MCS Connect ionSpec ia l STEM ed i t i on

Spring 2014

L ITTLEST ENGINEERS AT WORKKindergarten students experienced STEM in a highly creative way through the creation of an actual bowling alley business – from market research, collaboration, and space planning to alley set-up and t-shirt design. Through this hands-on learning opportunity, their enthusiasm for math and science couldn’t have been greater.

“We created All Star Bowlers Bowl and the students were involved in every aspect of setting up the business. Common core standards, engineering, technology, and science were all applied to the lesson, unbeknownst to our little students. The project lasted two weeks, but could have stayed longer due to the excitement. That’s what learning is all about!” said kindergarten teacher Susan Nielson.

WHAT’S INS IDE

AHEAD OF THE GAME

How MCS is connecting with local STEM experts

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TRAINING TECH LEADERS

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FAR AND WIDE

“Love Does” makes a splash in the Middle East

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21st CENTURY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

STEM will benefit MCS students in countless ways, with no two classrooms looking exactly alike. This classroom shows how STEM can play out at MCS, both now and in the future.

iPad carts available for class projects. Middle school will look towards the concept of a 1:1 iPad digital curriculum.

Flipped instruction allows students to preview video lessons at home the night before, giving confidence in class discussions and ability to work at their own pace.

Digital communities such as Google+ will give parents a better access point to their students’ classrooms, allowing them to watch their kids engage in the learning environment. It also allows kids who are home sick to keep up on lessons and classwork.

MCS teachers will continue to receive STEM training. This year many attended conferences with National Science Teachers Association and Computer Using Educators.

21st CENTURY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Digital field trips will allow students to connect to other people and places across the globe for outside-the-textbook learning

This year, 2nd and 5th graders filmed STEM projects and linked to unique QR codes, a modern technology tool.

Collaboration in small groups is key to STEM, as are modern devices that keep students on the front lines of educational technology.

Students can work independently for customized learning. 3rd - 5th grade will pilot MAPS, a digital learning program that measures individual academic growth.

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UNDERSTANDING STEM

STEM IN IT IATIVE : PHASE ONEGiving Makes it Possible!

STEM education guides students to study science, technology, engineering and math where they naturally occur in real-world situations. It is much more than digital resources and expanded computer classes, though these are important -- STEM is a part of every subject in every grade level at every academic level.

MCS is connecting with top STEM programs in the area, including Mater Dei High School, to research and define priorities for growth in an ever-changing field. Mater Dei’s Education Technology Executive Director Geri Campeau is

providing practical guidance to our board, faculty, and sta! based on their MDHS experience. Mrs. Campeau is also a national STEM speaker and certified trainer for Apple Professional Development.

According to Mrs. Campeau, “STEM is a vital component of any elementary and middle school that desires to prepare students for 21st Century college and careers. MCS is ahead of the game because of the foundation already laid over the past several years.”

Because of generous MCS parents, grandparents, and friends, more than $300,000 has been raised to-date for Phase One of STEM! To participate, contact MCS Advancement at tperkins@mcs-school.org. WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!

Science at MCS begins in kindergarten, and by fourth grade students have science as an independent class. The curriculum is loaded with opportunities for hands-on exploration, lab experiments, and field trips.

According to elementary science teacher Krista Ophaug, students benefit from the unique science program MCS o!ers -- not only in the academic sense, but also in terms of building faith. “Our science program is taught through a Biblical worldview that God is Creator and humans are created in His image,” Ophaug said.

Though many students may not pursue a college/career track in science, all will benefit from a rigorous program that encourages them to question, describe, test, and explain. They also learn to manipulate and communicate data, essential skills for whatever God has planned for their future.

YOUNG SCIENTISTS BUDDING

Starting in fifth grade, a number of students serve on the MCS Tech Team, acquiring practical skills in sound, stage, lighting, camera, and tech. Young leaders are groomed on this team, as students begin to take on responsibilities for various areas of special event planning and production.

