St. Mary Catholic School STEM

What is STEM?
STEM is an abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  It is an instructional approach integrating all subject areas into a project based learning environment. 

 
In the Fall our students in grades 4, 5, and 6 decided to investigate and research local orchards. Individually, students visited orchards in the area and interviewed the owners and asked questions.  In class the 4th grade engineered designs to catch apples and keep them from falling and getting bruised. The 5/6th graders connected their apple experience with their classroom assignment on Ancient Egypt.  They mummified apples and discovered which environment worked best! In technology they students created graphs and analyzed the data to determine the largest negative factor farmers in this area face, according to our research it is weather.  

A real world problem that the students noticed at St. Mary was too much food waste.  Through research and discussion they have decided we should compost at our school. The compost will be collected at lunch and in turn be used in our gardens to feed our community.  Currently the 4th,5th, and 6th graders are researching and designing what they want the compost station to look like outside as well as the recycle center in the cafeteria.

Our students in younger grades as well as older participate in the design process with each STEM activity they complete.  Cross curriculum instruction is implanted therefore units are created from classroom teachers and STEM coordinator.


We have partnered with many companies to better our program.  Ohio EPA has given a presentation to entire student body, field trip to Barnes Nursery and Laszeray Technology are scheduled for the Spring so our students can see STEM first hand in the working environment.   LCCC, Dr. Chaple, Zenith Energy, Energy One, Rene’ Myers at Vermilion Middle School, Charlie Trinter as well as others have partnered with to make connections to our local community.

In STEM we focus on real world problems that our students notice.  This is a student led, problem based, cooperative learning program that involves creativity , 21st century skills, and innovative thinking.  The students are engaged, excited, and proud of their hard work!

Vermilion Education Foundation