The West Bloomfield School District is pleased to continue the growth of our STEAM Program at the Middle School level. This is part of the District’s K-12 STEAM instructional initiatives. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. STEAM programs employ a Project Based Learning approach, a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem or challenge. STEAM uses critical thinking skills and incorporates the arts into this framework by recognizing that in order to be successful in technical fields, students must also be creative.
The Middle School STEAM Pathway will be elective-based, with a number of exciting Project Lead the Way elective options from which admitted students can choose, like
- Design and Modeling Automation and Robotics
- App Creators
- Computer Science for Innovators and Makers
- Energy and the Environment
- Flight and Space
- Science of Technology
- Magic of Electrons
- Green Architecture
- Medical Detectives
Admitted STEAM students will select from several of these courses over their three (3) years at Abbott or Orchard Lake Middle School as one of their elective choices each year.
The Middle School STEAM Pathway uses the Project Lead the Way Gateway curriculum, which fuels students’ passion for discovery through explorations of coding and robotics, flight and space, and DNA and crime scene analysis. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways and connect their learning to life. All the while, students step into roles spanning the career landscape – a crucial experience during this transitional time in their lives.
Applicants will be selected based on a review of the following criteria: (Applications will be available on the district website from January 4th- February 2nd).
1. Most Recent Report Card
a. For students currently enrolled in the West Bloomfield School District, staff will access student data records
b. For students not currently enrolled in the West Bloomfield School District, parents must bring a copy of their child’s most recent report card to their chosen Assessment Session
2. Attendance Record
a. For students currently enrolled in the West Bloomfield School District, staff will access student data records
b. For students not currently enrolled in the West Bloomfield School District, parents must bring a copy of their child’s most recent attendance records to their chosen Assessment Session
3. CogAT Screener
a. Applicants will be tested during their chosen assessment session