STEM
STEM at Tower Hill
Tower Hill provides an interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum of study, from Lower through Upper School. Faculty integrate developmentally appropriate science, technology and math curricula in all three divisions, progressing from activities like basic coding and machine design to computer science and advanced robotics. Hands-on, experiential learning is emphasized, encouraging broad student participation in STEM exploration as well as collaboration, problem solving and analytical reasoning.
Future initiatives in STEM education at Tower Hill will expand offerings in student research through intern and externships for Upper School students, bring leaders from STEM fields to all three divisions, and support teacher education and professional development through the creation of Tower Hill STEM Teachers Collaborative.
Future initiatives in STEM education at Tower Hill will expand offerings in student research through intern and externships for Upper School students, bring leaders from STEM fields to all three divisions, and support teacher education and professional development through the creation of Tower Hill STEM Teachers Collaborative.
Examples of STEM education in each division include:
List of 4 items.
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Lower School
Science Class: Simple machines, bridge building, LEGO robotics, solar power, wind turbines
Coding: Monster Code Lab, Tynker, LEGO Digital Design, Scratch and other programs
Technology Class: Typing Club, Google Drive, website design, video editingFirst Grade STEM DaysExperiential Outdoor ClassroomMath Lab -
Middle School
First LEGO LeagueScience OlympiadMath Olympiad8th grade Sigma Math TestTechnology Class: 3D imaging, CAD design, 3D printingScience Class: LEGO robotics, experiment design, rocketryCO2 car design, woodworking, Stream Watch -
Upper School
Computer Science: Introduction to Computer Science, Programming and Algorithms, Data Structures, Advanced Computer Science PrinciplesScience electives: Robotics, Engineering Bootcamp, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Organic ChemistryFTC Robotics ClubFor 9th grade math - Sigma Math TestDelaware State Math League grades 10-12Tower Term: Escape Room, Grilling Science, Hackathon, Podcasting, DronesClubs: Girls who Code, Science Olympiad, Astronomy and Astrophotography, So You Wanna be a Doctor?, Robotics Club, Beekeeping Club, Health Professions Club -
Student Projects in Upper School
Student Desmos ProjectsString-Art Design in Geometry3-D Printing of Coral in Environmental Science and Molecular Shapes and Orbitals in Advanced ChemistryMolecule that Changed the World Poster SessionSTEM Writing Challenge
Robotics
Teaching Philosophy
What is STEM education?
STEM education focuses on the intersection and integration of four main areas: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. At Tower Hill, STEM study is not confined to one classroom or discipline; rather, STEM is weaved through the curriculum of all three divisions. Students learn to make connections between different disciplines and work hands-on in labs and classrooms to explore, test and develop new ideas about the world. Tower Hill values student-centered learning and empowers teachers to use their unique skills in the classroom to go beyond the textbook and traditional curriculum.
Why focus on STEM education?
We face a global climate crisis, but have also opened the door to unprecedented space exploration; we must grapple with new infectious disease, but also see the potential for cures for cancer and HIV; technology and privacy have never been more at odds, yet we are on the precipice of a quantum computing breakthrough. The “we” in all of these situations will be led not by me, or by you, but by our children; the next generation will be exposed to innovation and explorations we can only imagine, because it will be theirs to make a reality.
What do we believe?
THS STEM believes:
STEM education focuses on the intersection and integration of four main areas: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. At Tower Hill, STEM study is not confined to one classroom or discipline; rather, STEM is weaved through the curriculum of all three divisions. Students learn to make connections between different disciplines and work hands-on in labs and classrooms to explore, test and develop new ideas about the world. Tower Hill values student-centered learning and empowers teachers to use their unique skills in the classroom to go beyond the textbook and traditional curriculum.
Why focus on STEM education?
We face a global climate crisis, but have also opened the door to unprecedented space exploration; we must grapple with new infectious disease, but also see the potential for cures for cancer and HIV; technology and privacy have never been more at odds, yet we are on the precipice of a quantum computing breakthrough. The “we” in all of these situations will be led not by me, or by you, but by our children; the next generation will be exposed to innovation and explorations we can only imagine, because it will be theirs to make a reality.
What do we believe?
THS STEM believes:
- All students should be exposed to STEM study starting at an early age.
- Every student has the ability to be a successful STEM learner.
- There is art in science and math and there is order in art; artistic expression is a natural consequence of the study STEM fields and should be celebrated and incorporated wherever possible.
- STEM education should be student-centered, hands-on, and based in best practices of child development and education theories
- Design pedagogy: Focuses on continual improvement of instruction and delivery, encouraging both teachers and students to think as designers.
- Integration: STEM study should not remain in silos, either from the teaching or learning perspective. Critical thinking and analytical skills used to solve problems should require integration of skills from many different content areas.
- Authentic Task Performance: Hands-on activities should have roots in real-world problems with meaningful, immediate, and actionable outcomes.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Equal access to quality STEM education is paramount. It must be attentive to the cultural and social diversity present in leaders of the field. Students should be encouraged to study STEM leaders from diverse backgrounds, races, genders, and sexual orientations.
STEM Video Playlist
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Oil Spill Simulation
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Advanced Robotics
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Stream Watch
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Math League
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Astrophotography using Tower Hill's Observatory
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Boat Building Tower Term
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3D Printed Coral
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