ST1.9: STEM teachers and leaders participate in a continuous program of STEM-specific professional learning.
All teachers in grades K-5 have been provided extensive training to implement Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch so that students are exposed to a rich problem-based curriculum focusing on solving real world problems. The PLTW Launch program promotes critical thinking, engagement in hands-on learning, design thinking, and problem solving.
Engineering Design Process Training
|
Project Lead the Way Launch K-5 Curriculum
At-A-Glance
|
|
Kindergarten
|
1st Grade
|
2nd Grade
|
3rd Grade
|
4th Grade
|
5th Grade
|
|
Pushes & Pulls
|
Light & Sound
|
The Changing Earth
|
Stability and Motion: Forces and Interactions
|
Energy Collisions
|
Robotics Challenge
|
|
Structure & Function of Human Body
|
Sun & Moon
|
Properties of Matter
|
Science of Flight
|
Energy Conversion
|
Infection Detection
|
|
Animals & Algorithms
|
Animal Adaptations
|
Materials Science: Form & Function
|
Programming Patterns
|
The Body’s Computer
|
Infection Model & Simulation
|
|
Exploring Design
|
Story Animations
|
Grids and Games
|
Variation of Traits
|
Input/Output Computer Systems
|
Robotics & Automation
|
Teachers at River Ridge have a wealth of professional training and learning that extends into the classroom daily. We have many teachers on staff who have graduate degrees in Educational Technology, Science Education, Mathematics Education, and Educational Computing. The Gateway to Technology teacher participates in ongoing STEM training in areas of Design & Modeling, Automation & Robotics, as well as Energy & the Environment.
River Ridge teachers seek professional learning opportunities to support their own practice by attending STEM conferences such as the annual Discovery Center STEM Conference and participating in the Roper Mountain Science Center program for educators. Teachers also participate in STEM related professional learning opportunities provided by the district during our annual Summer Institute such as Making the National Wildlife Refuge an Extension of Your Classroom and Living in the Salt Marsh.
Three teachers have completed the Lowcountry Teacher Master Naturalist yearlong class and three teachers are currently enrolled. This professional learning opportunity is sponsored by Clemson University and The LowCountry Institute to train educators on understanding the local environment and how to preserve it.
At River Ridge, we provide ongoing professional learning opportunities focused on the Engineering Design Process, research based instructional strategies that align with STEM beliefs and values, and curriculum mapping of interdisciplinary units. Teacher have daily common planning time to collaborate and discuss curriculum and instructional methods.