughout the year, students utilize our vast array of tools to complete and present both independent and collaborative research. Upon its inception, a significant investment was made to ensure the longevity and success of the STEM Academy with the purchase of a wide-range of technology uncommonly found in schools, including (but certainly not limited to): a 3D printer, a CNC Mill, a CNC Lathe, a Laser Cutter/Engraver, Vex Robotics, various trainers (MicroLogix PLC, Pneumatics, and Electricity/Electronics), nanospectrometers, Evotec equipment, a gel electrophoresis apparatus, incubators, and a wide variety of PASCO instruments (and that doesn’t even include our substantial collection of software!). Additionally, as a Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) school, LSHS offers students the opportunity to use their privately owned wireless and/or portable electronic hand held equipment to facilitate instruction and increase engagement.
In order to facilitate student collaboration (and productivity) during, after, and away from school, all STEM students are required to demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher), as well as Microsoft 365 Outlook (One Note, One Drive, Sway, Classroom Notebook). These programs, and many others, allow students to communicate and work in concert with their collaborators, on and off campus.
In the interest of sustaining our exceptional utilization of technology, we: budget for required maintenance and upgrades, provide on-going professional development to our teachers, secure grants to purchase additional equipment, and consult other successful programs to identify perceived needs.
One area in need of improvement is the availability and variety of online and blended learning opportunities offered. While we do offer these opportunities to our students, we would like to increase the variety of course offerings. STEM teachers spend time seeking out free, quality online and MOOC opportunities, while our guidance counselor works with local colleges to provide secondary course options (both online and blended). We believe that virtual learning can increase student engagement, as it allows them to specialize in a variety of topics.
Throughout the year, students utilize our vast array of tools to complete and present both independent and collaborative research. Upon its inception, a significant investment was made to ensure the longevity and success of the STEM Academy with the purchase of a wide-range of technology uncommonly found in schools, including (but certainly not limited to): a 3D printer, a CNC Mill, a CNC Lathe, a Laser Cutter/Engraver, Vex Robotics, various trainers (MicroLogix PLC, Pneumatics, and Electricity/Electronics), nanospectrometers, Evotec equipment, a gel electrophoresis apparatus, incubators, and a wide variety of PASCO instruments (and that doesn’t even include our substantial collection of software!). Additionally, as a Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) school, LSHS offers students the opportunity to use their privately owned wireless and/or portable electronic hand held equipment to facilitate instruction and increase engagement.
In order to facilitate student collaboration (and productivity) during, after, and away from school, all STEM students are required to demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher), as well as Microsoft 365 Outlook (One Note, One Drive, Sway, Classroom Notebook). These programs, and many others, allow students to communicate and work in concert with their collaborators, on and off campus.
In the interest of sustaining our exceptional utilization of technology, we: budget for required maintenance and upgrades, provide on-going professional development to our teachers, secure grants to purchase additional equipment, and consult other successful programs to identify perceived needs.
One area in need of improvement is the availability and variety of online and blended learning opportunities offered. While we do offer these opportunities to our students, we would like to increase the variety of course offerings. STEM teachers spend time seeking out free, quality online and MOOC opportunities, while our guidance counselor works with local colleges to provide secondary course options (both online and blended). We believe that virtual learning can increase student engagement, as it allows them to specialize in a variety of topics.
Online, blended, & MOOC Opportunities: STEM Academy students have the opportunity to participate in online-blended learning from universities such as Harvard, Stanford and other top post-secondary universities. In addition, students are provided opportunities to enhance classroom learning from learning platforms such as MOOC, edX, Coursera and Udacity to give sufficient supplement in areas of programming, robotics, cyber security, etc.
Virtual and Remote Laboratories: In addition to 9 computer labs, students have access to 14 technology classroom carts consisting of iPads, netbooks, and laptops. The science department is equipped with all standard technology, in addition to a Biosafety cabinet and fume hood, centrifuges, Nanospectrometer (for proteins and DNA analysis), Autoclave, Incubator, gel electrophoresis apparatus, Evotec equipment (PCR) Polymerase Chain Reaction, and a variety of PASCO probeware, temperature software, sensors and interfaces. Additionally, teachers utilize available software and online resources to provide students with virtual lab experiences.
Technology Tools for Enhanced Instruction: These images and videos exhibit the significance of the daily use of technology in STEM classrooms. Students advance their technological skills and engage in practices which should be pertinent to their future career endeavors.
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Biomedical Science students discuss MS Sway software and the benefits of a balanced portfolio.
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LSHS STEM students using technological tools to facilitate independent learning.
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AP Chemistry students reveals how to measure acid titration with cutting-edge technology.
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BMS students utilize technology and statistical analysis to uncover the significance of calories from food.
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