K-8 Charter School: STEM Courses
If you're looking for a K-8 charter school that can help prepare your children to develop crucial academic skills, it's important to one with programs that appeal to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Developing STEM skills starts by nurturing curiosity and offering academic programs that extend beyond the classroom.
Here are examples of some of the great STEM programs offered by the K-8 charter schools.
Science Summer Camps
One of the biggest differences between higher performing and struggling students is what they're able to learn during summer breaks.
Summer Stimulation: because K-8 charter schools feed into local high schools and universities, top schools will often have partnerships that include summer internship programs for K-8 students. Examples of these types of internship programs might include studying at labs at a local college or research institution to expose students to scientific professionals. Although these programs aren't always free, they're supervised by instructors from the school and experts in a variety of scientific disciples. Providing these types of experiential learning opportunities can show students where all their hard work can take them.
Technology Training
The technology component of STEM learning focuses primarily on computer coding and applied artificial intelligence (AI) programming. Top K-8 charter schools will often offer elective courses and clubs that challenge students to understand the computer technology that we all depend on.
Coding Competitions: few things can motivate children to learn like a good old fashion competition. Although some of the best K-8 charter schools don't offer traditional athletic programs, they do offer coding clubs and competitive technology teams.
Engineering Solutions
Engineering is all about applying the scientific method to solve common problems. K-8 charter schools understand the power of engineering to engage students in learning.
Community Collaborators: the best K-8 charter schools are often intimately involved with their local communities. Providing students with the chance to brainstorm with the government and private entities charged with solving problems in the community can be incredibly impactful.
Math Modulation
One of the biggest challenges students often face in school comes in the form of math classes that aren't quite right for them or their goals.
Many Math Paths: offering students the chance to choose the math class they take can empower them to connect their math learning with their academic goals. For instance, for students interested in coding, finite math can be extremely helpful. However, for students looking to focus on engineering, physics class can often be a better match.
Reach out to the staff at a K-8 public charter school to learn more.