In an ever-evolving area like education, Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy with Birdville Independent School District is considered one of the few first initiatives. This unique opportunity for students provides them with a strong education through the integration of the academic subjects of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)—while contributing to their college/career readiness. Mullendore Elementary provides students with an inquiry-based education enriched and taught through hands on experiences, which impacts the students’ approaches to life in a vast, complex, ever-changing world.
What’s the Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy?
Overview of the STEM program
Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy is established as a preparatory academy for STEM with an integrated philosophy of learning; students will take part in a cohesive learning experience where learning is integrated into each area of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students will engage in project-based, hands-on learning experiences accompanied by cooperative learning experiences providing students with an exciting and authentic learning experience. Mullendore Elementary will emphasize the real world connections on the areas related to STEM education and hope to nurture a love of learning in students while developing interest in these fields.
In what ways does it bring together science and technology?
Mullendore Elementary’s emphasis on the integration of science and technology is not just about curriculum mandates; it is an essential component of the learning experience. Teachers employ progressive methodologies to bridge theory and practice through opportunities for students to engage in experiments, coding, and engineering challenges. In a conceivable example, students might work collaboratively or independently to design and build something (by nature), code a basic program (if working in technology) or conduct a scientific investigation (if working in science). The experiential nature of this learning experience promotes not only an understanding of science but essential skills for the twenty-first century such as collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
What grades does Mullendore serve?
Mullendore Elementary serves Kindergarten through Fifth grade, providing an educational experience designed to help students advance in their educational future. The academy is starting their STEM education young, allowing students to build their background knowledge in an important discipline, enabling future academic success and preparing them for future high school and college courses. The program was designed for students to grow with it, and to serve them more complex tasks as they do so biologically.
In what way does Birdville ISD support the Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy?
Funding and Resources Provided by the Birdville Independent School District
Birdville Independent School District supports Mullendore Elementary in funding its program targeted materials and resources that are necessary in performing a successful STEM program. The ISD Board recognizes the importance of STEM education and it provides district funding for the success of the program. This funding goes towards the purchasing of technology, upgrades to the classroom, and supplies for student hands-on projects and experiments. The support of Mullendore Elementary by Birdville ISD, is a reflection of the district supporting learning and educational excellence of its community.
Importance of the Birdville ISD Board in Approvals
The Birdville ISD Board, and its board of trustees, have played an important part in fostering the growth and sustainability of Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy. They regularly approve program initiatives and funding requests that convey a strong message to the community that they support, and value, advancing and expanding access to STEM programs in Birdville ISD. Because of that broad support, Mullendore has been able to implement new and creative teaching methods and grow a larger curriculum in a way that cannot be routinely done. Their ongoing support is vital in order to boost the program and keep it in the right direction.
Community engagement and feedback
Involvement from the community is important for the Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy’s success. Birdville ISD seeks feedback from parents, students, and community members in order to evaluate how the program is being received and further modify it if necessary. This involved process allows parents and students to feel they are part of the process, which ensures the academy is meeting the expectations of the students and community. The community can also be involved in STEM initiatives such as events and workshops; being part of their community like this creates a positive context for the educational experience for the wee students.
What are the advantages of a STEM education at Mullendore Elementary?
Engaging students for high school opportunities and beyond
One of the greatest benefits of STEM programming at Mullendore Elementary is that it provides students with the opportunity to prepare for high school and comparably, post-secondary education opportunities. The academy encourages the introduction of advanced concepts in both science and math at an early age. By providing a base knowledge in those specific subjects, students are establishing the foundation and building blocks necessary to pave the way for academic success in more strenuous high school courses. Mullendore Elementary is allowing students to prepare and transition to Richland Middle School, and ultimately high school, where they will again have opportunities to take advanced courses in STEM content areas. The experiences and skills established at Mullendore Elementary will be an important stepping stone to a future career in STEM or advanced studies in these particular subject areas.
