2021 STEM Innovation Grant

We are pleased to inform you that the MISF STEM Advisory Committee has approved our 2021 STEM Innovation Grant for funding in the amount of $4980. Thank you Sheila Loschy and Julie Loney for their assistance on writing this grant! 
 
The STEM Grant Awards will be recognized at the 13th Annual Private and Independent Education Awards on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. We invite you to join for the “LIVE” virtual event.  Event registration will be available on the MISF website.
 
Below is an excerpt from our grant:
In an effort to increase STEM education at Annunciation, apply new science standards, and to continue the transdisciplinary learning currently used in K-5 to our middle school, we are proposing adding the LEGO®Education SPIKE™Prime Set to our 6th grade curriculum through a weekly STEM class. “Combining colorful LEGO building elements, easy-to-use hardware, and an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch, SPIKE Prime continuously engages students through playful learning activities to think critically and solve complex problems, regardless of their learning level.”

In looking at the new Minnesota Science standards, we notice a new emphasis on STEM activities and 3D activities and assessments. We believe adding a robotics and programming element to our curriculum will help connect subject areas and provide engaging hands-on learning and application of knowledge.

We plan to start with 6th grade with hopes to expand this programming to our 7th and 8th grade and to eventually create an after school club for our middle school students. We anticipate the excitement for STEM will grow and our middle school students can be leaders within our K-8 setting. We see this as one step to a larger goal of STEM education for all of our students.