In one corner of the classroom, students are building a bridge out of plastic pieces, analyzing and testing the mechanics and structure. In another, students are developing a website, and still in another, students are computer coding a robot with wheels to make it move. In the courtyard, a student is creating a solar oven.
The student’s energy levels are extraordinary. This is the new STEM class at Butler Junior High, offered to 6th, 7th and 8th graders during two periods. It’s 42 minutes of a day where students discover science, technology, engineering and math. The students explore three of 12 topics during a six-week series of lessons called modules.
The class emphasizes problem solving and analysis, creativity and collaboration while incorporating 21st Century skills.
Students work with a partner to create the project. “It’s not so much about the end product, but about learning and solving problems,” said teacher Kim Krupicka.
Students can choose the modules, but Krupicka encourages them to explore unfamiliar or unlikeable areas. “Often, they’ll be surprised that they like computer coding,” she said.
The hands-on work ignites the interest of students, helping them connect concepts to real world applications. “Students are creating remarkable projects that spur their curiosity, motivate them and encourage them to tackle new problems,” said Director of Technology Farheen Beg.
Students are held accountable for their learning. They complete a daily learning log and develop a digital presentation that includes goals, vocabulary used, definitions, things they already knew, what they learned and applications to other areas. They also embed a video into the project.
“Students are interested and engaged,” said Principal Amy Read. The old Mac lab was refurbished over the summer into a new lab for STEM. The lab is the only one in the western suburbs for junior high students, said administrators.
Broadcast Journalism
The Broadcast Journalism class at Butler Junior High mirrors what goes on in real life. The students work in a real news studio and have positions like director, floor manager, audio engineer and camera operator.
“It is not enough for students to be media consumers, they need to be able to produce media as well and be able to effectively interpret multimedia,” said teacher Robert Phillips.
The students write stories, many about the school, its events and issues; create public service announcements and anchor the news. They learn interviewing skills, story boarding, and video editing and get valuable experience using a green screen, sophisticated cameras and state-of-the-art multi media equipment. Along with their hands-on roles, students are exposed to journalism ethics, first amendment rights, bias, and explore the difference between fact and opinion.
The class was reformulated after the construction of a new Broadcast Studio in the junior high. The studio, created out of space in the library, includes a small room for filming and a separate editing room.
Already, students produce daily announcements that are broadcast each morning to the student body and create short news segments about school events. They also produce public service announcements and short films.
The course goes deeper than teaching broadcasting and communications skills. A secondary goal is to develop and nurture the school community and promote school spirit.
