Program Overview
STEMWonders’ program sessions will hold at local school sites (onsite) and at our offsite location through the program coordinators and teachers. Each afterschool session starts with a snack which leads into a short engagement period where students practice team-building skills, and acquaint themselves with the concepts needed for the main activity of the day. The remaining time is spent on a project-based or hands-on activity that is focused on specific STEM topics, real-life problems or issues. The curriculum is broken down into several units, each with a different science, technology, engineering, and math focus. The program will conclude with a written or verbal reflection of their experiences, findings, and possible applications of what they have learned.
Impact and Outcomes
- Increased students’ competency in the mastery of STEM skills and methodology
- Increased enrollment and interest in STEM-related courses
- Continued participation in STEM programs
- Positive attitude towards STEM related careers
- Increased STEM knowledge and skills, evidenced through test scores when compared to non-participants
Other Initiatives:
- Volunteer facilitators are trained on STEM best practices prior to visiting and engaging with students
- Collaborating with like-minded organizations within the community
- Teacher professional development opportunities (CPD)
Program Features
STEMWonders offers to students in grades K-12, daytime, and after-school and summer programs with engaging hands-on activities. The programs are designed to stimulate and sustain the interest of students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), to help them make connections with STEM careers.
- Each module is a six-week session. Each session runs once a week for 90 minutes at the school site.
- The program incorporates State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and best practices that embody what scientists and engineers actually do in the real world.
- Summer programs run all day for two weeks per module.
- Career exploration opportunities are provided through subject matter experts/ volunteer visits and field trips to local corporations.
- Family Nights events twice a year where children can showcase their skills and work
- Students who enroll in National STEM competitions will be supported and mentored
- Activities are student-driven and allow students to play active roles in the learning process.
- All Staff and facilitators possess required training and knowledge of STEM
- 5E inquiry-based lesson formats (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, Evaluation)
- Daytime STEM programs and engaging activities for homeschoolers offsite
- Volunteering and internship opportunities
- Develop pre/post program survey for participants, parents, teachers and volunteers
- Collect and analyze data to track students’ progress over time