experiential learning
STEM in Action at Coral Castle By Paula Nelson-Shokar and Laura Maye
by focusing on actively engaging students in STEM practices through experiential learning. Our educational program was created to enhance STEM instruction and boost student confidence through STEM achievement. Coral Castle Professional Development The Castle’s professional development courses are designed to: • Enhance STEM instruction by providing teachers with a unique integration of content knowledge and application that will enhance the teaching and learning environment.
• Promote student growth and achievement by enhancing their content knowledge through hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities before, during and after their visit to Coral Castle. • Support local schools by providing an extension to their classroom through meaningful learning experiences. • Provide resources and support to schools through STEM field studies at Coral Castle. STEM Field Studies at Coral Castle The Castle’s field studies are designed to:
Coral Castle’s educational mission is to assist educators and students with curriculum supported activities and professional development that improve and enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) literacy. As supporters of education, we are aware of the critical importance STEM plays in the future of our community, the nation and global society. Our educational program encourages problem solving, creativity, critical thinking and innovation. These were the principles that our founder Edward Leedskalnin lived by when he singlehandedly carved over 1,100 tons of coral that led to the creation of Coral Castle. The Coral Castle provides very unique educational programs that excite students and teachers alike by enriching their understanding of the natural world through a variety of meaningful applications that support the Next Generation Science Standards as well as the Common Core Curriculum of the State of Florida. As teachers and schools are expected to implement new practices, standards, and assessments, Coral Castle provides learning activities that support District and State goals www.seenmagazine.us
SouthEast Education Network v FALL 2014
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