STEM PROGRAMS SOAR AT THE TATNALL SCHOOL
By Amy Alkire
In the past decade or so schools throughout the U.S. added STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to curriculums. Surprising to many parents, the program isn’t as new as they believed. STEM can trace its roots to 1862 when land grant universities were created to promote agricultural science. Engineering programs were subsequently established. More attention was brought to science in the 1950s with the launch of NASA.
At the turn of this century, the National Science Foundation created SMET for educators to follow in grades K-12. The acronym was later changed to its current STEM. The Tatnall School has a rich and vibrant STEM program, which is enthusiastically accepted by students. Tatnall’s mission to nurture young, curious minds through
inspiring and rigorous curricula, awardwinning staff, and advanced technology is clearly exhibited in its STEM classes.
STEM Extends its Reach
Heather Brooks, Innovation and STEM coordinator for Tatnall’s Early Childhood and Lower School, observes the influence the program has on other areas in her students’ lives. “Tatnall’s growing STEM education also allows students to develop an entrepreneurial spirit and a stronger understanding of successful business practices and fiscal responsibility. Students create budgets, work to meet client and end-user expectations, and deal with time, financial, and material constraints. Challenges are designed to inspire innovation and creativity, but also give students some experiences in MacGyver-esque bootstrapping, or using the resources they have to solve a problem.”
One example of STEM project-based learning involves Lower School students working together in a Tinker Lab , which is a contemporary shop class. They learn about circuitry and create objects on 3D printers. In a Tech Hub, kids interact with 75 to 100 robots, such as EV-3, Sphero, Ozobots, and BeeBots. “Our SPIKE Prime robotics program invites students to build a robot, program it to complete challenge, but it also asks students to research local problems, develop solutions to those problems, and present their solutions to others,” said Heather, who has been at Tatnall for 13 years. Heather’s background as a parent, teacher, website developer, graphic artist, news writer, and retail manager, position her perfectly for the range of activities associated with STEM.
Problem solving is a major STEM focus at Tatnall. One past project featured a trash conveyor intended to recycle refuse.
Another took on the lack of phone chargers along the Wilmington Riverwalk. “The kids don’t have to manufacture an operating product,” pointed out Heather. “They identify a problem, devise a solution, create a plan, and build a model. They realized that people jogging along desolate parts of the Riverwalk would be unable to call for help if needed, and their phones were dead. Strategically placing cell phone chargers solves the dilemma. Young minds are amazing.”
Pride doesn’t begin to describe Heather’s delight when her brilliant students competed in the latest LEGO League tournaments. “They vied against much older students, up to eighth grade,” she exclaimed. “Two of our teams moved past the local level and went on to the State of Delaware Championship LEGO Tournament. They were the youngest to compete last season.”
Tatnall’s STEM curricula characterize its commitment to exceptional forward-thinking programs and teachers.
Building and programming robots is a highlight in Ensign Simmons’
(Tatnall’s Coordinator of Innovation and Media Services) classes. Students work with erector sets, LEGOs, and computers. Important components of each lesson are design and engineering.
Heather’s students are eagerly embarking on the 2022/23 theme of Super Charger. The projects involve finding ways to deliver energy. “The kids are learning all about electricity, wind turbines, and natural gas pipelines,” she remarked. “Next, they will explore ways to improve its delivery. They are coding and stretching their imaginations to solve problems.
“Our Early Childhood Division,” continued Heather, “is thrilled with the Wonder Lab . This environment is a setting where students come to discover, experiment, and reflect on the world. It is purposely designed to be very calming. There are no bright colors or distracting noises. Somewhat like a museum, some installations are permanent, while others come and go. A Facilities team member built a floor-to-ceiling loom, where the kids gather to collaboratively weave. Because they don’t know how to tie, they may clip feathers on the loom or insert a ribbon. Our program is structured to inspire excitement about STEM and robotics. We always want the kids to aspire to learn more.”
A Return to His Roots
Ensign Simmons is excited to return to The Tatnall School, his alma mater from 2002. After completing his undergraduate degree at Georgia Tech and a master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, he brings more than 15 years of middle and upper school science and math teaching experience to Tatnall. Additionally, the new Coordinator of Innovation and Media Services has designed a number of successful STEM electives including Robotics, Electronics, Engineering, Computer Programming, Digital Logic, and Woodworking.
Ensign oversees STEM initiatives to promote critical thinking and problem solving in the digital age. He has also redesigned various campus spaces to rehabilitate and modernize those sites to engage and enhance student learning for the future. “I’ve experienced more fun in the last seven months than I did in 15 years of teaching,” declared Ensign, barely containing his smile.
The joy includes working with Heather, the kids, robots, and VEX computer kits, which bring STEM to life. According to Ensign, there is a lot of interconnection between STEM and the arts. “Creative threads run through all daily activities. For example, one project was making jewelry
with our 3D printer. STEM gives students more freedom of expression.”
Building and programming robots is a highlight in Ensign’s classes. Students work with erector sets, LEGOs, and computers. Important components of each lesson are design and engineering. “We challenge our kids with STEM,” noted Ensign. “Computer science is required at all educational levels, which wasn’t the mandate when I was a Tatnall student. I love what we are doing, and I’m confident that the students feel the same way. STEM is the wave of the future,” he concluded.
For more than 90 years, The Tatnall School has served as a beacon of educational excellence in the area. It has always provided a holistic, well-balanced education encompassing exceptional academics, outstanding athletics, unparalleled arts, and authentic relationships. Tatnall’s STEM curricula characterize its commitment to exceptional forward-thinking programs and teachers. CCL
The Tatnall School
1501 Barley Mill Rd.
Wilmington, DE 19807
302.998.2292
Tatnall.org
One example of STEM project-based learning involves Lower School students working together in a Tinker Lab, which is a contemporary shop class. They learn about circuitry and create objects on 3D printers.