Middle School STEM in 2019-2020

I am excited for the chance to teach science again this year! In preparation I have been assembling science, technology, engineering, math, and even theology standards from the new Diocese of Grand Rapids Curriculum into units. Additional course information will be available on Canvas soon! 

I am looking forward to using some of the lessons I created for the Program for Inclusive education in class! I am also anxious to update some of the science units I designed during my masters of science education course work by incorporating the design thinking work I have been participating in for the last 3 years. 

This past year it was necessary to pause our garden work, but spending part of the day back in the classroom again this year offers the chance to explore options for reviving outdoor education opportunities at ASA middle school. I have pulled out my Michigan DNR Academy of Natural Resources materials, and Groundswell resources. I have also been in contact with Urban Roots and the Franciscan Life Process Center about options for some project based learning this year. 

Although I will formally assume the 4th and 5th grade STEM class in one period, STEM will be incorporated into the regular science class for 6th, 7th & 8th grade. I am also looking forward to some cross-curricular projects as well as some digital citizenship, general literacy and study skills incorporation into middle school science! I am exploring possible global connections with Level Up Village again, and also plan to have students set growth goals, reflect on and track their own academic progress, and assemble a portfolio of their learning. 

I have always approached teaching science through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. First and foremost, everything we learn will be assessed by how it promotes and protects the dignity of all human beings! Second, I aim to connect science knowledge and skills back to service to others and civic engagement. 

Although we will not have an Invention Convention as it has existed for the past 2 years, we will have an end of the year exam and capstone project that students will have a chance to present to an audience in some fashion. Stay tuned for more details! 

At ASA We Believe We Are One, and we are blessed with an amazing professional team! While I am in the classroom the office staff and Mrs. Gibson will be the first line of assistance if needed. Please know that I will continue to monitor email, but will not plan to respond during instructional time unless I am contacted by the office with a pressing priority. 

-Miss Giroux-