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STEM
Teaching Today Minnesota | Winter 2025 Page 19
The Role of Tech Inside the Classroom
est learners spend time exploring different program robots fit for their grade level, and
materials like legos and blocks and discov- the Computer Science for Innovators and
ering Bee-Bots, introductory programmable Makers class for seventh graders where they
robots. This year, first graders will discover a learn to program microprocessors. “Right
new Project Lead the Way (PLTW) module on now we don’t have enough microprocessors
the sun, moon, and stars, observing patterns for every student to get one, so we’re having
and building a foundation of understanding to run simulations that they then test out. It’s
of space. By the time they’re in fourth grade, less hands-on, and they don’t necessarily get
students use the TinkerCAD application to the full experience,” Seehusen said.
get creative designing their own objects, then The essential need for up-to-date tech-
see them come to life through 3D printing, nology lies not just in robotics and computer
advancing their design skills as they get more science, but in access to basic devices like
comfortable with the technology. those in BCS Career Exploration and Work
PLTW/STEAM Teacher Camille Teacher Rachel Jorgensen’s classroom.
Primoli expressed her excitement for these Her students rely on technology to conduct
learning opportunities, including what’s in college and career research, engage with
store for fifth graders. “We do a water unit virtual guest speakers, and prepare for their
in fifth grade where they build a water filter futures. Jorgensen also hosts classroom time
and research different ways to filter water, for a new certified nursing program offered
gaining a deep understanding of the water by Brooklyn Center High School this year
cycle,” Primoli shared. One of the biggest in partnership with a local technical college.
A fifth grader teaches kindergarteners about Bee-Bots at Brooklyn Center Elementary.
sources of excitement for fifth graders, The program has a hybrid model, and seven-
Brooklyn Center Community Schools introducing them to various types of technol- however, is their Battle Bots unit. While Bee- teen BCHS students attend class virtually for
Technology has found its way into just ogy and using tech as a tool for learning in Bots lay the groundwork for kindergarteners, a part of the week, then attend on site at the
about every corner of our lives, becom- the classroom. fifth graders will program Sphero robots and technical college.
ing an inevitable tool to learn how to This technology introduction begins code them to connect to remote controls. “If the technology isn’t up to par, we
navigate. Brooklyn Center Community at Brooklyn Center Elementary as students They’ll learn how to make their robot’s name leave our students behind because they aren’t
Schools remains committed to preparing our use iPads as a classroom tool, discover 3D scroll across a screen, design an arena, and able to access the most relevant resources
students for the ever-changing world ahead, printers, and learn how to code. The young- take their robots to battle. Primoli empha- and learn the tech skills that make them com-
sized the importance of teachers having what petitive and viable,” said Jorgensen.
they need to be able to use the technology “There are tons of tech-related careers
Minnesota Finalists Chosen for Presidential and keeping these resources up-to-date and available just waiting for our students, and a
available for licensed staff to guide students
high demand in these industries, but unless
Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and and provide technology literacy. our kids know about them and get introduced
BCS PLTW Gateway Teacher D. Carlos
to them, they will never know what is out
Seehusen echoed this sentiment. “We have there,” said Seehusen. “Unless we have the
Science Teaching so many opportunities for students to explore technology available for them to explore,
things in the classroom as long as we can they’ll never know about it or have the
The Minnesota Department of Education recognizes around 100 exemplary teachers provide the materials,” he said. “This sets opportunity to try it out.”
(MDE) is pleased to announce that six Min- each year. them up for a lot of success in the future,
nesota teachers have been selected as 2024 The award recognizes teachers who have but it’s entirely dependent on us having the
finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excel- deep content knowledge of the subjects they funding to provide these classes.” Seehusen
lence in Mathematics and Science Teaching teach and the ability to motivate and enable shared about the Automation and Robotics www.bccs286.org
(PAEMST). students to succeed in those areas. The award class for sixth graders where they build and
The Minnesota finalists are: is administered by the National Science
Foundation on behalf of the White House
Mathematics Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Kristin Cayo, Eden Prairie Schools, Forest The finalists represent the most outstand-
Hills Elementary School ing teachers Minnesota has to offer, and they
Sarah Donovan, Anoka-Hennepin Schools, serve as both a model and an inspiration to
Hamilton Elementary School fellow teachers. 2024 Minnesota finalists will
Mark Nechanicky, Albert Lea Area Schools, be recognized informally during STEM day at
Lakeview Elementary School the Minnesota State Fair, and formally during
the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Math-
Science ematics conference and the Minnesota Science
Krista Wyvell-Fink, Anoka-Hennepin Teachers Association conference.
Schools, Rum River Elementary School Teachers who are selected as PAEMST
Kelly Gibson, Saint Paul Public Schools, awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C.,
Battle Creek Elementary School where they attend a series of recognition
Deanne Trottier, Pequot Lakes Schools, events and professional development opportu-
nities. They also receive a $10,000 award from
Eagle View Elementary School
NSF, a Presidential certificate and join an elite
The PAEMST are the highest honors cohort of award-winning teachers who can
bestowed by the U.S. government specifically influence STEM teaching in Minnesota and
for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and nationwide.
mathematics teaching. The awards were estab- For more information about PAEMST,
lished by Congress in 1983 and the President visit https://paemst.nsf.gov. BCHS students begin their on site classes for the certified nursing program.