A Stimulating STEM Affair
At the beginning of the month, four members of the faculty travelled to Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA, for the 2012 VMI STEM Education Conference. The emphasis for the inaugural conference was "Let's Solve America's Toughest Math Problem." Math Department Chair Susan Erba, Science Department Chair Maria Eagen, STEM Coordinator Lindsey Bowser, and Math teacher Callie Hughes joined 400 educators and administrators to explore ways to increase interest in STEM by improving math curriculum and methods of teaching.
It was a treat to hear keynote addresses from Cathy Seeley, author of Faster Isn't Smarter: Messages about Math, Teaching, and Learning in the 21st Century; Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History; Sal Khan, Founder of Khan Academy; and several leaders from the Virginia Department of Education.
It was a treat to hear keynote addresses from Cathy Seeley, author of Faster Isn't Smarter: Messages about Math, Teaching, and Learning in the 21st Century; Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History; Sal Khan, Founder of Khan Academy; and several leaders from the Virginia Department of Education.
There were four tracks of seminars, so Foxcroft faculty were able to see all relevant presentations. We were particularly inspired by learning successful methodology for the "Flipped Classroom," where the lectures are recorded and watched as homework, with students spending their classtime on more practical applications and problem solving. Other impressive presentations included inquiry-based learning, Khan Academy resources, and integrating applied math into the curriculum. The conference was inspiring and motivating. The STEM faculty are reenergized and are already incorporating many new tools and practices into their classrooms.
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We look forward to next year's conference where we hope to take some students along for the student seminars.
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
