SHADY GROVE ELEMENTARY PTA
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STEM Program

What is STEM?
STEM is 21st century instruction that uses the natural connections between  Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to engage and inspire students. Educators, institutions, and business leaders all agree a strong STEM foundation will help prepare students to be successful in an expanding technological workforce. 

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Bringing STEM to Cardinals through creative and collaborative ways
What is the mission of the SGES STEM Program?
The mission of the SGES STEM program is to bring STEM to the Cardinals a variety of ways in order for them to learn the many types of STEM and inspire them to practice STEM in their daily learning at school and at home.

What will my child learn and be doing in STEM?
Each grade has the opportunity to engage in STEM throughout the school year inside and outside the classroom. Below are a few exciting examples of what to expect and how your child can participate in STEM:


  • Kindergarten – identify mystery objects using 5 senses, plant bulbs in the outdoor garden, complete butterfly project, conduct magnet and matter experiments and grow crystals using borax
  • First – study and create animal habitats, leprechaun traps, 3D Maps, and plant models. Perform Litterbugs activity
  • Second – conduct experiments during the Scientific Investigation unit, complete several Children’s Engineering projects and study frogs and/or butterflies during the life cycle unit
  • Third – Create our own animals to study animal adaptations in science, engage in Math Measurement Olympics, use STEM in social studies and language arts with Children's Engineering projects (e.g. Explorer Unit) and use TEM to enhance the curriculum in all areas. 
  • Fourth – construct, measure, analyze, and redesign roller coasters, solar system models, and weather instruments using various STEM tools to integrate multiple subject areas. Use recycled items to re-engineer everyday objects to increase their durability, appeal, or other area of improvement
  • Fifth – create props for Readers’ Theater and use the scientific process for various science experiments related to the curriculum

In addition to learning and practicing STEM, some of the important skills that will be learned in the STEM program are: communication, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, research and information fluency.  

What are the STEM resources available for my child? 

STEM Lab - Our STEM lab is a 21st century instructional space that includes:
  • iPads
  • BrightLink interactive whiteboard
  • Proscopes and Go Temps
  • River tank ecosystem (TBD)
  • Weather Bug tracking station
  • Laboratory equipment, engineering materials, math manipulatives, measurement tools and more!

Online Resources - There are multiple online STEM resources that you and your child can access anywhere, anytime. We will be adding more as the school year progresses, so please check back!
  • Reflex Math
  • Other helpful math, science, technology, engineering games [insert page] 
  • Animal Cams 
  • SGES Facebook Page - Click to find out what's going on in STEM at the local, national and international level

How do I get involved and how can I help? 
Thanks for asking! We would love to hear from you on how you can help grow our STEM program. Please contact your child’s teacher directly or reach out to the PTA STEM Chair,
Jennifer Gopalakrishnan. There are many opportunities to volunteer your time and expertise and we are always looking for more resources and ways to expand our STEM program.

Who do I contact if I have any questions about the STEM program?

If your question relates to a specific STEM classroom activity, please contact your child’s teacher. If your question is about the STEM program, you may contact either the PTA STEM Chair, Jennifer Gopalakrishnan.

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  • Home
  • About Us
  • New to SGES?
  • Store
  • Board Members
  • Join/Support PTA
  • Fundraising
  • Quicklinks
  • Enrichment
    • After School Enrichment
    • Cultural Arts
    • Outdoor Classroom
    • STEM Program
  • Programs
    • Cardinal Fun Run
    • Cardnival
    • Thomas B. Fernald Scholarship
  • Reflections
  • Volunteers
  • Yearbook
  • Legislative
  • Category
  • Fall 2021 Budget and Audit