Westmoor MS students learn about renewable energy
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| Messenger photo by Brittany L. Browne |
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Kashmir Winkfield-Colegrove from Westmoor Middle School works on a project in her S.T.E.M. class. |
Sixth-graders at Westmoor Middle School are creating mini-energy books to calculate and reduce their individual carbon footprints as part of the newly incorporated S.T.E.M program.
S.T.E.M stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This year’s theme is renewable energy. It also supports city of Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman’s “Get Green Columbus” initiative.
With the constant changes of technology, sixth-grade S.T.E.M teachers Michele Stutz and David Walker said they are looking to create 21st century learners.
There are approximately 12 S.T.E.M teachers at Westmoor Middle School. These teachers receive two weeks of training each summer, which is paid for by the Columbus City School District board of education.
“My favorite part of the S.T.E.M projects thus far has been watching the creativity that comes from our students. They are innovative. They constantly ask questions and the community is involved as well. They are learning and I am learning,” Stutz said.
The program enables students to select assignments based on their learning styles.
“S.T.E.M is an important program within our schools, as it takes the focus and pressure off of testing and allows for more hands-on experimental learning while adding a leg up on the competition state and nationwide,” Walker said.
The students will visit SWACO (Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio) among other places in October.
Within the next year, seventh and eighth-graders will begin participating in the projects as well.
Students are learning about non-renewable energy, petroleum and the state of the oil reserves in the country.
Westmoor Middle School is working on funding for its projects and small grants have been attained through The Past Foundation and a local Wal-Mart.
The middle school is in continuous improvement through the state and federal NCLB guidelines. The school’s vision and primary goal is student progress and academic achievement.
For information or how to donate, contact Michele Stutz at mstutz2958@columbus.k12.oh.us or call 365-5974.