Beyond the technical skills, students learn to work as the Body of Christ, helping one another and problem solving, showing humility

and developing servants’ hearts. This year they tested out their team dynamics in all-school events like chapels, talent shows, Veterans Day, and Grandparents Day.

“My hope is that students understand the bigger picture through this experience. God gives us gifts and talents to serve others – even being part of a tech team can glorify Him,” said Tech Arts Director Juan Pulido.

TECH TEAM TRAINS LEADERS

WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!

ALUMNI EXCELMCS Alumni are making headway in a variety of STEM careers across the country.

Aaron Fleming (MCS Alumni Class of ’07) is now in his third year as a computer science/information technology double major at the United States Naval Academy. He is looking to pursue a career in cyber-security and information warfare. Specifically, he is aiming for cyber-command, the o!ensive and defensive network for the Navy.

Aaron recognizes the growing job market in computer science and is eager to gain as much experience as possible at the Academy. He was selected for an elite internship where he explored computer coding language that deals with cyber-security and smart phone

application development. He also has found a niche with like-minded engineers and spends his free time in cyber-competitions. When reflecting on his years at MCS, Aaron said, “One of the most beneficial lessons I learned was to work hard and give my all in everything. I find this keeps me competitive – when a peer might give 90%, I give 100%++. I attribute that work ethic to the encouragement and training of my MCS teachers and parents.”

“ One of the most beneficial lessons I learned at MCS was to work hard and give my all in everything. ”

“ My goal is for each student to grow in wonder and awe of our God, the Master Creator. ”

While science and technology are at the forefront of MCS goal setting, spiritual formation continues as a top priority for the entire faculty and sta!.

Our current school-wide adoption of the USS Harry S Truman is a prime example of showing others that love does – it uses action to make a di!erence for others.

Our goal is to provide a school culture in which students’ acts of love come naturally as an outward expression of inner transformation. The Truman adoption has taught our students even more than how to show their love for Christ by acting on it. It’s been educational for students to go deeper in their understanding of the Navy’s role in our country’s defense – to gain a greater respect for young men like Alumni LT JG Jon Weissberg who walked the very halls that our students do, and is now serving in a leadership role as an o"cer in the US Navy.

According to Weissberg, our $12,000 gift of phone cards, treats, letters, and Valentine boxes of Love had quite an impact on the sailors. So much so, the o"cers decided to create a unique appreciation banner for MCS and flew it over enemy territory.

“LOVE DOES” REACHES FAR AND WIDE

“ Our goal is to provide a school culture in which students’ acts of love come naturally as an outward expression of inner transformation. ”

MCS Performing Arts Department’s production of “Bye, Bye, Birdie!”

DIG ITAL COMMUNIT IESPiloting in a Classroom Near You

MCS is ready to take a big step in creating collaborative learning environments. Resources like Google+ classrooms can provide a highly secure, user-friendly online community for students, parents, and teachers to connect, share ideas and materials, and build stronger connections within individual classrooms.

Watch for news and announcements on this new school-wide feature piloting next year!

STUDENTS EXPLORE QR CODES

Second and fifth grade teamed up for a STEM project. Students created “products” after identifying a problem to solve, such as improving a school chair, desk, or trash can. After writing a proposal and developing a solution, they filmed infomercials and linked to unique QR codes!

“Research shows that there is a strong connection between science and the arts. The arts, like STEM subjects, require skills in measurement, number manipulation, proportional thinking, and spatial relationships. Both math and music follow rules of order and logic, a reflection of the patterns set in place by our Creator. I am grateful that MCS places great value on developing students who excel in performing, visual, and technical arts so that they may develop the knowledge and creativity necessary in today’s work force.”

STEM AND THE ARTS Perspective from Performing Arts Director Tricia Heins

“ There is a strong connection between science and the arts. ”

Robotics Club grows

ACSI Math Olympics

Math Matters winners

ACSI Science Fair