Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
A drone caught MEMS student Jakobe Felder’s eye as he explored the school’s new STEM based learning center.
The 2009 mural on the wall leading to the new high-tech facility at Macedonia Elementary-Middle School (MEMS) reads ‘powering into the future’-- a fitting slogan for the STEM iNovate Lab by STEM U opened down the hall on June 12.
STEM U is based on a curriculum where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics integrate to give students a foundation of real world applications.
“Welcome to the future,” said Christopher Williams, founder of STEM U. “STEM is in everything we do.”
The push for students to have a foundation in STEM is seen nationally. In a 2022 report by The National Science Center for Science and Engineering Statistics to the president and Congress, it was reported “elementary and secondary education in mathematics and science are the foundation for entry into postsecondary STEM majors and STEM-related occupations.”
The STEM iNovate Lab is made to provide students with a strong STEM foundation to prepare them for the changing technological world. In rural
areas such as Barnwell County, students may not have exposure
to these technologies as students in larger districts do.
“We do not want them to be defined by their zip code,” said Williams.
This is the third STEM lab in Barnwell County Consolidated School District (BCCSD), and the first at Blackville schools.
“We are in a technical driven world, and in this world a lot of our kids are left behind because we are not technically savvy,” said Blackville Mayor Ronnie
Pernell. “When we have this kind of technology come to the school
to better our kids, this is going to make our community better.”
The STEM iNovate Lab is designed for 360 learning, meaning there are multiple monitors around the room including a smart board. This allows lessons to be delivered from any area and students can engage in technology from wherever they might be in the classroom.
If a student is working on a hands-on project and cannot access one of the keyboards individually connected to a respective monitor, they can ask the Google Assistant a question out loud and they will promptly get an answer from the multiple speakers.
The STEM iNovate Lab serves the entire range of scholars at MEMS by having learning tools for students kindergarten through eighth grade. Williams explained students will grow with this equipment and continue to build on their STEM foundation.
“The goal is to give them enough foundation to take them through K-8 based on continuing to build,” said Williams. “Everything we have is an application to start building on a foundation to then go up.”
According to Williams, the school will not have to purchase additional materials or technologies for this space due to the range of equipment offered.
A wireless 3D printer and compatible 3D pens will bring student’s designs to life while teaching them a basis of manufacturing and 3D design. Students will learn how to program circuits, operate drones, and look at problems in their community with eyes for a solution.
The Bee-Bot, a robot that looks like a bee, allows kindergarten students to learn basic engineering skills and directional language.
To keep the climate and culture of the space interesting, the furniture in the classroom is welcomed to be changed as they shift from working in groups to independently, or with instruction to solo problem solving. Much of the furniture is mobile including the teacher’s desk and the whiteboards.
“I’m excited for this venture as we take our children in Blackville to another level,” said MEMS Principal Eryl Smalls.
MEMS students have gained access to a space where collaborative problem solving is encouraged to be explored through technology. If engaged, students can lay the groundwork for a future career in a STEM-based field.
“This is definitely something that is much needed and I‘m sure it is going to be a benefit far into the future,” said Barnwell County Councilman David Kenner.
Williams hopes this space will “give the students the opportunity to be computer science geniuses, develop video games, 3D design, mobile apps,” and much more.
In the lab, students will develop the language and understanding of STEM principles found in increasingly more career paths.
“When our scholars return to school here at Macedonia in August, they will go into a brand new, state-of-the-art facility that will help them to engage in the highest level thinking,” said BCCSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Marcella Shaw.
Visit https://stemullc.com/ for more information on STEM U and the STEM iNovate Lab.