Enriched learning opportunities for engineering and mathematics
At Mullendore Elementary, students are being given the opportunity to participate in enriched learning experiences on subject matters related to engineering and mathematics, enabling them to engage with those content areas much deeper than the classroom. The program is designed to challenge students and develop their critical thinking on more sophisticated problems. The students used the engineering design process in their hands-on projects, so they were able to take the things they learned in mathematics and put them into practice in a real-world application. Experiential learning like this expands students’ understanding of STEM topics and builds a love for learning that goes beyond the four walls of the classroom. As we offer these enriched learning opportunities, Mullendore Elementary is providing a pathway for students to become better learners and create a true love for STEM.
Job outlook and workforce preparation
As the need for STEM professionals continues to rise. It can only benefit students to have the opportunity to study in-depth around these areas which helps them prepare for the future and gives them an advantage when searching for work. Students engaged in Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy, will study and learn about all types of science and technology careers and at the same time learn about their interests and aspirations in those disciplines. Learning STEM during these ages will help students prepare for high school and career in a competitive job market. Students who attend Mullendore Elementary STEM academy will be prepared for further education and careers in their education in high-demand fields.
What programs are available at Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy?
Information on the curriculum
The Mullendore Elementary curriculum is thoughtfully laid out to integrate various aspects of STEM, but more importantly learns will take away a deep understanding of STEM subject matter. Each lesson incorporates hands-on learning tied to the theoretical learning, allowing students to relate to the content and participate in the discipline. The curriculum utilizes inquiry-based understanding from engineer design process and practices (robotics/coding) to environmental science and mathematics, allowing students to investigate, act, create, reflect and eventually define. This type of learning reinforces the academic content but will also foster resilient and adaptable learners with growth mindsets.
STEM related extracurricular activities
Mullendore Elementary provides activities to enhance the student learning experience in a range of extracurricular programs centered around STEM. Clubs and competitions (robotics, engineering, science fairs, etc.), allow students to explore interests, strengthen their STEM skills, and engage socially with other students while doing so. Overall, they provide a significant addition to education as extracurricular STEM programs provide significant application of what is learned in school and, in general, provide stimulation of the passion each student possesses for their own involvement in those program opportunities.
Birdville Center of Technology Partnerships
Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy has important partnerships with Birdville Center of Technology that enhance the students’ experience. The partnerships provide students access to discipline-specific resources, experienced teachers, and learning experiences beyond the classroom. Birdville Center of Technology provides Mullendore Elementary students the opportunity to experience current technology and innovative practices related to STEM education. This partnership adds to the students’ academic experience and prepares students for future career advancement in relation to technology and engineering.
What steps should parents and students take to decide on Birdville and the STEM Academy?
Enrollment process for Mullendore Elementary
Once your parents decide to be a part of Birdville and the Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy, it’s important to learn their way through the enrollment process. Parents that are interested in enrolling their child into this specialized program can access more their enrollment process on the Birdville Independent School District website. The enrollment process is purposely simple and provides families with definitive steps and resources that they can use during the application process. To help ensure all prospective students meet the eligibility guidelines and are ready to transition into the Rubber Room.
Information sessions and tours for prospective families
Mullendore Elementary wants families to make the best decisions for their students. To that end, we will offer information sessions and tours for prospective families. It is an opportunity for parents and students to understand the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and educational philosophy of the academy. After the presentation, parents will be provided an opportunity to interact with the faculty, ask their questions, and get a feeling for what makes Mullendore elementary a unique school. Touring the school gives families an opportunity to see the spaces and resources that will be available to students.
Expectations of future students and parents
The expectations, hopes, and plans for the future students and parents of Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy stem from students being enrolled when Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy will officially open in the fall of 2021. Mullendore Elementary students, the faculty, and the community all expect Mullendore Elementary STEM Academy to become a hub of excitement, creativity, collaborative experiences, and rich educational opportunities. There is excitement building in the Mullendore Elementary community that will allow families to pursue their hopes, values, and beliefs about inquiry-based learning, the use of technology, and community engagement that step outside the bounds of their daily routines.