Union Public Schools

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

From engineering a house in kindergarten, to solving a medical mystery in middle school, to a theater stagecraft class that 3D-prints props, the district offers a wide range of STEM opportunities.

STEM Vision

STEM at Union Public Schools is a transdisciplinary approach to learning that encourages students to inquire, explore and problem solve.

Union's vision of STEM is driven by four unique design principles, each with its own design features. This framework provides direction for implementation, aids in curriculum and professional development, and drives our district goal of 100 percent college and career ready.

Resources

Union

Design Principles

Provide equitable opportunities and access for all students to engage in STEM experiences.

Design Features:

STEM experiences are a routine part of a student's year.
STEM curricula and instructional frameworks adhere to learning progressions and are vertically aligned from grades K-12.

Emphasize inquiry, problem-based learning and performance tasks.

Design Features:

Instruction is based on an inquiry approach.
A common design process guides planning, implementation and revision for both students and teachers.
An 'Assessment-for-Learning' approach is emphasized to provide students with multiple opportunities to achieve mastery.
Learning occurs in an authentic, real-world context.

Inspire and sustain a collaborative community among all stakeholders.

Design Features:

Students learn and work together.
Time and resources are prioritized for teacher planning and professional development.
Schools promote STEM-based experiences between their sites.
Family engagement is valued in all STEM experiences.
Courses and experiences are aligned to higher education pathways and workforce demands.

Develop high-impact external partnerships integral to the scale and sustainability of STEM education.

Design Features

Design Features:
Design out-of-school learning opportunities and industry internships for students.
Create fellowships and externships for teachers.
Collaborate with businesses to offer student experiences leading to national industry-standard certifications and credentialing.