2018 Hazel Park Schools Communicator : STEM Hazel Park focuses on 21st Century Learning

THE HAZEL PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ACTIVELY BUILDING a K-12 STEM pathway through a variety of programs and initiatives. The STEM acronym represents Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and encompasses the processes of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Students integrate processes and concepts in these areas necessary for college and career success.

This past year, Hazel Park instituted STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) time for all K-5 students at least one to two times per week. “The K-5 program exposes the students to the fundamentals of programming and coding and teaches them the design-thinking process. We have a 3D printer in all environments and teach them basic CAD skills,” said Stephanie Dulmage, Director of 21st Century Learning.
By the time students reach junior high, “they have the opportunity to participate in a technology and media literacy class. In this class, they do programming and coding, learn how to navigate digital media, and develop other technology-related skills. They work with Google applications and use these tools to support and extend their learning,” Dulmage explained.

She added, “We believe so strongly in immersing students in STEM learning opportunities that all sixth, seventh and eighth grade students participate in two Project Lead The Way courses each year. All courses are related to science and engineering.” Project Lead The Way courses provide a project-based curriculum that develops technical, science, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills.

THIS PAST YEAR, HAZEL PARK EXPANDED STEM offerings to include FIRST Robotics. FIRST is an international program that offers students an opportunity to develop technology, engineering, and robotics skills which help foster confidence, leadership skills, and innovation. Teams were implemented at United Oaks, Hazel Park Junior High, and Hazel Park High School. “Our goal is to expand to all elementary buildings during the 2018-2019 school year,” said Dulmage.

K-5 students at United Oaks Elementary School had the opportunity to be part of the FIRST LEGO League, in which they were given a challenge and had to respond by building a robot capable of solving the game challenge, and develop a research project. This year’s challenge focused on water – how to find, transport, use, or dispose of it. After receiving some background information on the city’s water system from Hazel Park’s Department of Public Works (DPW), students developed a prototype capable of demonstrating filtration and an innovative approach to water purification. The team placed well at the competition and were honored for their efforts at the June 26 City Council meeting.

At the Junior High, students who are part of the FIRST Tech Challenge team are building problem-solving prototypes based on their interpretation of challenge guidelines and rules. This year’s rookie team successfully built a competition-ready robot.

HAZEL PARK HIGH SCHOOL HAS OFFERED a Robotics Club for several years, providing students with hands-on experience in math, science, robotics, and engineering. Students in the club participate in a variety of competitions including the Square One Autonomous Innovative Vehicle Design, Sea Perch, and Robofest at LTU. The team attended two events during their first go-round and ended the season with a solid performance.
The High School will also offer a business-focused program next year designed to position students well post-graduation. “Next year, Hazel Park High School will offer a LEAN fundamentals course as well. Lean Manufacturing is a way to improve paradigms through critical thinking and reflection, and to improve processes through piloting of ideas and solutions. The Lean Fundamentals course provides high school students with real-world applications of skills in mathematics, process engineering, problem-solving, observation, entrepreneurship, marketing, and inventory control.” Students will receive a Lean Fundamentals Certificate of Completion as part of the successful completion of this course.