Celebrating STEM across the District

     Celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) efforts is a priority in Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). Every year, schools host their own STEM celebrations through STEM Nights. Whether at the individual school or cluster level, school communities come together to share, experiment, and explore topics and projects that make STEM education exciting.

     “The vision for STEM in GCPS is centered on ensuring students are ready for the future, and STEM nights are a great way for students and their families to interact with the broader STEM community in support of future-readiness,” says GCPS Coordinator of STEM Tyler Kinner. “For students, these events can build career awareness and a sense of ‘STEM-identity’. This is especially true when STEM nights create opportunities for students to reverse roles and present their own STEM work, such as science and engineering fair projects, products created through their CTAE courses, or real-world solutions developed via project-based learning.”

     Mason Elementary School hosted a school-wide STEM Fair focused on Project-Based Learning. Families had the opportunity to view and engage with nearly 500 student projects from every grade level..

Mason Elementary Principal Ryan Wilson partnered with a local college to make this year’s experience even more special.

     “A major highlight this year was our partnership with Dr. Christy Dinkins and students from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM),” Wilson shares. “Together, they guided our students through the design thinking process and helped implement a year-long 5th-grade project on microorganisms. After studying harmful bacteria and the importance of handwashing, our 5th graders designed and branded their own soaps, which they sold at the fair. Our goal is to provide every student with the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts, creating meaningful connections between the classroom and the real world.”

     STEM events at GCPS schools help students develop skills that make them well-rounded individuals. Students develop critical and creative thinking skills, sharpen problem-solving abilities, participate in collaborative activities, and use technology tools to bring their projects to life.

     “Our students have opportunities to learn from high school teachers and students from Peachtree Ridge High School through STEM Talks and demos, including Robotics and Coding, to preview and build excitement around STEM Pathways and STEM Clubs in the cluster,” Wilson continues. “Student Volunteers from the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (GSMST) and Coleman Middle School administrators were on hand to share additional robust STEM and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) opportunities in GCPS. We do not know what careers will exist when our elementary students enter the workforce; however, through our authentic K-5 STEM and Project-Based Learning work, STEM Fair, and continuing to partner with our STEM community and education partners, we can build the skills and competencies our students will need to compete in a global society.”