Health & Fitness
STEM Enrichment Program Slated for Finley
An after-school science, technology, engineering and math enrichment program is in the works for J. Taylor Finley Middle seventh and eighth graders. Tentative plans call for the grant-funded initiative to kick-off on Wednesday, February 5.
The program seeks to develop student interest in STEM learning activities. Teachers will work with participants to build their capabilities to productively engage in STEM studies.
“We are excited to be in the position to establish this program at Finley, with the goal of genuinely exciting students about the STEM disciplines and encouraging them to pursue related electives and/or research at the high school level,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “Program activities will strike a formidable balance between project-based learning and field experiences. Collectively, it’s a wonderful opportunity for our middle schoolers.”
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Students will be invited to participate in this program based on their performance on the April 2013 state math assessments. Students compiling a “Level 2” score on the math assessments will be sent a letter inviting them to participate in the new initiative. Students will meet once a week at Finley to engage in inquiry/project based activities led by science and math teachers. The initiative will utilize materials purchased from the Carolina Biological Supply Company’s Seamless Engineering STEM Integration programs.
The Finley program will run on Wednesday afternoons from 3:05 to 5:05 p.m. beginning on February 5 and running through May 28. Transportation will be provided to all students that request it. The initiative is being funded through a state grant.
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Staffing will include a lead teacher, six secondary math and science teachers, a part-time secretary and a support aide. Pre-service teachers from SUNY Old Westbury’s science department will also participate in the program. Field trips will allow students to utilize SUNY Old Westbury and SUNY Farmingdale mobile laboratories. There will also be an opportunity to participate in the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum’s Seeking Excellence Everyday through Science, Education and Art (SEE through SEA) program.
