Springfield Middle School STEM/Magnet Program

STEM/Magnet Information:

 

School Mission Statement:

At Springfield Middle School, we foster the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of our students while preparing them to be successful learners in the 21st century.

Magnet Goals:

Our goals are to develop independent, life-long learners, through explorations in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and to increase awareness of STEM career opportunities.

Core Activities:

- Bringing real-life applications into our classrooms

-Encouraging the sharing of ideas across disciplines and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration

-Reaching out to regional partners in STEM related fields for their advice, resources, and leadership

-Recruiting and educating dynamic and diverse students that will become leaders in STEM related fields

What is STEM Education?

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is designed to educate students for workforce and for post-secondary educational experiences in its related fields. STEM education removes the traditional barriers between the four disciplines, by integrating the four
subjects into one cohesive means of teaching and learning.

Why is STEM Education Important?

 “Advances in science and engineering are essential for ensuring America’s economic growth and national security. During the next decade, U.S. demand for scientists and engineers is expected to increase at four times the rate for all other occupations. But today’s high school students overall are not performing well in math and science, and fewer of them are pursuing degrees in
technical fields.” - MD K12 STEM Ed Report Card

What Do our Students Say?

“My favorite part of the magnet program is the engineering activities we do. I enjoy being challenged. We get lots of hands-on material that is easy to understand and fun.” - Ene E.

“The magnet program is a great thing for students who like to be challenged. It makes you think beyond your comfort zone, but it’s all worth it.” - Haley G.

“I love the technology and the projects. I love all the hands-on activities. It is so awesome and fun. The magnet program ROCKS!!” - Lucas S.

“The magnet program is a fun way for us to challenge our brains and go above and beyond!!” - Carley R.

“The magnet program has challenged me. It has made me want to excel more in both school and life. If I wasn’t in the magnet program, I don’t think that I would have done this well in school.” - Carly S.

 “I think the magnet program is a great way to challenge our minds. It shows that we can reach our limits. It’s a great program to enter!” - Connie L.

 

What makes us different?
- Abundant technology:

- Campus collaboration: Williamsport Elementary School, Springfield Middle School and Williamsport High School are located within walking distance from each other. The schools work cooperatively with each other to plan and implement activities that benefit all students.

- Engineering Week: Part of the campus collaboration, Engineering Week is a friendly year-end engineering competition between the three Williamsport schools.

- Extra technology training: The magnet students at Springfield Middle School spend one week each semester with our technology teachers.

- Field trips: Past and future field trips include:

• Antietam Battlefield for a water quality study

• Baltimore Museum of Industry

• Baltimore Science Museum

• Claud Kitchens Outdoor School at Fairview

• Easy As Pi Day

• Goddard Flight Center

• Harpers Ferry for an environmental study

• Hershey Park Math and Science Day

• Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum

• Washington County Landfill

• Washington County Technical High School

- Guest speakers: Past and future quest speakers include:

• Animal Health Clinic of Funkstown

• Forensic Scientist

• Franklin Institute’s Traveling Science Show

• Northrup Grumman

• Recycling Director for Washing County

• Retired Aerospace Engineering Professor from the University of Alabama

• Robotics

• Technology Director of the Washington County Hospital

• Try Engineering.org

- Interdisciplinary “Challenges”:

• Aeronautic Unit in 8 th grade

• Barbie Bungee Jump

• Environmental Unit in 6 th grade

• Water Unit in 7 th grade

- STEM focus: Our programs focus revolves around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

- STEM related clubs: See descriptions below:

• Robotics Club

• BEST Club

• Destination Imagination

• Math Counts

• 24 Game Challenge

-Introduction to Engineering Design – This high school level course is offered to 8th grade
magnet students only. This course emphasizes the development of a design using computer software to produce, analyze, and evaluate models of projects and solutions. Students will study the design concepts of form and function, and then use state-of-the-art technology totranslate conceptual design into reproducibleproducts.

SPMS STEM students can get involved in...

Robotics Club – First Lego League introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface.

BEST Club– Beginning Engineering, Scienceand Technology: This club emphasizes the Engineering Design Process. Students use household objects to engineer, build, and test their designs against a challenge they are presented.

Destination Imagination provides educational programs for students to learn and experience creativity, teamwork and problem solving.

Math Counts inspires excellence, confidence, and curiosity in U.S. middle school students through fun and challenging math programs.

24 Game Challenge helps students hone their mathematics skills.

Green Team– Students plan and conduct activities that help the environment.

Student Government

WEB Leaders

Yearbook Club

 

How do I apply?

Use the following link to find out about the application process:
http://www.wcps.k12.md.us/depts_programs/advanced_programs/magnet_programs.html

For additional information, please contact:

Kevin Bartholomew
(301)766-8389                
Springfield Middle         

Updated March 14, 2011