Spark STEM Academy
At Freeman Elementary, students learn the concepts of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) through a variety of methods. Kindergarten through fifth graders use a curriculum called Engineering in Elementary (EiE). Students explore and create innovate building projects using this rigorous system of learning. They also get exposed to Robotics and Coding with the use of the VEX Robots. Kindergarten and First grade uses a VEX123 system, Second and Third grade uses a VEX GO system, and Fourth and Fifth grade uses a VEX IQ. The VEX systems allows children to explore Computer Science concepts, incorporate things like spatial reasoning, coding and decomposition into a wide array of content areas.
A 123 Robot uses sensors to collect data from its surroundings (Sense), make decisions based on this information (Think) and turn that information into instructions for behaviors (Act). Sensors enable a 123 Robot to interact with its environment, and allows you to create more dynamic projects that require the 123 Robot to interact and respond to changing environments. VEX GO is a coding environment that is used to communicate with VEX GO robots. Students use the drag and drop interface to create VEX GO projects that control their robot’s actions. VEX IQ encourages creativity through its easy-to-use construction system and approachable technology. VEX IQ is a snap-together robotics system designed from the ground up to provide novice users the chance to find success quickly, while still being able to constantly challenge more advanced users. In the VEX IQ classroom, STEM concepts are put to the test as students learn lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, communications, and other 21st century skills.
Students in Kindergarten and First collect projects and examples of their learning in digital portfolios on SeeSaw. While students in grades Second through Fifth collect projects and examples of their learning in digital portfolios on their Google Site webpages. The goal is to add onto the site each year so that students, after their time at Freeman, will have a website full of STEM learning.
The Spark STEM Academy also teaches students the soft skills of teamwork, cooperation, listening, and problem-solving. Students spend some time talking about 21st century skills and digital citizenship each year.
Freeman offers and after school club which use the Vex Competition Robotics sets for both the Vex GO and Vex IQ series.