+ Independent School District 196 Cedar Park Elementary School “Scientists investigate what is… engineers create what has not been” — National Science Foundation Science Technology Engineering Mathematics STEM combines these four disciplines to help students understand the real world. If you study STEM you can: “discover the rules about how things work and use the rules to invent new things.” Inquiry reflects how children understand the world, and is at the heart of how students learn. The spirit of curiosity questioning self-reflection openness to new ideas respect for evidence characterize science inquiry. Science at Cedar Park STEM Magnet School Life Science Physical Science Earth Science Special Science Features: Science Notebooks Authentic Learning Outdoor Learning Science Labs Building Understanding Zone Special Science Features: Science Notebooks Outdoor Learning MN Habitat Restoration Learning Area oak savanna, mesic prairie, dry prairie, ephemeral pond, tamarack and berry plants, big woods Outdoor Learning Dakota County Parks: Curriculum written with naturalists Set field study model Authentic learning Journey North monarch migration tulip research Cornell University Bird Sleuth UMN Insect Fair Science Inquiry on Insects Technology at Cedar Park STEM Magnet School Special Technology Features Interactive SMART classrooms Wireless Computer Access Classroom Technology Tools 1 to 1 Laptop program in 5th grade iPads in the classrooms Student Technology Tools: • LCD projectors • interactive whiteboards • document cameras • digital cameras • digital video cameras • data-collection (thermometers, probes, & microscopes ) Podcasting • Students can use iPods with iTalk recording devices along with digital cameras to put together a podcast of a field study and post it to a Cedar Park Podcast site. Video Conferencing Virtual Field trips NASA Ely Wolf Center Engineering at Cedar Park STEM Magnet School “To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” -Thomas A. Edison At Cedar Park the students will imagine, design, and create as engineers do. Special Engineering Features Engineering Is Elementary Curriculum The Works Residency Construction resources Math/Engineering Room Engineering is Elementary -- Science Museum of Boston The Works Exploration Center Math at Cedar Park STEM Magnet School Special Math Features: Latest Math Curriculum Enrichment opportunities Math/ Engineering Room Math Curriculum: Investigation Add+Vantage Project M3 Real Life Applications Enrichment Opportunities University of Minnesota Saturday Enrichment Classes GEM Program After School Classes BUZ - Building Understanding Zone a fun-focused informal science-learning environment using inquiry to give kids experiences they need to pursue a lifelong love of learning! Student Choice Classes After school classes Exploration classes “A child’s imagination is ignited by curiosity and powered by all the wonders of the world.” Bill Hawkins Pres. Medtronic