Smackover-Norphlet takes last step in STEM-focused program
The Smackover-Norphlet School District will implement the last part of its K-12 plan for STEM-based education. Through the program, students can take classes that focus on science, technology, engineering and math at each school.
At the elementary level, students can take Project Lead the Way’s Launch Curriculum, which gives students an introduction to topics such as light, flight, collision and robotics with each grade level focused on a different topic.
Elementary students also use Delta Eduction’s Full Option Science System kits. The kits come for kindergarten through eighth grade students with a physical science, earth science and life science kit for each grade level. The school district was awarded a $12,000 grant from LanXess to purchase the materials, supplies and equipment for the elementary STEM curriculum for the 2018-19 school year.
Middle school students take two classes each year that are STEM focused. Sixth grade students take Design & Modeling and Automation and Robotics. Seventh grade students take Flight & Space and Science of Technology. Eighth grade students enroll in Computer Science for Innovators and Makers and Medical Detectives.
Norphlet Middle School will host its fourth Annual Family STEM Night on Nov. 13. The event pulls in industry and community partners from Smackover, El Dorado, Camden and East Camden. It includes door prizes and STEM-related activities.
Smackover High School will be offering a new Computer Integrated Manufacturing Class as part of the Engineering Program. Along with the new class, the high school program offers Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering.
LanXess also awarded $5,800 grant to support engineering students in obtaining industry certifications such as Autodesk Inventor. The grant will allow students to get tutoring in the software, take practice exams and sit for the industry certification exams.