Page 12 - TTWIBacktoSchool2025

STEM
Page 12 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Third Annual STEM Showcase Highlights Students’ Technical

Skills and Creativity

tation experience. Shrago collaborated with comprehensive future-preparedness frame-
other instructors to ensure that the showcase work for all students, this showcase can
offers a multi-disciplinary approach and wel- provide a supplemental opportunity for our
comes students from programs and courses project-based learning students and programs
that have a focus on project-based learning. to demonstrate the skills, competencies, and
“I love that this event represents the High attributes that are represented in A Cardinal’s
Quality Project Based Learning Framework, Journey,” Thomas said.
which is supported by the Project Management “My favorite part of the showcase is the
Institute Educational Foundation,” Thomas said. pride that students display in their learning
The framework focuses on six criteria: and how they adapt to the challenge of getting
Intellectual Challenge and Accomplishment, outside of their comfort zone to speak publicly
Authenticity, Public Project, Collabora- about their project,” Thomas said.
tion, Project Management and Reflection.
Thomas noted the showcase also aligns with
MCPASD’s future-preparedness framework:
A Cardinal’s Journey. www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us
“As the District moves forward with the

Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District “The genuine curiosity and feedback of
Nearly 50 Middleton High School and our attendees, who are represented by fellow
Clark Street Community School students high school students and community guests,
shared their end-of-year projects at the STEM reinforces for student presenters that they have
Showcase on May 30. developed technical skills that are valuable and
“For many students, their project is a in-demand in our community,” Thomas said.
representation of their career interests and The showcase included students from
exploration to discover their passion,” said multiple classes, including engineering design
Career & Technical Education Coordinator and development, civil engineering and
Dave Thomas, who organized the showcase architecture, digital electronics, game design
with Engineering Design and Development and development (an integrated course with
Teacher Ben Shrago. computer science, digital art and English),
The third annual showcase brought advanced art, and Clark Street Community
together community volunteers from local School Career Projects.
businesses as well as MCPASD administrators Thomas said the event has evolved from
to listen to students’ presentations and provide a focus on the national Project Lead the Way
feedback. curriculum to emphasizing a capstone presen-

Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity Youth Build Program Continued from Page 11
our Tech Ed students that goes beyond the into the Youth Build program. At the ReStore,
classroom. These learning experiences also we’ll be creating a special display area to high-
allow our students the opportunity to contrib- light student-built projects and recognize our
ute to the betterment of the community, build Youth Build partners.
connections and promote their own personal Through this experience, students
and professional development. We are excited develop responsibility and an understanding of
to see continued growth in this program. “ the importance of giving back to their commu-
“Working alongside Fox Cities Habitat was nity. By participating in Youth Build Program,
great. All the staff and volunteers were so young people contribute directly to creating
helpful in teaching the kids. This experience positive changes while preparing for their own
wouldn’t be possible for us without Habitat” futures. Whether they pursue careers in con-
– Brian A, Menasha Tech Ed Teacher struction or simply carry forward the values
of community and compassion, the lessons
This year, Habitat is launching a pilot learned during our Youth Build stay with them
program for all youth in the Fox Valley, to for a lifetime.
get involved with the Youth Build Program. It’s a full-circle experience. Students
Through school construction/tech-ed classes build. Communities support. Futures are
and youth groups, students will be provided shaped.
with the opportunity to learn about Habitat
and build items like picnic tables, Leopold
benches, or small sheds. These projects will be
donated to the Habitat ReStore, displayed, and www.mjsd.k12.wi.us
Appleton Area School District Youth Build Project sold to the public. The proceeds will go back