For any questions regarding our STEM program, please contact our STEM Coordinator, Nathan Williams at [email protected]
The STEM initiative represents a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs and curriculum that provide students with an opportunity to learn more about careers in these fields. Georgia Department of Education has a program dedicated to increasing STEM program participation and certification in schools. Below are the goals of the Georgia STEM program:
Georgia STEM goals:
- Empower students to become innovators and technologically proficient problem solvers
- Ensure that all students have access to the appropriate technology conducive to enhancing their learning experiences both in and outside the traditional classroom
- Increase student 21st century skills and technological literacy by providing students with opportunities to use the technical tools of the STEM industry
- Guide community understanding of the importance of STEM education and build capacity to sustain a viable STEM educational program to prepare students for work and life in the 21st century
- Increase Georgia’s capacity to provide high quality K-12 STEM professional learning opportunities
- Nurture partnerships that allow schools and the business sector to join efforts to improve students’ STEM-career opportunities
- Increase the number of students pursuing careers in STEM-related fields and/or post-secondary STEM related education/training
Curriculum:
At Tucker Middle School (TMS), the faculty and staff are dedicated to increasing college and career readiness through a STEM enriched curriculum. TMS is seeking STEM certification as a program school. This means that students are selected to participate in a program that will include a specialized rigorous curriculum that integrates science, mathematics, and technology education. Students who are selected to participate in the program will agree to take accelerated mathematics and science courses including Carnegie level Math, Science, and Technology in the 8th grade and participate in scientific research that will result in an 8th grade culminating project.
Student Expectations:
- Students are expected to maintain a grade average of 80% and above in all courses including Connection classes.
- Students will enroll in Accelerated Math in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
- Students will enroll in Carnegie Physical Science in 8th grade.
- Students will enroll in Carnegie Foundations of Engineering & Technology in 8th grade.
- Students will participate in Science Olympiad, Robotics Team, TSA, Science Fair, and Technology Fair competitions.
- Students will complete a research project in a selected area of Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Mathematics that also includes an international awareness piece related to IB goals and missions.
Parent Participation:
The network between parents and the school is a vital part of a STEM student’s success. STEM parents will agree to help to promote and participate in STEM activities including but not limited to:
- TMS STEM Foundation
- STEM Parent Workshops
- Parent Sponsors/Coaches for competitive STEM teams such as Odyssey of the Mind, Robotics, TSA, and Science Olympiad
Community and Business Partnerships:
Tucker Middle School plans to form long-lasting mutually beneficial relationships with local colleges, universities, businesses, and community organizations. As part of this collaboration, TMS seeks partnerships that will allow students and staff to engage in problem-based learning activities that are solution focused. Students will engage in research created from real-world situations. Community and business partners are asked to:
- Provide career and research related mentoring relationships with students and teachers
- Work environment professional learning for educators and field trip experiences for students
- Collaboration with teachers and students for projects/research designs
- Participation in STEM related activities— STEM Nights, Science Decathlon, etc…
- Participation in TMS STEM Foundation to promote and sustain the program