The Davy Crocketts of STEM Education

There are always buzz words in education and STEM is taking front and center these days. When most people think of STEM education, they picture this

US Particle Accelerator School at Colorado State University

and this

From the ASME website

But maybe not so much this.

MHS students making measurements for a raised gardening bed.

Students creating a bed along Toney's Brook.

The very beginnings of an erosion control garden.

Below is how the Congressional Research Service (CRS) describes STEM education.
"The term "STEM education" refers to teaching and learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics...Federal policymakers have an active and enduring interest in STEM education and the topic is frequently raised in federal science, education, workforce, national security, and immigration policy debates."

I'm not sure that gardening is what the CRS had in mind when considering how to keep the US workforce competitive in the global economy. But I think we're right on target. Our STEM students are redesigning Rand Park. A park that sits adjacent to their school. A park that they have walked through, eaten lunch in, relaxed in and stared at longingly while stuck in a classroom. The students drew plans and presented their ideas to the mayor and town council. They are working with local citizens with expertise in landscape design and native plants. They have researched and planned how to attract interesting and wonderful creatures and critters to the park. They are experimenting with methods to control invasive plants. They now know more about perennials and natives than I did well into my 20s. They aren't currently developing their engineering skills to conquer the global economy but they are digging into the earth in their own neighborhood. And they are problem solving during every single class.

The MHS students are pioneers: they are creating an outdoor classroom and wildlife habitat that the entire school can learn from and enjoy.

Our students will be venturing out into the world soon enough, some in STEM fields, some not. But right now we are venturing no further than Rand Park--our own backyard--and I think we are exactly where we need to be.