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Going Out On A STEM

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: October 15, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Seventh-grader Tiana Britt thrives on challenges. Her classmate Angel Kennedy is turned on by the practical approach to learning.

Both 12-year-old Greco Middle students say their wants are being met in the school's STEM Career Academy, the first combination science, technology, engineering and mathematics program of its kind available to a select group of seventh-, eighth- and ninth-graders.

Buchanan, Madison and McLane are the only other middle schools in Hillsborough County that offer the advanced course of study to students who score at level 3 or higher on the math and reading FCAT tests.

"I chose STEM because it's advanced, and there are high expectations that help you evolve and grow," Tiana said at the conclusion of her class called Inventions and Innovations.

Nearby, Angel nodded in agreement as he painstakingly attempted to assemble a motorized amusement park ride using Legos.

"It's a good experience, and its hands-on activities are really where you learn the most," said Angel, who is considering a career in engineering.

The students' core courses - language arts, math, science, social studies and engineering - are taught within the framework of the academy, a program in which students move together as a team from one class to the next.

STEM's purpose, lead technology teacher Elizabeth Heli said, is to prepare children for today's global economy and workforce.

"It's relevant to the real world, and it's rigorous," said Heli, an electrical engineer who transitioned into teaching at Greco four years ago. "Everything they do relates to their core subjects. The more reinforcement they receive, the better their chances are to retain it."

The rewards, she added, come when she sees "the light bulb go off" as students make decisions about their careers.

"First they get the basics, then the hands-on experience that will lead them into their future plans," Heli said. "It's good, too, because we have a good mix of both boys and girls."

Keeney Hayes, the STEM Academy science teacher, calls the program "fantastic."

"The kids have been very responsive, and it's been a positive experience all around," she said.

Language arts teacher Patrick Crews agreed.

"The students in all three grade levels have unique ways of expressing themselves," Crew said. "The sixth-graders are still a bit immature, the seventh-graders are moving along well and the eighth-graders are really into it."

Carla Sparks, the spokeswoman for the school district's career academy development department, said research shows that students in career academies develop a healthy sense of belonging and identity.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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