More than 80 families participated in a Computer Science Open House at Jefferson Elementary earlier this month, the first in what educators plan to be a series of events designed to get students interested in the areas of STEM–science, technology, engineering and math, while incorporating social and emotional learning (SEL).
The event, organized by a seven-member team of Jefferson educators involved with the Wipro Science Education Fellowship, brought educators from all disciplines together to create hands-on interdisciplinary activities with robotics, mindfulness moments, science-based reading, music, crafts and more.
The Wipro Science Education Fellowship is a nationwide program that brings educators of all disciplines together to share ideas and expand their knowledge in the areas of STEM. The fellowship encourages collaboration and the use of innovative ways to increase excitement around STEM, while engaging in professional development.
Members of the New Rochelle High School Robotics Team joined in the fun at the Computer Science Open House, lending their expertise to the project. Families had the opportunity to learn about the importance of science and how SEL can be linked in all areas of education.
At Jefferson, fifth grade teacher Aimee Artis is the Wipro team lead who ensures that each aspect of the project is connected to computer science, digital fluency and social-emotional learning. Dr. Michelle Memoli and Ashley Ramirez are Jefferson’s bilingual school psychologists and Westchester STEM ambassadors who will provide input on age-appropriate SEL activities.
Technology Assistant Alicia Ricks provided instruction in computer science through the use of educational robots–an excellent tool for teaching kids fundamental engineering design and programming skills while allowing them to see and interpret code results in real-time. She ties in literacy, physical science, and mathematics while helping students develop professional skills such as planning, teamwork, and perseverance.
Fourth grade teacher Marsha Belton integrated SEL and STEM by challenging students to create songs using Chrome Music Lab, inspiring positive coping skills, conflict resolution, relationship building, resiliency, and self-motivation.
Third grade teacher Vittoria Condello-Vessecchia, sometimes better known as “The Book Fairy,” spearheaded the Jefferson Read-A-Thon, encouraging students to read outside of school.
A series of monthly “Tinkering Nights” events are planned through the end of the school year.