K-8 STEM Academy at Red Mountain Ranch recently welcomed a group of international administrators from Global Ties AZ for an opportunity to see innovative, hands-on learning in action and experience how students are connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications.
During their visit, guests observed students using Sphero robots to bring two-step equations to life. Working in pairs, students transformed a lunar delivery scenario into a mathematical diagram, an equation, and a block-coded program that guided their robots through the challenge.
The visitors also had the opportunity to see how STEM learning begins at an early age. First-grade students explored how different materials block sunlight and create shadows. Using what they learned, students designed and built shade structures to help zoo animals stay cool and protected from Arizona's heat. The activity encouraged students to use creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills to develop solutions to a real-world challenge.
Another group of students took on an engineering challenge to build the tallest tower possible using only index cards and paper clips. As they worked collaboratively to design and construct their towers, students applied algebraic concepts to track material costs and manage project budgets. The challenge connected mathematical concepts to real-world situations while encouraging creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
At the end of the tour, students and teachers from the academy were able to share their experiences learning in this environment. The administrators were able to ask how teachers and students adapt to AI, gain community sponsorships and how to keep the students invested in their projects.
The visit offered international administrators a glimpse into the engaging learning experiences taking place at K-8 STEM Academy and the exciting possibilities of integrating STEM across the curriculum.