Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics (STEM) made a joint appearance at the January meeting of the Sun City Computer Club. Guest speakers from Consolidated School District 158, Dr. Chris Budzynski, the Chief Technology Officer and Dr. Bryan Zwemke, an Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Learning and Innovation, described how STEM fits into the district’s curriculum.
Ralph Wehnes, the club’s Director of Education, commented that “the club wants to have feature presentations at our monthly meetings that bring innovative ideas to our members.” He continued, “we felt that the STEM curriculum included many new learning opportunities for District 158 students and we wanted to hear more about what they’re doing.”
As an introduction, Budzynski commented that “District 158 achieved a one computer per student and staff level in 2012 and ten years later we continue to innovate through blended learning and a better understanding of how students engage through digital learning.”
On the subject of STEM at the K-5 level, Zwemke stated that the “K to 5 Explore curriculum empowers the students to become problem solves, to collaborate with others and to be adaptable when taking on any challenge.”
He continued, “students learn about robotics, automation, programming, structure and function along with light and sound collisions and much more.”
On middle school learning Zwemke said, “we have introduced a Project-Lead-The-Way (PLTW) that includes engineering concepts in the curriculum where students are innovators and learn about designing and modeling and robotic applications.”
He continued, “it’s relevant to them and it is an opportunity for our kids to use those critical thinking skills blended in with technology.”
At the high school level Zwemke mentioned that, “We have sixteen courses in applied technology and six different courses in computer science.” He added that “next year we will have classes in cyber security which will delve into industry knowledge and experience.”
He concluded, “The amount of technology that now impacts education on a day-to-day basis means that we have to decide which tools can stay and which have to go to help our educators be more effective teachers in the future.”
Wehnes added, “with 1,500 members, the computer club is the largest Charter Club in Sun City. The Computer Lab in Meadow View is open Monday and Thursday mornings for one-on-one tech assistance for members.” He continued, “and we offer a variety of classes that are free for members.”
