Computer Science/STEM
Computer Science/STEM
The Monroe County Community School Corporation values the enhancement of student learning through hands-on collaboration, problem solving, and the use of technology to prepare our students for the 21st century. Students are encouraged to work with their peers to create and improve prototypes both physically and digitally, integrating engineering, design, and art. One component of this work is computer science. By integrating computer science, which includes digital citizenship, block- and text-based coding, computational thinking, productive technology, and the use of the engineering design process, our students learn to think critically and problem solve as well as be better prepared for the workforce. Our STEM to Them teacher supports teachers in Pre-K through 6th grade by leading standards-aligned lessons using the STEM to Them Mobile Lab and through collaborative lesson planning and instruction on the use of various STEM equipment available to all of our schools.
Our work aligns with the Indiana Department of Education's legislation regarding computer science and STEM instruction.
Programs & Services
The STEM to Them Mobile Lab began visiting all MCCSC elementary schools during the 2021-2022 school year. It goes to each school twice per year, bringing engaging engineering, making, and robotics lessons to every student in grades preK-12. Family volunteers also have an opportunity to work with the students as they learn new STEAM skills tied to the Indiana State Standards.
All fourth-grade classes in MCCSC participate in the annual Maker Challenge which began in 2018. Each year, MCCSC partners with a community partner to identify a problem and the students work collaboratively within their classes to identify solutions. At the end of the challenge, each class displays one selected project at the Maker Challenge Showcase each January. Some previous Maker Challenge partners have been IU Health, City of Bloomington Utilities, Uplands Lean Network, IU School of Education, IU Eskanazi School of Art, Architecture, + Design, and The Mill.
GEMS is open to all fifth and sixth-grade students in Monroe County. During the event, students participate in a career expo to see a variety of community STEM partners and then engage in exciting hands-on lessons with STEM professionals. The event concludes with a career panel where several of the event’s presenters answer questions about their career. The event is held annually in the spring.
Several MCCSC elementary, middle, and high schools offer VEX Robotics as an extracurricular club. Each year, the students design robots for a new challenge. Students learn how to build, code, and control robots using teamwork and strategy to compete in events locally and around the state. MCCSC has had several teams qualify for the state and world-level competitions.
Each fall, MCCSC hosts a corporation-wide STEAM Night, bringing together hundreds of attendees for over 20 engaging and hands-on activities for students and families of all ages. Activities are led by community partners and school personnel.
MCCSC has a comprehensive K-8 computer science curriculum aligned with the Indiana Department of Education Standards. Computer science courses are also offered at middle and high schools in MCCSC. In addition, each elementary school has Bee Bots and Dash Robots, Micro:bits, and other resources that enable teachers to lead engaging lessons that integrate STEM and Computer Science. Additional STEM equipment and resources are available for all teachers within MCCSC to borrow through our Science Resource Center.
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The STEM to Them Mobile Lab began visiting all MCCSC elementary schools during the 2021-2022 school year. It goes to each school twice per year, bringing engaging engineering, making, and robotics lessons to every student in grades preK-12. Family volunteers also have an opportunity to work with the students as they learn new STEAM skills tied to the Indiana State Standards.
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All fourth-grade classes in MCCSC participate in the annual Maker Challenge which began in 2018. Each year, MCCSC partners with a community partner to identify a problem and the students work collaboratively within their classes to identify solutions. At the end of the challenge, each class displays one selected project at the Maker Challenge Showcase each January. Some previous Maker Challenge partners have been IU Health, City of Bloomington Utilities, Uplands Lean Network, IU School of Education, IU Eskanazi School of Art, Architecture, + Design, and The Mill.
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GEMS is open to all fifth and sixth-grade students in Monroe County. During the event, students participate in a career expo to see a variety of community STEM partners and then engage in exciting hands-on lessons with STEM professionals. The event concludes with a career panel where several of the event’s presenters answer questions about their career. The event is held annually in the spring.
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Several MCCSC elementary, middle, and high schools offer VEX Robotics as an extracurricular club. Each year, the students design robots for a new challenge. Students learn how to build, code, and control robots using teamwork and strategy to compete in events locally and around the state. MCCSC has had several teams qualify for the state and world-level competitions.
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Each fall, MCCSC hosts a corporation-wide STEAM Night, bringing together hundreds of attendees for over 20 engaging and hands-on activities for students and families of all ages. Activities are led by community partners and school personnel.
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MCCSC has a comprehensive K-8 computer science curriculum aligned with the Indiana Department of Education Standards. Computer science courses are also offered at middle and high schools in MCCSC. In addition, each elementary school has Bee Bots and Dash Robots, Micro:bits, and other resources that enable teachers to lead engaging lessons that integrate STEM and Computer Science. Additional STEM equipment and resources are available for all teachers within MCCSC to borrow through our Science Resource Center.
FAQ
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iPads and laptops are used to develop MCCSC students’ critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and comprehension. Some teachers utilize devices as a rotation so that the teacher can work with a small group of students for more focused instruction. Others use devices in a whole class setting when accessing digital curriculum or creating reports and presentations.
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Visit our Digital Learning Applications Resources Page for easy login to the apps listed above and more educational apps and websites.