Wadsworth STEM is a neighborhood school on the south side of Chicago. While we accept all students in our area and many others outside of our attendance area, we try to behave as if we were a magnet school. Our students deserve a school that does not cost them anything to attend and does not require travel outside of their neighborhood while offering a first class STEM education. Our students are almost entirely from under-served and underrepresented groups but we have high expectations for them! They are bright, curious, and eager to learn. They want to be scientists, computer programmers, and engineers.
My Project
In my STEM Lab students must use their imaginations to design and build prototypes. I try to help them make real world connections to the skills we are learning and I want them to feel empowered to design real solutions to real problems. A 3D printer would take it up a notch! There are many ideas they have that can be more than a prototype, they can be actual products that can make a difference, even it is just a small one. In addition, using a 3D printer will build skills that can be applied in their future careers. My job is also to open doors or at least shed light on options that they may have not considered or even know about previously. Finally, the process of using software to design and plan their creations will require them to apply math, science, spatial and logical thinking skills in a context that matters to them. That is what I call powerful learning!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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