Brief from the Board meeting on Nov. 7

Discussion - STEM Programming in District 54
District 54 has continued to support the implementation of promising science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs that develop the college- and career-readiness skills of our students. Beginning with the roll-out of Project Lead the Way last fall, STEM opportunities for students have expanded to include a partnership with Northwestern called FUSE, rocketry clubs at all 27 schools, and a new STEM curriculum at Hoover and Nerge schools. Each of the STEM-based experiences in District 54 aligns with the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.

Ten District 54 students demonstrated some of the projects they created in the following STEM programs.

• Project Lead the Way - All five junior high schools, Lincoln Prairie School, Campanelli, Nerge and the Hoover Math & Science Academy offer Project Lead the Way courses to sixth- through eighth-grade students. This pre-engineering curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, innovation and real-world problem solving.  Coursework includes automation, robotics, mechanical systems, energy transfer and computer control systems.

• FUSE - This curriculum, developed by the Office for STEM Education Partnerships at Northwestern University, engages students through hands-on, inquiry-based challenges. Challenges are available in the areas of robotics, electronics, biotechnology, graphic design and app development. This fall FUSE studios were opened at Addams, Keller, Lincoln Prairie, Hoover and Nerge. In January additional studios will open at Mead, Frost and Eisenhower.

• Rocketry - Through a partnership with the Siemens Corporation, students at all 27 schools have an opportunity to join rocketry clubs. The clubs use activities from the NASA Rocketry curriculum, culminating with building a model rocket to launch in the spring.

• Math & Science Academy STEM Explorations - Hoover and Nerge began implementing STEM Explorations this year, a 90-minute block of instructional time each week. First- and second-graders use the Engineering is Elementary curriculum developed at the Boston Museum of Science to increase student interest in and confidence about engineering. Third-graders explore a NASA rocketry curriculum and fourth-graders mimic engineering design through the LEGO robotics curriculum. Fifth- and sixth-grade student use the FUSE curriculum, as mentioned above.

For more information from the School Board meeting, click here.

Rep. Duckworth helps launch FUSE in District 54

Students and staff at Addams Junior High School in Schaumburg welcomed U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth on Oct. 25 as District 54 formally launched its FUSE programs in partnership with Northwestern University's Office of STEM Education Partnerships.

"Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education is so important for our young people," Duckworth said. "We need to have a trained workforce that can participate in our economy – and it is never too early to start training. Introducing kids to STEM activities will help make them aware of opportunities and careers they might never have thought of."

FUSE engages students through hands-on, inquiry-based challenges in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) areas. FUSE currently has challenges related to robotics, electronics, biotechnology, graphic design and app development, and continues to develop new challenges.

"Our primary goal is to try to appeal to kids that aren't already interested in STEM," said Dr. Kemi Jona, the director and co-developer of the FUSE program. "Our number one priority is to hook kids and maintain their engagement over time."

Each challenge uses a leveling-up model, similar to the games students play. As students finish one challenge, the tasks become more difficult.

FUSE will be implemented in fifth and sixth grade at the Hoover Math and Science Academy in Schaumburg and Nerge Elementary School in Roselle. All students at these schools will participate in 90 minutes of STEM exploration weekly. District 54 will also offer FUSE as an after-school club at Addams and its four other junior high schools.

Labs at each school have computers on one side of the classroom and kits on the other side. On the computers, students will choose a challenge that interests them and learn about the challenge. Then, students will select the corresponding kit (for example the parts needed to build and program a robot).

"We are continually evaluating our instructional program to ensure we are providing our students with innovative STEM-based learning experiences," Associate Superintendent Nick Myers said. "While this work is just beginning, there are many promising opportunities that we anticipate coming from this partnership."

FUSE started two years ago and spread to high schools, middle schools and libraries throughout the greater Chicago area. District 54 is the first districtwide implementation of FUSE, with five schools implementing the program.

District 54 in the News

• Illinois Test Scores: Top 50 schools (lists Hoover, Fairview, Lincoln Prairie and Mead)
• District 54 launches Northwestern's FUSE program with support from U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth
• Rep. Duckworth helps launch FUSE in District 54
• Schaumburg entertainment district tax plan splits panel
• Committee sets course of action for District 54 students (Superintendent’s article)
• District 54 2013 levy is 1.7% higher