C-STEM is thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership with Whittier Elementary School and Dow's Global African Affinity Network (GAAN). This collaboration, under the theme "A Sustainable Horizon - Empowering Collective Action for Carbon Neutrality," is designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students through hands-on, project-based learning. The projects that include mosaic murals, sea turtle sculptures, innovation, and photography, all supported by Dow's contribution towards student toolkits, teacher training, field experience(s), and resources for a stellar STEM showcase at Whittier Elementary.
This initiative marks a significant advancement for STEM education and celebrates the launch of the nation's first elementary school STEM National Honor Society chapter at Whittier Elementary, made possible by a generous $15,000 grant from Dow. The funds are earmarked to engage D.C. Public School district students at Whittier with immersive STEM projects, enhancing their learning experience and preparing them for future scientific endeavors.
We spoke with Jonte Lee, a dedicated teacher and leader at Whittier Elementary, to learn more about this exciting development.
Q: Can you tell us about the journey of establishing the first elementary-level STEM National Honor Society chapter?
A: Establishing the National STEM Honor Society chapter at Whittier, the first in Washington, D.C., was a fulfilling two-year journey. At Whittier, we nurture a robust STEM culture, selecting students who are academically adept and deeply passionate about STEM. Our chapter focuses on STEM communications, allowing students to interact with STEM topics creatively. Initially, we welcomed 12 students into our inaugural cohort, followed by ten enthusiastic fifth graders this year, chosen for their standout STEM engagement and academic excellence during their fourth-grade year.
Q: What excites you about this partnership with Dow and C-STEM?
A: My lifelong connection with STEM deeply aligns with the goals of this partnership. It's exhilarating to think about how this collaboration will expand our students' horizons. This partnership not only supports our Honor Society's mission to raise STEM awareness and career aspirations but also enriches our broader student body's engagement with scientific topics. The resources and backing from Dow and C-STEM are invaluable, enabling us to significantly amplify the impact of our initiatives at Whittier.
Q: What is your teaching philosophy, and how does it influence your students and the school environment?
A: I believe every student can achieve high levels of learning. My teaching approach fosters a supportive, challenging, and inspiring environment. At Whittier, we emphasize hands-on learning and encourage a scientific mindset—questioning, exploring, and problem-solving are at the heart of our curriculum. It's about more than teaching; it's about empowering students to see themselves as competent learners who can thrive in STEM and beyond. We're committed to providing all students with the resources they need to succeed, promoting a growth-oriented and inclusive culture within our school.
We're excited to see how this partnership unfolds and will continue to update the C-STEM community on this transformative journey. Thank you to Jonte Lee and everyone at Dow's GAAN for their dedication and support in making STEM accessible and engaging for all students. Stay tuned for more updates on this impactful initiative!
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