On March 9, 2018 Port Richmond High School celebrated the opening of their STEM classroom. Principal Swinton, Mr. Spaventa and Mr. Rosch presented the STEM classroom to District 31 Superintendent, Anthony Lodico, PRHS administrators, teachers, students and borough representatives. Mr. Rosch and Mr. Spaventa showcased their robotics, 3D printing, woodworking and design areas. Another highlight of the classroom that was brought to the spectators’ attention was Spanish teacher,
Mr. Noto’s stained glass station.
Earlier this year, what began as a conversation between math teacher Michael Spaventa and Principal Swinton quickly turned into the creation of the first STEM initiative in a non-specialized high school. In an effort to expand upon a Makerspace that was already established, Mr. Spaventa asked science teacher, Zachary Rosch to collaborate with him on the STEM initiative. Mr. Rosch’s science expertise combined with Mr. Spaventa’s mathematics and computer science background provides Raiders with a total STEM experience.
Prior to the PRHS STEM ribbon cutting, there was only one school with a STEM program on Staten Island - Staten Island Technical HS - which screens its students to get accepted. STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is an approach that combines the four disciplines for various applications. It is about exposing students to ideas and practices that allow them to think critically and to use those skills to enjoy disciplines which are often a cause for anxiety and apprehension.
Students are invited to visit the STEM MakerLAB during their lunch periods. “The STEM MakerLAB is open periods 4 through 8. We are an initiative and not a program. Students will not be screened to be part of STEM; it is open and accessible to all students.” Mr. Spaventa stated. “We hope that exposure to these ideas in practice will help our Raiders in college, career, and life readiness,” added Mr. Spaventa.
 |
| Mr Spaventa and Mr Rosch in their outside weather station |
 |
| Students working on a STEM lab |
 |
| The Students are building ramps for the lab |
No comments:
Post a Comment