Students at PAC are able to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways. As part of the PAC curriculum, each grade level completes either a STEM project or Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) per quarter. These open-ended opportunities allow students to actively demonstrate what they know utilizing performance assessments. The utilization of rubrics allow students to set goals in both their critical and creative thinking for the entire project-building process. At times, teachers have created surveys either prior or after a STEM project for purpose of assessing student understanding, progress, work ethics, or even group efforts. These rubrics and surveys give us insight on alternative solutions to measure student performance.    

 

      

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

Our teachers keep records of performance based assessments through classroom data and/or STEM binders.  Additionally, our students keep track of their learning progress with the utilization of journals or interactive notebooks. Below is one example of student work product in their interactive notebook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Through the usage of virtual labs conducted through Gizmos, our students have an opportunity to complete online quizzes and receive immediate feedback as the score is calculated electronically. At times, students even request to reset their score so that they can complete the quiz again for another attempt toward mastery. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please click the link below for a video demonstrating evidence of students testing their Pea Escape project.

​

​

​

PAC students have participated in numerous STEM competitions such as SECME, Vex IQ, Fairchild Challenge, DCCTM Math Bowl, STEM Dribble Challenge, FIU and UM STEM activities. These competitions allow students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning based on the project they present. This is evident through the use of vocabulary, critical thinking and problem solving, as well as interactions with members of their team. The build and execution is also a critical demonstration of the material they have learned in class. The evaluations in the competitions aid students in making improvements on their projects and creating a new sequence when completing the activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the classroom, teachers require students to utilize technology such as SWAY, PowerPoint, Prezi and Google Slides to present their findings in an organized manner. Students have the liberty to add video clips, which enables editing skills, pictures, and to formulate concise information. Teachers use these presentations to assess student understanding of concepts and thorough use of technology. Through this process, students are able to develop their communication skills in written and oral form. Please see the attached student PowerPoint on underwater robotics.

 

Throughout the school year all stakeholders work together to promote STEM culture in our school. STEM business and community partners are invited to visit our school to speak about their careers in STEM fields. PAC hosts a Science Fair Night where the students’ projects are on display and winners are announced. STEM Showcases provide families with the opportunity to view different STEM activities completed by all grade levels. Additionally, as part of our partnership with PPMH, middle school students plan and integrate a station that goes with our STEM theme at both the Science Fair and STEM Family Nights. This encourages our higher STEM students to collaborate and become exposed to future STEM opportunities. PAC students and families look forward to our STEM Family Night that consists of an evening full of STEM based activities for the entire family.

 

In previous years, our students have had the opportunity to showcase their work to the younger grades throughout the school year. Although we hold showcases and exhibitions in the hallways and during family events, an area we would like to improve on is to have the fourth and fifth grade students present their work within the classroom setting to the primary grades. Time constraints is always a concern due to the nature of our rigorous curriculum. However, we can plan for this to happen through the help and support of the STEM committee. Our goal for the upcoming school year is to adopt the Leader in Me approach to empower autonomy amongst our learners. We are in the process of seeking ways to provide our teachers professional development in this area.