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If you haven't been in school since the 1990s and still find the concept of STEM somewhat elusive, you are not alone. STEM - which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - wasn't formally introduced by scientific administrators at the U.S. National Science Foundation until 2001. Despite state and nationwide efforts to bolster science education, U.S. students were falling behind. In 2009, President Obama established the Educate to Innovate Initiative. Its goal involved "moving American students from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math achievement over the next decade." The initiative included preparing 100,000 STEM teachers by 2021 and called for increasing federal funding toward STEM education.
Two notable developments occurred in 2015. The STEM Education Act of 2015 added computer science to the STEM curriculum and provided more teacher training. Then Congress also passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This legislation modified standardized test usage and expanded the federal government's role in K-12 public education. In 2017, to address identified gender and racial gaps in science-related fields, President Trump signed the Inspire Act, which directed NASA to encourage women and girls to pursue aerospace careers.
The STEM curriculum and concept continue to flourish and change. Currently, the Ohio Department of Education defines STEM education as a learner-centered approach to teaching, providing students with a problem-based, transdisciplinary, and personalized learning experience. Now, STEM education uses the foundational practices and skills essential to the core disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Humanities, and Mathematics.
These essential skills challenge students to think critically, design solutions, and make evidence-based explanations through real-world, authentic learning experiences.
"Lancaster City Schools is continuing to find new and innovative ways to incorporate not only STEM subjects but the STEM way of critical thinking into much of our curriculum," said Superintendent Hale. "This is not about preparing students for the future. It's about equipping them for the present as they look toward their individual futures."
| | Junior Highs Placing More Emphasis on STEM | | |
Students at General Sherman and Thomas Ewing are conducting and creating amazing experiments and experiences in the science and STEM classes, thanks to the engaging and advanced curriculum offered by their teachers.
Mr. Hesterman's Robotics Class at Thomas Ewing has been focusing on the creation of an accessible camera and phone holder for individuals with disabilities, as well as a programmable robot.
The Medical Detectives, a group consisting of 8th graders at Thomas Ewing taught by Ms. Baumgartner, have grown E. coli, dissected sheep brains, learned coding, and conducted a vitals clinic for staff "patients."
"The tools and resources we have at our disposal to advance STEM-based education are better than ever," said Baumgartner. "And the interest in these topics is equal among all students. It's really amazing to see."
In Ms. Miller's class, students can work with three 3D printers and 3D pens to bring their ideas to fruition. Most recently, they have been designing boats to test buoyancy and working with an online design program. Across town in Mrs. Thomas' class at General Sherman, students have created foot and ankle orthotics, designed cereal boxes, and, most recently, have begun learning how to create isometric drawings to communicate their design ideas.
"It's exciting to know students in our schools are getting an early start to STEM-based studies because we know those are the jobs that are waiting for them when they advance through their academic careers," said Rick Szabrak, Economic Development Director for Fairfield County and Director of the Workforce Center. "In 2021, 24 percent of the United States workforce worked in STEM-related jobs. We know that the number will continue to rise and we want students to be ready for it."
In Fairfield County, middle school students can attend FREE Explore Camps at the Workforce Center in the summer months, attending their choice of Construction, Robotics, or Healthcare camp. There is also a Girls' STEM camp offered. Information on those camps can be found at FairfieldCountyWorkforce.com
| | Good News from Our Schools | | At Gorsuch West, the Warriors are taking part in a month-long Tournament of Champions. Each week students have worked on a character trait that will help prepare them for success. Students have focused on discipline, perseverance, coachability and confidence. We know they can rise to the challenge, train like champions and conquer the state test! | |  | The following students qualified for the Regional Power of the Pen Writing Competition on March 7th. They competed in multiple rounds of creative writing challenges. English Teacher Taylor Pezo advises the Power of the Pen Team. We are very proud of our emerging writers! Elizabeth Cline, Terra Della-Penna, Liam Griffith, Audrey Moran-Messerly, Cheyenne West, Ava Carr, Ava Garrabrant, and Kaydence Thomas. | | | Students had a brilliantly great time at last month's Open Center. The Parent Advisory Council hosted a "Glow Party"! A Glow Party uses glow-in-the-dark trinkets and black lights to highlight neon colors and create a vibrant atmosphere. | | | Students Abigail Tatro, 7th grade, and Victoria Velasquez, 8th grade, each won the Director's Choice Award at the Power of the Pen district tournament. There were over 430 stories written from 19 schools. Coached by Jeremy Hedges, other students who advanced to the regional competition on March 7th included Logan Hedges, Harper Beneditti, Bodhi Heetland, Emma Masters, and Jaslyn Gatwood. Bravo! | | | |
Lancaster High School student-artists qualifying for state level judging in the Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition were
Catherine Miller (11), Marquiz Reynolds (12), Mia Harrison (12),
Reagan Nutter (12), and Alana Brandt (11). The Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition is dedicated to the educational and artistic advancement of our talented young people in the state of Ohio.
| | | Michael Johnson from the Fairfield Heritage Association gave an insightful presentation on Scipio Smith, highlighting his impact as an influential Black figure in Lancaster’s history. Johnson detailed Smith’s contributions to the community, emphasizing his role in shaping local culture. Through historical records and storytelling, he shed light on Smith’s legacy, ensuring his contributions are remembered in Lancaster’s rich history. He displayed a small maquette depicting the future bronze sculpture that will be installed in Lancaster’s historic downtown. | | | |
Tallmadge
First-grade students are studying birds during the second half of the year. They got the opportunity in the lab this week to dissect owl pellets. Students matched bones they found inside the pellets to pictures on the Bone Matching Chart. They had to work in small groups to find and match the bones as a team. Lots of great discussions and finds were happening in the Tallmadge Lab!
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Medill
Medill partnered with the Afterschool Program, Alley Park, AHA Children's Museum, and Fairfield County District Library to provide a math and literacy game night for students and their families. Attendees played games, listened to stories being read aloud, and voted on the best classroom door book covers.
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Bridges
The Columbus Zoo visited the program and presented on Habitat Heroes for students. All students got to learn about the habitat of a penguin, owl, opossum, and a tortoise!
| | | Kindergarten Registration is Underway! Get all the information you need by clicking HERE. | | | |
SPRING BREAK AHEAD!
A reminder that Spring Break will begin Friday, April 18, and run through April 25, with students returning to school on Monday, April 28.
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| | What is Portrait of a Graduate? | Lancaster City Schools has been the place to be for learning, caring, and succeeding for the past several years. As part of our mission and vision for the district, we developed our Portrait of a Graduate. This program was integrated into our district to build bridges to life beyond school. Our students will be prepared to succeed in life after high school while showing a high level of social-emotional skills, and effective and professional communication. With the strong community that unites Lancaster City Schools, we can work together to better prepare our students for success beyond school. | | |
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