In the Spring of 2011, the Maryland State Department of Education presented an opportunity to create the "Ideal 21st Century Classroom" as a sub-grant of the Maryland STEM Portfolio Project (MSPP). Walkersville Middle School Technology Education teacher Mr. Eric Haines is a member of the Frederick County Public Schools five member team that works on the MSPP. Mr. Haines applied for the grant to create his vision of a STEM Lab to support problem-based learning and 21st century learning skills. Walkersville Middle School was recently named as the recipient of the "Ideal 21st Century Classroom Grant."
This grant created a state of the art STEM Lab with Revolution Desks conducive for creating designs via computer, but easily converting to desktop space for “creation” and working with materials. 36 new computers will have greater capacity to allow students to access the research, materials, and programs necessary for STEM teaching and learning. Additional technology to maximize presentation and instructional delivery includes ceiling mounted projectors, acoustic speakers, scanner, digital cameras, headsets and printers.
Not only will Mr. Haines’ students benefit from this lab, but all teachers will have access when he is not teaching. Additionally, it is being used for professional development at the school and county level. Finally, this allowed Walkersville Middle School to relocate the existing computer lab to the 6th grade wing, 421, creating 4 computer labs at WMS. This will support the school's professional development efforts in the areas of technology integration and STEM.
On June 8, 2011 the FCPS Board of Education unanimously approved the addition of the grant to create the STEM Lab at WMS! The video clip below shows the Board of Education meeting presentation, discussion, and vote.
Work to create the new STEM Lab began in summer 2011 and was completed the fall of 2011. An outline of the plans for the STEM Lab is posted below.
***Fall 2011 Update***
The STEM Lab construction is completed. The video below shows the before, during, and after photos of the STEM Lab at WMS.
The FCPS TV Crew came to visit the STEM Lab on November 2, 2011. Check out the video that aired on FCPS TV (channel 18) below.
***Update***
The FCPS Board of Education invited Ms. Aliveto, Mr. Haines, and three students to come to their meeting on November 21st, 2011 to showcase the new STEM Lab at Walkersville Middle School. Check out the video below that aired live on FCPS TV Channel 18.
