Evoline C. West Elementary School, South Fulton’s first school to earn certification in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), hosted its first showcase recently, bringing together more than 25 educators from across the state to learn about the school’s approach to teaching and learning in a STEM-focused environment.
Teachers and school leaders from several counties came out to see E. C. West Elementary students engaged in project-based learning in their STEM lab, greenhouse, STEM classrooms and courtyard, as well as learn about the school’s path to earning STEM-certification from the Georgia Department of Education.
“The STEM Showcase was an opportunity to fulfill our pledge to share knowledge with other school districts,” said Principal Jennifer Burton. “We had educators representing several school districts, including Cherokee County, DeKalb County and Sumter County, to attend our showcase. It’s another proud moment for our school and district.”
State School Superintendent Richard Woods presented E. C. West Elementary with its STEM Banner in September, officially welcoming the South Fulton school into the state’s cluster of certified STEM schools. STEM-certified schools offer an integrated curriculum that focuses on problem solving, discovery, exploratory project/problem-based learning, and student-centered development of ideas and solutions.
“One of the goals of the showcase is to share with educators our transformative approach to teaching and engaging our students,” said STEM Coordinator Natasha Smith. “The showcase allows visitors to ask questions and to observe how our students use creativity and innovative thinking in our classrooms.”
E. C. West Elementary will host a STEM Night on December 6 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Additional STEM Showcase Days will take place on December 10 and February 25 from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Other South Fulton schools, including Stonewall Tell Elementary, are working towards STEM certification. Fulton County Schools will open a STEM school in Fairburn in 2021 for students in grades six through 12.
Photo Credit: Evoline C. West Elementary
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