Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – S.T.E.M

The William Floyd School District is committed to providing educational experiences that prepare all students for 21st century careers.  The STEM initiatives at Floyd include the following:

Science Research Program

Students have the opportunity to enroll in a Science Research Class which is based on student -designed experiments and statistical analyses.  Each student chooses a topic in any of the science, technology, or engineering discipline. The students design and execute an experiment in their field of interest and conduct college level statistical analyses in order to determine if there are variables significantly affecting their data and they present conclusions based on their results.  The experiments are hands-on and student driven.   Examples of research for the 2015-16 academic year include: radiometric dating of uranium and thorium to determine glacial erratic ages on the North Shore of Long Island; the effect on the tick population if the Quail population is increased on Long Island; the variation in water quality in the Forge and Carman’s Rivers; and genetic biodiversity of shrimp species in the Forge and Carman’s Rivers;  earwig species between northern and southern Shores of Long Island, and eel grass in Moriches and Shinnecock bays.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) – Curriculum Project

Select WFSD teachers participated in high –quality professional development to deliver world-class curricula to help students develop skills needed to compete in a global economy.  The professional development is under the aegis of Project Lead the Way a leading provider of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.

FIRST Robotics/LEGO League

The middle school and high school have the opportunities to participate in For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST).  This is an international youth organization, founded in 1989, that operates the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST LEGO League.  Students receive authentic engineering experiences, work alongside engineering professionals, learn to use sophisticated software and hardware, experience design, teamwork, strategic thinking and competition.  As per one of the team members, this is the “hardest fun” you will ever have!

STEM Awareness Week

Teachers are encouraged to promote STEM by integrating language, performing, and visual arts, science, mathematics in classroom lessons or activities.   In addition, students are encouraged to research STEM careers and identify literature related to famous mathematicians and scientists.  Other possible activities include design projects with LEGOS, participate in bridge building contests, egg drop contests, tessellations in art work, observe patterns in nature, and songs related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.