Why STEM?
Why STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)?
The world is changing at a pace that is unprecedented in human history. How we work, shop, play, and interact have been revolutionized by the technological innovations of the last few decades. We know the innovations of today will be obsolete in a few short years, and, in some cases, even months. We may not know how the world will change but we can be assured the rate of change will not slow down and will likely accelerate. Our scholars will need to be lifelong learners, prepared to take the jobs and careers of the future, many of which do not even exist yet.
To succeed in this new fast-paced world of the 21st-century workplace, our scholars will need to cultivate a new set of skills. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation will be valued over simple task completion. Our scholars must be capable of imagining a range of possible solutions to any given problem and select the best course of action. Great outcomes are seldom accomplished alone. Scholars must be able to collaborate effectively with their peers and make effective contributions to a team.
Garfield STEM Magnet is committed to giving our scholars the tools they will need to make their college and career goals a reality.
Technology and engineering are integrated and woven throughout the curriculum of all classes, whether through the design and development of digital apps in a PLTW class, or the construction of a persuasive essay in Language Arts utilizing common writing rules and techniques. Every scholar develops an understanding of how technology can be utilized effectively in an academic setting, which can include the submission of work electronically using the Google Classroom platform, or developing a personal or group project on the history of early colonial America. With several mobile labs available for our scholars, we are able to provide a 1-to-1 technology environment for scholars to better develop the Engineering Habits of Mind in all subject areas.
Garfield STEM Magnet also has everything you would expect from a traditional middle school to further promote creativity and activity. We have a first-rate athletics program with basketball, volleyball, track and field, flag football, and soccer. Our electives include art, band, orchestra, computer technology, physical education, media literacy, and Junior Army Guard (JAG)/Leadership. After-school enrichment programs are also available.
To find out more about Garfield STEM Magnet, contact us today!
Coursework and Advisory
The core classes of Social Studies, English Language Arts, Science, Project Lead The Way (PLTW), and Math, as well as all electives, meet in 49-minute sessions. These periods allow our teachers the time needed to give our scholars challenging and interesting projects where they have the opportunity to explore complex problems and work with classmates to discover solutions utilizing the Design Process .
Our scholars are paired with a caring advisor who helps them navigate the complexities of middle school, get organized, sharpen their interpersonal skills, and learn how to effectively collaborate through team building games, competitions, and challenges. Advisory groups are an essential component of developing Learning Habits of Mind in our students. Monthly meetings with their whole grade level build a sense of community and identity.