STEM - SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING & MATH SKILLS
Everyday across the globe countless life-changing innovations are taking shape in labs, in test tubes and on computer screens. The vision of the PEAKS program is to ignite the spark of ingenuity, creativity and imagination within all students. We believe that STEM education is collaborative, creative, and promotes critical thinking. Our mission for the 2013-2014 school year is to center student experiences on the most vital fields of learning and essential professions needed in the world today and tomorrow.
Bucher Hydraulics, a local company, opens its doors to our students in an effort to communicate the importance of high levels of teamwork and innovation necessary to compete in a challenging global economy. STEM skills are witnessed first hand, knowledgeable employees share their expertise and students gain insight, onsight from the best in the hydraulics business. In response to his trip, Ben writes, "What I enjoyed the most about Bucher Hydraulics was that I got to see a lot of cool technological and a lot of engineering stuff inside the facility. I also enjoyed seeing a program in the office that I have used before called “Solid Works.” I took a STEM class in New York and we got to use that program. I also really like being in the sound chamber." We thank Bucher for opening its doors, encouraging risk taking and mistake making and for recognizing the value of the future innovators of the world, our students!
21st CENTURY SKILLS...
Student success in the real world is our goal for each student in the PEAKS program. We work diligently to transform students’ learning experiences by incorporating 21st Century Skills into teacher practice, curriculum, and assessment. The skills that we feel align specifically with our vision and mission are: Creativity & Innovation = perseverance; Initiative & Self-Direction = take a risk; Communication & Collaboration = teamwork. We are committed to providing students with real world learning opportunities through project based learning and field experiences where students gain insight onsite.
SERVICE LEARNING
We discuss, daily, the importance of using our gifts and talents to make a positive difference in our neighborhoods, schools, and communities. Our vision is to eliminate the constraints: “I’m just one person,” “I’m too busy,” and/or “What’s in it for me?” The PEAKS program is in the business of DOING THE RIGHT THING BECAUSE IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. Quality STEM programming and the development of 21st Century Skills don’t necessarily lead to self-esteem, confidence, or leadership qualities. We believe SERVICE does!
Art Prize 2015 provided the class with a great opportunity to appreciate and analyze works of art on display in downtown Grand Rapids. Students visited Kendal College of Art and Design, and were hosted by staff. They viewed abstract and non-representational art at the GRAM, and critiqued various works in and around the city. In response to his visit, Thang remarks, "I enjoyed Kammerrad’s presentation immensely. Kammerrad brought something new to my mind that only after His explanation, I thought it over: “Think outside the box.”" Another student, Linnea, recognized, "Creativity leads to innovation because the mind is constantly thinking of new ways to do something better and when something is improved people tend to find things wrong with it. So if minds are always thinking creatively then that creativeness will lead to a bunch of ideas. Those ideas are innovations in the process." In addition to connecting art to innovation, students were given an opportunity to create their own works of art and use their finished products to raise money for Relay for Life which is coming to Kentwood this spring! The students have now raised $574.80 for their service learning project, Relay for Life. Thank you, Art Prize & Square 1 Art for the opportunity to learn in and serve our community!