Independent School District 196
“Scientists investigate what is…
engineers create what has not been”
— National Science Foundation
Science Technology
Engineering & Math
(STEM) Magnet
Cedar Park
Elementary School
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 Specialists
- Cathy Kindem
- Betty Jo Bishop
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
3 field studies / year
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
Technology Specialists
-Tony Eatchel
-Jamie Holtz
Wireless Computer Access
Closed Circuit TV
Classroom Technology Tools
Video conferencing
-Virtual Fieldtrips
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.
Fifth grade project
•Students were given a graphic
organizer, GPS unit, and digital
camera.
•Students were understanding
abiotic and biotic objects in
science. Their job was to take
pictures of three abiotic and three
biotic objects.
•Students then used
Thinkquest.org to display their
learning.
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
Math/ Engineering Specialist
- Kris Strandness
Engineering Is Elementary
Curriculum
The Works Residency
Construction resources
Math/Engineering Room
Engineering is Elementary -- Science Museum of Boston
The Works
Exploration Center
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are needed to see this picture.
Math at Cedar Park
STEM Magnet School
Special Math Features:
Math/ Engineering
Specialist
-Kris Strandness
Latest Math Curriculum
Enrichment opportunities
Math/ Engineering Room
Math Curriculum: Investigations 07
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 sciencelearning
environment using
inquiry to give kids
experiences they
need to pursue a
lifelong love of
learning!
Student Choice Classes
After school classes
Exploration classes
December and March
“A child’s imagination is ignited by
curiosity and powered by all the wonders
of the world.”
Bill Hawkins
Pres.
Medtronic