Attribute 2.2
Students and STEM Professionals
Model: Direct experiences with STEM professionals, professional STEM work environments, and/or practical applications of STEM content during and/or outside school are available to students approximately monthly.
All students at Hendersonville Elementary School have direct contact with STEM professionals, environments and content on a monthly basis. Students participate in clubs, field trips, STEM competitions, and classroom guest speakers.
At Hendersonville Elementary we have several after school clubs that involve many of our students. The members of these clubs have the opportunity to go to competitions to showcase their skills. A full list of clubs is provided as evidence below.
Each grade participates in at least 2 field trips throughout the the year. Our students have visited Vulcan Rock Quarry, The WNC Nature Center, Stepp Apple Orchard, WLOS television station, and The Cradle of Forestry, as well as many others, to participate in STEM activities and to learn from STEM professionals in their work environment.
Students are also exposed to STEM professionals through guest speakers and in class experiences. Chris Justus, meteorologist from WYFF, visited and talked about the science, math, and technology that he uses in forecasting the weather and being on television. Dr. Bill Steingardt, retired electrical engineer, shared about his job and the technology that is used in creating video games. Stacia Wagner taught us about her job as a social media coordinator for a local company. Our monthly list of guest speakers and topics are provided below.
Students learn about engineering music.
Channel 13 WLOS News Anchor and Show Producer discuss the technology used to create a live TV broadcast
Mr. Fisher shares with students about being a chemist.
NC Wildlife Commission brings visitors to the classroom.
Engineers available to answer questions.
Mr. Smolski , CPA discusses how STEM applies to his career.
Fire equipment clothing. How does its design protect our firemen?
The serpentarium expert.
Judge Cowan discusses how she incorporates STEM in her profession.
Students explore STEM at the WNC Nature Center.
Students participating in Outdoor STEM education.
NASA engineer engages students in Aeronautical engineering.
Students participate in the STEM Career Fair.
Students learning about farming apples from our local apple farm.
During each of our breaks from school, we provide engaging STEM workshops that incorporate content standards. Below is a list of the classes offered for a week.
Above is an email from Appalachian State University inviting our students to the STEM Expo. This provided our students with a lot of information pertaining to different fields of study in the STEM realm.
Above is a list of clubs offered to students at Hendersonville Elementary during the school year.
STEM Field Trips per Grade Level
Kindergarten –Stepp’s Apple Orchard, Hands On!
First Grade –WNC Nature Center and Johnson Farm,Hands On!, Gem &Mineral Museum, and Kilwins
Second Grade –WLOS and Carl Sandberg
Third Grade –The Cradle of Forestry, Flat Rock Playhouse, The Symphony
Fourth Grade –Rock Quarry,Green River Preserve
Fifth Grade – Pardee Hospital, Camp Pinnacle