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How We Got Here:

Our school community has always been known as Heritage STEM Academy and have been implementing some STEM practices in our instruction. While Heritage has largely undertaken such practices alone the district is now taking a greater role in support of our STEM Focus. In December 2019, as part of the Comprehensive District Design (CDD), the Board of Education voted to keep Heritage as STEM Focus school. As part of the Board’s decision, Heritage STEM Academy will also be relocating to a building that will afford us the necessary facilities and infrastructure that would usher in a full STEM Program.

In the past three years, we’ve create a striving school community that has focused on ensuring that every student has the opportunities necessary to foster STEM Literacy. With the district’s partnership and investment our students’, the opportunities are endless. Students that are STEM Literate are better prepared to deal with “ever-changing” technology and are able to engage in authentic learning experiences.

Embracing The Future:

We know that creativity is the foundation of Scientific discovery, Technological problem solving, Engineering design and Mathematical thinking. With STEM Literacy being our focus, we are shifting our pedagogy to engage our students in their individualized learning, which will harness critical-thinking skill, encourage innovative thinking and foster perseverance.

District’s Partnership/Investments:

  • Ensure equitable access to high-quality STEM learning experiences for all students
  • Promote the Heritage’s STEM literacy approach
  • Ensure funding for innovation and technologies to implement STEM Literacy
  • Ensure necessary professional development for teachers and administration
  • Support school in designing a long-term sustainability plan
  • Support engagement of multiple stakeholders (community, business, professional, elected officials, etc.)

Approach to becoming STEM Literate

Becoming STEM Literate is the ability of students to apply understandings of how the world works within and across the four interrelated disciplines of STEM. The application of such understandings will impact the social, economic, and environmental conditions of the community in which they live and the world as a whole. To achieve this understanding, students must have rich experiences that are intentionally expanded and refined throughout their educational experience at Heritage Academy.

  •   What STEM Literacy Looks, Feels & Sounds Like

  • Scientific Literacy - Use of knowledge in physics, chemistry, biology, and earth/space science to understand the natural world and to participate in decisions that affect it.
  • Technological Literacy - Use and understanding of how new technologies are developed and acquire the necessary skills to analyze how new technologies affect citizens, our nation, and the world.
  • Engineering Literacy - Use of systematic and creative application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, manufacture, and operate machines, processes, and systems.
  • Mathematical Literacy - Use of effective analysis and reasoning to pose, formulate, solve, and interpret solutions to mathematical problems in a variety of situations.

Resources for Students

STEM Jobs for Students to Explore