There was a consensus in the early discussions that typical STEM programs place too much emphasis on the technology and engineering with no emphasis on English. So, some engineering was incorporated into the technology component and the “E” in “STEM+” came to stand for English.
In addition, recent studies show that American students need more physical activity, so a physical education component was added to the new program, thus the “+.” This PE component includes not only actual physical activity but also information on exercise, nutrition, and diet.
To implement this four-week program, Aquinas hired two local junior high teachers to join two of its own.
Ms. Salve Banzon from St. Catherine of Siena School in Rialto teaches both technology components, theory and application.
Ms. Maria Padilla, also from St. Catherine School, teaches the science and mathematics components.
Mr. David Medina of Aquinas teaches the English component with an emphasis on writing lab reports while Aquinas’s Coach Jordan Brusig runs the physical education component of the program.
Each of the six classes is 50 minutes long with a 15-minute break after Period 2 and a half-hour lunch after Period 4. Each class incorporates hands on activities into its curriculum in order to fully engage the students.
Aquinas is hoping this STEM+ Program will expand even further next summer and is very pleased with first year attendance.
The students have come from local Catholic schools and public junior high schools. It’s a great way to keep the young people active and involved in something worthwhile during four weeks of their summer vacation! And it’s a great preparation for attending high school, especially Aquinas!