Heath Middle School STEAMrollers

While attending ISTE, I studied more about a concept called novel engineering. While reading a short story or novel, students identify a problem (not necessarily a conflict in terms of literary terms). Students then identify constraints to solving the problem. Using the Design Thinking Process, students then make literary connections while creating a prototype of their solution.

Another application of novel engineering is that of character development. The pictures showed what we did in an hour in terms of character development, utilizing littleBits. I think this would be an excellent way to make reading engaging. Look for something small scale in the makerspace class this fall at Heath Middle School. To learn more about Novel Engineering, watch this video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MHXGvv1sXkI

I made it tO ISTE! Lots of cool ideas to increase engagement and boost tech at Heath Middle School! Thanks to The NEA Foundation for helping me get here! Here are a few pictures of what's happening.

Kayla Burkel and Angela Arvola, tech teachers at Heath Middle School just finished a week-long training in the Computer Discovies curriculum developed by Code.org. The training was a collaborative effort withmindSpark Learning. We learned a lot of cool things. We can't wait to share it with our colleagues. Coding and computer science is about to get a facelift at Heath Middle School!

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. This page will showcase STEAM projects at Heath Middle School.

First up is our new gardening program. Liz Sunderland started it off this summer with From the Ground Up at Heath Middle School. Students studied garden design, soil composition and vermiculture. They were able to plant around campus as well.