A group of teachers reached in a bowl filled with live gold fish to become better educators. The group voluntarily gave up part of their summer vacation to take part in the STEM Institute, a free course to learn more about teaching Common Core math and science Essential Standards.

The Institutes took place June 26-27 at Morehead STEM Academy and Nathaniel Alexander Elementary for elementary teachers and South Meck High for secondary teachers. Each grade-specific course was taught by a CMS teacher leader who brought ideas and resource kits for multiple lessons that can be taught throughout the school year. 

At the session on Essential Standards, teachers learned how to incorporate Discovery Education tools in the classroom. Walking down the hall, visitors could hear Kindergarten teachers putting the water cycle to nursery rhymes. The first-grade teachers were reading “Rainbow Fish” and filling tanks with plants and fish to study eco systems. At the session on Common Core, Kindergarten teachers were in a circle playing games to teach students how to think algebraically.

Robin Hankins teaches first-grade at Torrence Creek. She was inspired by the session and looks forward to doing the same exercises with teachers at her school.

“I learned as much from the other teachers as I did in the activities,” Hankins said. “We need to continue to create and take advantage of opportunities for teachers to share information and collaborate.”

A second STEM Institute is scheduled for August.