The Chatham Marconi Maritime Center's ongoing commitment to educational projects for local schools continues in the 2013-2014 school year with curriculum implementation and expanded STEM programs. CMMC STEM initiatives provide high-quality opportunities encouraging active learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Our STEM programs are supported by grants from Verizon and the Motorola Solutions Foundation.

 

Funded by a multi-year Verizon grant, CMMC Communications Engineering and Design Curriculum Units were developed during the past two years by Monomoy Regional School District teachers in collaboration with MIT Club engineers. Under the direction of Dr. Mary Ann Lanzo, retired Chatham Schools Superintendent, the units were piloted and refined in Monomoy classrooms last year. This year the CMMC units are being implemented in the Monomoy district and extended to other Cape Cod schools.

 

STEM After Hours, funded by a grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation includes afterschool, evening and summer programs.

• This spring's CMMC Family STEM Nights, led by Chatham Elementary School Librarian Cheri Armstrong, will encourage parents and children to share interactive experiences in STEM. This is the second year of the popular evening events at CMMC.

• It's not too early to begin planning children's summer schedules, and CMMC Summer STEM Workshops will be available again this year at minimal cost for all children in grades three through nine. Last summer four weeklong courses presenting a variety of topics including communications, robotics and chemistry were offered in this CMMC program. Taught at Chatham Middle School by Monomoy teachers, the courses are open to children from all school districts. A brochure will be published soon to provide details of this year's workshop offerings.

• STEM After Hours Middle School Workshops begin in January and have been developed to provide increased access to innovative hands-on STEM opportunities. Offered after school at both Chatham and Harwich middle schools, each small-group workshop will be taught by a Monomoy educator and is designed to expand STEM experiences, stimulate creative thinking and promote active learning. The programs listed below represent both currently approved workshops and possibilities for future offerings.
  • Rocketry
  • Film and Video Production
  • Destination Imagination
  • Mars Student Imaging Project
  • Computer Animation
  • Monomoy Regional High School Building Design and Construction
  • Ham Radio Operation
  • Robotics
  • Game Design
  • Astronomy

Beginning in January 2014, the CMMC STEM Student of the Month program will honor Monomoy middle and high school students who have demonstrated interest and aptitude in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The program was established to recognize excellence in achievement and to encourage careers in STEM. Monthly awards include special STEM CMMC memberships and private family tours of the museum.

 

Dr. Carolyn Cragin

Education Editor