Forward Thinking

Ferndale educators assemble a Computer Science roadmap

Computer Science (CS) skills are everywhere in Ferndale Schools. Some of these learning opportunities are obvious—courses like Game Design, Innovative Vehicle Design, and FIRST Robotics. Other CS skill building may be less apparent. Designing computational systems and developing software relies on many fundamental skills children learn at an early age, like following instructions and filtering useful information from noise. A group of Ferndale Schools team members are taking a closer look at this branch of skill development in our curriculum and formalizing our approach to preparing students for a 21st Century future and beyond.

Kelsey Perkins is the Technology Integration Specialist for Ferndale Schools. “Our K-12 classrooms are teaching essential Computer Science skills everyday without even using a computer,” Kelsey says. “Following steps to complete a task is practicing rudimentary algorithms. Removing steps or data they do not need is a refinement process continually appearing in computer programming procedures. So, we have little pieces of the puzzle from K-12.” Now this special committee of administrators, teachers, principals and counselors are putting them all together. Through this process, they are figuring out where they connect and what gaps need to be filled. “We are asking, ‘How can we support all students?’ We know this is such an important and growing field, and we want to make sure our students are prepared for the future.” The committee has developed the following vision statement: We will teach Computer Science because it empowers ALL students to develop critical thinking skills and thrive as individual members of their community. On the back of this magazine, you can see the existing Computer Science pathway available to Ferndale Schools students.

Collective Resources

Many of these programs are supplemented by opportunities provided by Oakland Schools (OS) and take full advantage of OS support staff like Phil Kimmell. “Student’s don’t know the pathways. In 4th and 5th grade, they want to be doctors, firefighters, astronauts. We are finding out ways to show them different career paths.”

Each Spring, Oakland Schools delivers the STEMi to Ferndale High School. This 53' long semi-truck is loaded with virtual reality headsets, drones, robotic arms, and other exciting technology. At Ferndale Schools, The STEMi experience is an opportunity for 5th, 7th, and 9th graders to discover applied Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Teachers can also check out STEM learning kits from the OS STEMco lending library to practice coding principles, mechanical engineering, and circuitry through play.

Ferndale Schools is also taking full advantage of Professional Development resources from OS to expand student access. At these Professional Development sessions, teachers learn what STEM learning tools are available, how they work, what processes are being taught, and best practices for integration with curriculum.

STEAM or STEM

Kelsey also shared a perspective on the difference between STEM and STEAM. STEAM integrates Arts into the STEM acronym. She says, “Art is really integrated into every curriculum already. Students are drawing a diagram of a plant in 2nd grade.” We are a visual being, and art is the first language many of us learn to recognize. Developing human-computer interfaces draws on intuition and human experience to create a User Experience (UX) that is less moderated by machines. Whether we use the acronym STEM or STEAM, we are talking about the same set of skills. In order to prepare students for fulfilling careers that are developing in real-time in response to technological advancements, Ferndale Schools continues to integrate fundamentals with future readiness through tech integration and new curriculum.

Discovering Passions

Several teachers are also working hard to bring additional opportunities to students. Vaughn Davis, 5th grade teacher at Ferndale Upper Elementary (FUEL), wrote in and earned a spot for his students to experience the STEAM Slam Tour this November. In his application, Mr. Davis wrote, “As STEAM is becoming more visible and important to our students and families, it is critical that we instill a lifelong love in any area that will allow our students to thrive as working and functioning adult citizens.” Mr. Davis has been a teacher at FUEL for eight years. “My goal each year is to find the hidden talents our students may possess. I have seen many artists, engineers, singers, and musicians come before me. When I see it, I make it my goal to bring it out in them however possible. STEAM is important to the future success of our students because… If people are not doing what they truly love, will they be able to lead a happy and productive life?”